KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

I am a KPMG 360 Apprentice. I assist my team with any daily support they may need with daily tasks. The KPMG 360 programme is a rotational programme so you rotate within different sectors of the business. Allowing you to gain an understanding of where you would like to specialise. My day-to-day work is very different dependant on what team I am in.

Excel, is a major skill which you need to have when working in the accountancy industry. You use Excel on a daily basis, so it is essential that you become proficient with using this tool. I have also developed my communication skills, as I have to speak with clients on a daily basis either through phone, email or even face to face. I have gains confidence, through completing various tasks and responsibilities.

I am enjoying my time on this programme. I believe this programme will enhance my chances of reaching my long term goal of completing my ACA qualification and becoming my own boss by building my own business.

I feel a part of the KPMG community. I feel I am valued, the same way a manager or partner would be valued. I do not see any hierarchy, and I feel like everyone treats every one equally no matter what role they play in the firm.

The way the programme is structured is very well thought out. It is a 6 year placement, and for the first 3 years you rotate between the different business sectors and study for your Level 3 and Level 4 AAT exams. After your 3rd year, you pick which business sector you wish you specialise in and you study towards your professional qualification.

Within the 360 Programme, we have various management team staff who support us if we have any queries or issues we wish to raise. We have a performance manager, who we have quarterly catch-up with to access our progress, and we also have a Resourcing manager to deals with the rotations. On top of this we also have a People leader, who acts as ‘Parent/Guardian’ for the programme and guarantees that the programme runs as smoothly as possible.

A lot. – KPMG are an outstanding firm when providing support to their employee’s. They are a very understand and are willing to help out with issues arise, whether these be professional, educational or even personal issues. KPMG want to ensure that all their employee are working to the best of their abilities, and want to ensure that if there are any concerns that employee’s know who to contact if they wish to raise any issues or concerns. I feel very much supported by KPMG.

Barely. I live in London and costs are very high in London especially travel costs, rent and car insurance. Although KPMG is a living wage employer, they should aim to seek the fact of each employee and provide them with a salary which will enable them to pay off their monthly costs as still have some left over disposable income. Although, someone who doesn’t have to pay rent and doesn’t have a car, their salary is sufficient.

Various, KPMG give each employee 6 days a year to use on any volunteering experience which they may want to take up outside of work. Alongside this we have various societies, which have various external activities and events with different firms around the whole of the UK. Opportunities are available you just need to find the one for you.

Yes

KPMG is a well-known firm for the support it provides to their employee! It is a BIG 4 firm, who works closely with each employee to ensure that they are providing the best service for themselves, the firm and the client. I believe in all the values which each employee at KPMG must demonstrate: Leading by example, Working together, Respect each the individual, Seek the facts and provide insight, Be open and honest in your communication, Commit to Your communities, Above all, Act with integrity

Make sure that you are ready for work life, it is hard to balance work life, personal life and study life all at the same time. Also, make sure you have some sort of interest in working in the financial industry, it makes it a lot easier coming into work in the mornings and most importantly make sure you like commuting into work using public transports especially tubes during rush hour – it can be a pain in the mornings.