KPMG, a national audit, tax advisory firm, will expand its office in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The company plans to create 175 new information technology jobs in the next three years.

“Our firm recognized the strengths that St. Louis offers in terms of a strong talent pool, and city and state officials welcomed us with open arms. From all aspects, St. Louis made the most sense for our firm,” said Karen Vangyia, KPMG’s St. Louis managing partner.

The company’s new IT positions will expand KPMG’s ability to meet the firm’s growing need for technology tools and support for its professionals nationally as they work to address the highly complex needs of clients. KPMG’s larger St. Louis workforce will increase its ability to provide 24/7 service and compete in today’s dynamic world of business, according to state officials.

“Our technology organization provides innovative solutions that are critical to our firm’s ability to deliver high-quality services to our clients and our professionals,” said Harry Moseley, KPMG’s Chief Information Officer. “St. Louis is an ideal location to expand our technology team and provides the geographic benefit of being in the central U.S. so that these new hires can support our professionals across multiple time zones.”

To assist with the company’s expansion, the Missouri Department of Economic Development offered a strategic incentive package that KPMG can access if it meets strict job creation criteria. The St. Louis Regional Chamber as well as the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership also assisted with the company’s expansion.

Governor Jay Nixon said, “Missouri’s fiscal discipline, skilled workforce, and strong corporate community make it the ideal location for businesses in the financial and technology sectors. Here in St. Louis, one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the nation, KPMG has access to a highly-educated workforce with the skills and knowledge they need to compete.”

KPMG expects to begin hiring immediately for the positions which will encompass a broad range of technology skills. The firm’s recruiting efforts will include local college graduates, veterans and experienced professionals. KPMG will offer training to ensure new employees have the requisite skills to perform at a high level and grow professionally. According to state officials, new IT jobs will bring the KPMG’s St. Louis local workforce to 445 once the new positions are filled in the next few years. The company also has an office in Kansas City, Missouri.