KPMG360 Apprentice Review

I am a 360 Apprentice which means I periodically rotate through business departments, learning new professional and technical skills as I progress. I am currently placed in the Corporate Tax team, my work involves Tax audits, compliance and advisory services. Day-to-day work normally involves preparation for engagements such as rolling forward prior year work, creating and setting up documents, organising meetings, sending out communications and initial drafting of workings. I set-up engagements, doing risk assessment and performing key business operations to make sure engagements follow procedure and client work can be done timely.

During my time at KPMG I have not only learnt a vast collection of new skills, but built and developed my existing skills. I have learnt loads of new technical skills, from Accounting to Taxation but also key transferable skills such as using Excel, Word and other Business software. My personal and professional skills have seen major improvements, from communication to presentation; being able to have confidence and manage my time more effectively.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme and being at KPMG. I have seen massive development's in myself since joining and am very excited to see my career progress. KPMG offers an abundance of opportunities to all levels of seniority which I've had great pleasure in taking part in. The programme is great in that it offers you an opportunity to experience different areas of the business, not only gaining vital skills in each but gaining a sense of understanding of the business so you can guide your own career path.

The programme in general is well thought-out and a great opportunity for those looking to get into industry but are unsure of their desired career path. I've felt continuous support and know that if needed that KPMG and the Apprenticeship team will answer my questions and help me wherever possible. The programme is early in its conception which accordingly means there is still required work in the process and structure - communication can sometimes feel slow however, most important notifications are sent out to us. I do however, believe flaws are being addressed and the programme is constantly being adapted and improved.

I believe I have Incredible firm-wide support, be it from Apprenticeship team, my placement team or the business in general. There is always different lines of support I can reach out too and feel that no matter my worry or enquiry, it will be addressed appropriately and I will receive the support required. We are given plenty of resources that we can utilise which aids and supports our development.

We get quarterly progress calls with our BPP tutor, which discusses our progression and makes sure we know if we are on track and how we are doing. In this we have the opportunity to ask any questions we may have. We are also given tuition and tutors for our studies to which we can use for support and help.

My qualification has allowed me to gain a core understanding of accountancy and different theory behind. This has allowed me to grasp a fundamental understanding of technical areas within my team and work, meaning I have fewer base-level questions and I can build my understanding. This gives me key knowledge of the profession, business and what accountancy entails, helping me to understand more about my employer and the job I do.

There is a plethora of available activities you can join in/enrol in. There are sports teams, frequent social events (quarterly results, seasonal drinks, events, celebrations etc) all of which people are welcome and encouraged to attend. There are in industry events which you can join, for example NGIN, which I have attended. This allows you to build rapport and friendships with your colleagues, meet new people and expand your network; utilising KPMG's greatest asset - the People.

Yes

KPMG is a great opportunity for anyone. I would recommend they be ready to work and transition to a professional working environment, having come straight from A-levels so understanding the difficulty of making this giant leap. However, I believe KPMG offers a great career path and the chance to gain vital skills, experience and qualifications that will support your career wherever. The opportunity to work in a Big4 firm gains you experience with FTSE100 firms, clients and build a network that will have immeasurable value for your entire life.

Be ready to transition to the work place, don't be afraid to be inquisitive and be willing to learn and develop. Be prepared to make commitments, want to work at the firm for the right reasons: Be interested in the work, be passionate and know what the firm do and stand for. Make sure you prepare, practicing for assessment centres and testing, do mock interviews and be confident. Confidence and transparency are the two key characteristics that will guide you far in life.