Apprentice Review

The programme is a rotational programme, which allows you to rotate around audit, tax and advisory. I am currently working within tax which is split in two section, compliance and deal work. The compliance side is essentially preparing and filing computations and returns and the deal side is about reports such as transfer pricing reports, structuring reports, due diligence etc which involves doing research, putting documents together etc. Within both sections of work includes risk which involves preparing draft engagement letters for review etc.

On the programme I have become AAT qualified and so I have learnt a lot of skills through that. In addition I have worked in audit, tax and advisory so I have also learnt a lot from each sector, for example using tax software. Further more, I have been able to develop my existing skills especially using Microsoft such as Excel.

I have really enjoyed my programme because I have worked in different parts of my firm such as tax, audit and advisory and this has given me so much exposure to different clients, meeting people of varying experience and learning a lot from them, attending meetings, using new software, and gaining a qualification as well as earning a salary and vital experience at the same time.

It is well organised and structured as the first years are spent rotating around audit, tax and advisory through which you gain a good exposure and understanding of the different parts of the business. At the same time you study for you AAT level 3. The next three years are spent specialising in your chosen area for example audit and you complete you AAT level 4.

We received support from the apprentice programme team, we receive support from the team we have rotated/specialised in and as well as support from BPP through whom we doing our AAT. We also receive support from the wider teams such as Human Resources. My employer is willing to support and listen to me, for example flexible working hours during Ramadan.

The training provider gives us access to their website where we are able to complete steps to see how ready we are for our exams, there is also video tutorials and other supportive information. We also have access to a tutor that we can ask exam related questions and also a BPP advisor to give support on more general queries.

The programme is a rotational programme around audit, tax and advisory. AAT provides technical knowledge which can help. For exam there is an audit exam paper and you learn technical knowledge and ethical knowledge which you can use in the real world. Or tax where you can learn about tax technical knowledge that you can apply when preparing tax returns.

Within our teams we are able to get involved in networking events, team social events etc. During year end teams will host Christmas parties and during the middle of the year teams will host events etc. Also within the wider firm you can get involved in a lot of networking events and there is corporate social responsibility that you can get involved in.

Yes

You can develop and learn so much at KPMG. Joining on their apprenticeship programme you can earn a qualification, gain experience and earn a salary at the same time. The working environment is great and the support the company gives is really good. The company has also won many awards which supports its positive working environment.

Don’t be afraid to apply, KPMG employs a wide variety of people, there is no discrimination. Don’t feel daunted that it’s a big company and you won’t fit in because everyone is very friendly. Be positive about applying and importantly be your self, it’s a great company to work for and they have won many awards and there are a lot of benefits.