KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

All KPMG 360 apprentices are given an initial placement in October at the start of the apprenticeship. I was allocated to the Financial Services, Insurance department, where I was assigned to a private healthcare client. These placements usually last for around 7-8 months. My duties began as very administrative and assistance driven, as I was often asked to help out my in-charges (auditors who have been with the client longer than you and have lots of experience and knowledge) with tasks like double checking numbers and figures and making trackers to monitor the progress of the audit work. I was also given the responsibility of contacting banks and external parties for my client's financial information to carry out our audit work over, I often had to ring multiple times and send out emails while keeping a physical record of what information we had yet to receive. As time passed, and I was exposed to more of the client's information and environment, I was then allocated tasks that had more responsibility and required some audit judgement. I then got the opportunity to converse with the client and work on our audit papers to put on the permanent file. This ultimately allows a sense of development and growth, as apprentices actually feel like they contributed to the completion of the client's year end audit.

The professional growth that happens from when you first join KPMG to the end of your initial placement is immense. I have learnt how to communicate in an efficient adept manner with my peers, colleagues and seniors. My understanding of technical processes and information systems has vastly enhanced also - this comes from having to use seemingly new mediums when you start with your placement audit team everyday, and your technical competency will grow from there. I have also learnt the importance of integrity and morals within the workplace, and how the industry of audit relies on the trust and confidence our audited entities aswell as the wider sector of Finance has in KPMG as a whole. The training that new colleagues are required to complete online is great in providing background and context to an otherwise new and daunting setting. I found that they helped with the conceptual ideas I was encountering in the workplace, but practically completing the audit work to a high standard comes about by throwing yourself into the audit, asking lots of questions and practising everything new that you learn. Working in audit often gives you the chance to utilise mathematical skills, and having done Maths at A level, I found myself spotting similarities between my academic syllabus and concepts in the workplace, allowing me to develop on my own understanding of Maths and how it fits into the wider spectrum of accounting.

Obviously, with each new experience, there are bound to be highs and lows. A personal high for me was meeting new people and making new personal and professional connections, whether that was with other apprentices, my in-charges, or even the client. It allows you to see how other peoples' experiences have differed from your own, and opens your eyes to a whole host of opportunities that are available to you. The busy period of audit, commonly known as 'busy season', where audit teams complete a 'year-end' audit of their client, was a less enjoyed experience. I found it hard to adjust to the long office hours and often found myself lacking in sleep and the desire to eat, overcome by the urge to just 'get the work done'. However, once the peak season is done, the atmosphere loosens and the audit team often come together to celebrate the completion of another audit. This is really nice, as you see your colleagues in a more relaxed environment and the pressure and stress of busy season fades away, as the time comes to prepare for another, albeit more quite audit.

KPMG has apprentices in most of their nationwide offices, and the network communication we receive could perhaps be improved. We receive updates accordingly in regard to KPMG policies and procedures, but there is less cohesion with our training provider BPP, who are not brilliant with providing us with the information relevant to our academic exams and apprenticeship programme. Due to the fact that this relates to BPP, KPMG often do not have sufficient information to keep us informed in regard to things like reflective statements (essay-like statements apprentices submit to show demonstration of certain qualities and skills in the apprenticeship). The majority of my information was sourced by other apprentices who had already been through this process.

KPMG as an employer is great - apprentices receive a buddy who we are allocated to in the first week or so at the office and can often go back to to discuss/talk/ask questions about anything we're unsure of. Prior to starting the programme, new apprentices are also allocated a SMART buddy - an older apprentice who answers any questions via email before coming to KPMG. I can say this provided a support mechanism for me as I was experiencing the difficulty of the exams for the first time. I reached out to my SMART buddy and she replied with some words of wisdom and helpful tips and advice to help me, and I passed first time! KPMG also have a company counsellor colleagues have access to in regard to mental/personal health concerns. I haven't personally used this service, but it's really useful to have in place as confidentiality is a key part of this, providing the assistance and support to those who require it. Our Performance Managers also act as good ports of call if we have any issues/questions and mine really looks after me and the other apprentices assigned to her. She often checks in with us on 'monthly apprentice catch-up' calls, which are a good chance to talk with other apprentices and see how everybody else is, which offers a nice break from client work.

My first experience with accounting exams was not a pleasant one. I felt that I was thrown in at the deep end with no real understanding of the content and syllabus, but my BPP tutors delivering the academic content were really supportive, both in an academic sense and a pastoral way. We were shown all the available resources that we could use to help us grasp the content in time for the exams, and being in a classroom environment with other apprentices around me made it better as we all got the feeling that 'we were all in it together', enabling us to really push forward and learn the syllabus to prepare for the exams.

The first two exams (Advanced Bookeeping, and Financial Accounts Preparation) really lay out the foundation for a position in audit as it introduces you to the accounting basics that an entry level role as an audit assistant requires you to have an understanding of. Concepts like trial balances, profit/loss accounts and balance sheets really underpin prior knowledge required to understand different parts of tasks that audit teams ask apprentices to do. The Level 3 AAT comprises of the tax exam also, which we haven't completed yet - but I can only imagine how useful it would be going forward especially in tasks that relate to personal, professional tax and VAT.

The social environment at KPMG, especially amongst apprentices is full of opportunities. With 'social committees' (groups who organise days out/social events for colleagues), for every department, the chance to get involved in events and activities is fully available. There are regular coffee morning catch ups for colleagues in each department at the London office, and anyone is welcome to join. There are lots of cakes/bakes and drinks on offer whilst given the chance to network and meet others in your department/area. More recently, these have been moved to virtual coffee events in the light of COVID 19. Festivities in the Christmas period are also to be enjoyed, as apprentices get the chance to attend their departmental Christmas party with their colleagues. More specific to 360 apprentices though, is the opportunity to participate in 'Apprentice Forums' - these are nationwide apprentice events that allow apprentices to gather at the London office and take part in a group project in healthy competition. Everybody is randomly allocated into groups and required to work on a project spanning over 6 months, eventually being judged by KPMG partners and directors. The project varies each year, but this year we are required to provide a theoretical solution in one of KPMG's topic areas - the best solution receives a prize. Its a great opportunity to see other apprentices from different parts of the country and see how others journeys are panning out. It really cultivates a team sense of togetherness and unity.

Yes

I would recommend a KPMG apprenticeship to friends who are certain that they are set for a career in the Finance industry. However others who are unsure of which sector/industry to enter may be better with alternative post-school options, such as university. An apprenticeship with KPMG is great for someone who is committed to a particular field and knows that they would be a good fit for roles within that field. The absence of tuition fees is also a great advantage to exam takers, and ensures that apprentices get straight to earning money rather than begin their career attempting to pay off tuition debt. It also offers a brilliant insight into the professional workplace and environment, giving apprentices a head start over uni graduates wanting to enter the same industry and compete for the same positions. For this reason, a KPMG apprenticeship is highly suited to driven, ambitious individuals with an already clear picture of what direction they want their career to take.

* Think deeply about WHY you are applying for a role at KPMG. The reasons behind this would enlighten you as to whether you are likely to be a good fit for the company. * Think about the future. Is an apprenticeship going to help you get to where you want to be in say, 5-10 years time? This is great to think about before applying, as it helps tailor your application to you personally and avoid generic application phrases. * Reflect on what KPMG could offer you and what you could offer KPMG: How would the skills you have make you suitable for a role with the company? How would you deal with certain situations you may find yourself in KPMG? What opportunities would you like to partake in at the company? Thinking about this really helps in interview, when interviewers like to draw attention to the link between yourself personally and the wider picture of KPMG.