Audit Apprentice Review

As an audit apprentice, you're kind of thrown into the deep end and asked to deal with clients from the start, which I think proved great for me. From requesting sufficient evidence, to assessing whether what they've disclosed in financial statements is correct, you'll learn a lot!

Definitely social skills, because in such a large firm, you get to meet many new people and build networks across the different sectors. My knowledge in accounting has increased vastly, especially because what I learn through BPP, I'm able to then apply in the audit work that I do.

I think I've really enjoyed all the work that I've been given so far, defintey there is quite a bit of pressure during busy seasons where you have to get many things done at once, however the support is great! You can just jump on a teams call and receive help from an E-grade or a manager whenever you're stuck on something. I'm looking forward to actually going on-site and meeting people now!

I really like the way the programme is structured at KPMG. When you first join, you have an induction week where you get to meet your cohort and make friends, learn more about KPMG and their values. You may then be put onto a client, but within the next few weeks you start college. The first course that you do, you pick up on many skills which will help when doing client work. We also get weeks where we stop work and receive regular training on the softwares at KPMG, which is extremely helpful at the start!

The support we get at KPMG is great too. We have the ethics champions, who are honestly great and are always there for you! You also have a buddy at the start who helps you get comfortable during your first few months and answers any questions you may have, your performance manager who is always there to support you, and your line manager who supports you with your studies. Everyone at KPMG is always there to help you, even Partners, who take there time our during the month to catch up with the new E-grades in their department and answer any queries we may have.

BPP has a good team that checks in with you during your exam time. They have a support team who help you whenever you are feeling under pressure, help you create a timetable around studies and work, and provide you with emotional support too. I guess the only thing I personally struggle with is when materials are delivered late (almost near exam time!), because I'm the type of person who cannot for the life of me study through online materials and prefer physical copies. The tutors are great too, and respond to your queries straight away during lesson time or outside of those hours.

Definitely the things I've picked up from my qualification have been very helpful. For someone like me who could barely understand what a debit or credit meant, I've picked up on a lot of things from the courses. Within your first few weeks at KPMG, you start the level three Advanced Bookkeeping qualification, through which you learn many of the basic accounting skills you need as an auditor, such as understanding financial statements, etc. My only concern is that because we have to learn so many things at once, and sit the exam within a months time, it might seem quite pressured, and the knowledge stays in your short-term memory, and is harder to remember during the long run.

There are many activities here at KPMG, I could probably write an essay on it. From sporting activities, to the Kaido challenge (make teams, and see which team has the most steps I think??), to volunteer work, you will never feel like you can't join any of the extra-curricular activities. I've done things specific to KPMG like becoming a KAAP Voice chair, or a YAAN ambassador. They even have christmas events and get-together parties (that was before lockdown happened), but we still do regular virtual drinks and games with teams and apprentices!

Yes

If the below ticks your boxes, then what are you waiting for? APPLY! - The people. That's the best thing about KPMG. They are always here to help you during good and bad, and they know what it is like to be new to a large firm. KPMG is very diverse, and has people of different cultures and backgrounds. - The studies. I personally wanted to undertake the ACA qualification, and at KPMG it would take you five years to complete the Level 3 and 4 AAT qualification, and then complete the ACA which qualifies you as a Chartered Accountant, all within 5 years!! - The experience. The journey as an audit apprentice, I believe will be very rewarding. The people you meet, going into client sites, travelling, picking up on so many skills before graduates do, you can't miss out on such an oppurtunity.

Research is crucial- KPMG's background, their values and whether they allign with your beliefs, having a good understanding of the programme that you want to apply for and the qualification. Remmeber, KPMG does have many other programmes, and my answers may be specific to the Audit programme. Do check out on their website the different paths they have described, and see which best suits you.