Audit Apprentice Review

My role consists of auditing taks for KPMG such as performing analytical tests, doing risk assessment tasks. It involves working with team members and communicating with the client. In addition to work at KPMG, there is also studies to focus on so achieving a balance between work and study is necessary.

I've learnt and developed on a lot of skills such as teamwork, communication etc. The auditing skills I think come to you naturally as you get more experience on jobs. You also get feedback after an engagement you finish on which is good to know for yourself in what you need to improve on and what your doing well. For studies/exams, most of what we learn is linked to the auditing tasks we complete which is good to develop your role skills.

Its been an okay programme so far. The people you work with at KPMG are friendly and helpful people. Theres quite a lot of opportunities that KPMG offer. At some points in terms of the auditing work has been a little boring but I guess you get used to it. Its not as exciting as you might think however, the experience your getting is quite good for your accounting career and even if you don't enjoy it, the experience is good you get is good for other accounting related jobs.

The induction week is quite good to be honest as an induction to KPMG. After you'll probably start college for 2 Level 3 AAT exams (bookkeeping and final accounts prep). There is support from tutors and KPMG's qualifications team. There is a lot of useful study tools from BPP (the training provider) as they offer good practise papers, mock exams etc. At KPMG for auditing, you get assigned a Performance manager and a buddy which is really good for support and mentoring for your progress at KPMG. On audit enagements, there is usually the in charge manager, senior manager, partner, assistant managers, grads and apprentices. There is also this off the job learning which is 20% of the apprenticeship that you have to do.

There is a lot of support available. If you ever need help, then your Performance manager is the person to go to. During client engagements, the in charge manager for the job is also the one to go to for help as they are leading the audit but you do also have other team members who help and the people at KPMG are quite friendly. Overall, the support is very good.

If your coming from 6 form or college and havent done AAT like me, you will find it hard at first and you only have about 3 to 4 weeks to get ready for the first 2 exams. But the practise for exams is probably the best way your going to pass these exams because if you fail first and fail the resit, then your out as in your contract will get terminated. Thats something they didnt mention before we started in addition they said to us to not prepare for exams because I think we could've had some guidance before we started college about our exams especially when it was lockdown, we had all that time we could've used to get ahead and make a good start. The college lessons from BPP are good, plenty of support in college lessons to ensure you understand something from an expert and weekly check ups from BPP to see how your progressing. And in terms of the structure of how exams are placed throughout the apprenticeship, Jan to Mar is busy season so no exams, just work. April to November is where you'll expect to have exams. For example, I have my 3rd and last level 3 exam in April so 1st April week is college then 4 weeks after is exam week, then after in my level 4 exams where I have 3 in this year, June, August, and November with like 4 weeks between college and exam.

It brings a better understanding to the work your doing which has been really good for developing your role as an Auditor at KPMG. And the courses/studies are aligned with the auditing role so there is a lot of links between studies and auditing.

Yes, well before COVID-19, I believe a lot of social events used to be held and a lot of extra curricular activities that people could get involved in. Currently while in lockdown, there are virtual events which you can join.

Yes

KPMG is a nice place to work out. You meet amazing people here. There are a lot of opportunities here and a great place to start your career at. If your looking to do accounting, then you should definitely check out KPMG.

If your thinking about doing an apprenticeship, KPMG offer not just auditing but other apprenticeship roles as well. I personally think doing an apprenticeship is a 100% better than going to uni. Even if it isn't at KPMG, I would highly recommend you try going for an apprenticeship because it is just more valuable. No stupid uni debt, no full time studying just part time, highly valuable work experience and you get paid! Just make sure that you are commited and eager to learn in your apprenticeship, and if theres an opportunity for an apprenticeship, then go for it. Many people I've worked with at KPMG who have been to Uni have said that they should've done an apprenticeship instead.