KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

I am currently completing a 6 month placement in Financial Services Transfer Pricing. This falls within the tax sector within KPMG. my day to day role as a junior member of the team includes working on various client reports and deliverables as well as working on client presentations and proposals. I enjoy the team I am in and in fact hope to specialise here.

Since joining the KPMG 360 Programme in 2016, I have developed and learned a number of skills such as communicating in a professional manner whether that be with other members of my team or presenting my ideas at team meetings or training sessions. I have also been able to improve my skill of using excel during my time in National Markets audit.

I enjoy my programme for many reasons, most importantly being the ability to rotate across different areas of the business and gain experience working in different teams which I would have otherwise never considered before. Had it have not been for the programme, I would have never known that I really enjoy transfer pricing or that I enjoy tax over the other functions at KPMG. However, to some extent I do not enjoy the programme for example there can often be mixed communication by the 360 management. There is also emphasis put on being in mainly audit placements over the other functions

It is well structured in that each year is laid out and there is a plan for apprentices at each stage of the programme in terms of exams off the jo learning and progress review calls. However, to an extent, this could be improved, as placement allocations to apprentices is often miscommunicated and apprentices have to chase management on what placements they will be in.

I receive a lot of support from KPMG. This could be for study leave or leave I may need for doctors appointments as well as if I choose to flex my working hours. I flexed my working hours during Ramadan to make it easier for me to fast and my employer was very understanding and facilitating towards this.

BPP is my training provider and is very supportive during the exam process. They always make the effort to reach out and contact me should I need any help or have any issues with the exam. They also have live chat forums with BPP tutors which allows me to get real life answers to exam questions or queries.

I have completed my Level 3 AAT exams and am currently in the process of completing my Level 4 AAT. Doing these exams have helped immensely in understanding the basic concepts of accounting. Doing tax exams in particular have helped me get a grasp on the technical knowledge needed with my tax placements and therefore help me perform better when completing client deliverables.

There are a number of extra curricular activities to get involved in. These include the various societies, set up and run by KPMG employees, such as the Islamic Society, Hindu society etc. There are also a number of sports team such as women's netball or football. There are also networks and events held on a regular basis open to all employees.

Yes

I would (and have) recommend KPMG to a friend because I believe it a great place to work at any stage of your career. If you are just beginning like I have then KPMG will guide you and help you in building your skills and enhancing your experience through the various teams at KPMG.

I would advise that they do a lot of research into what KPMG does and the different areas within KPMG. This would be important in understanding what team/ area of the business is best suited to your interests and where you want your career to go. I would also recommend perhaps speaking to people already in the firm in the area you are interested in (perhaps through linked in0 to gain a better understanding.