Audit Apprentice Review

In my role as an audit apprentice I review the accounts of companies and organisations to ensure the validity and legality of their financial records. Some of my activities include: -collating, checking and analysing spreadsheet data -examining company accounts and financial control systems -gauging levels of financial risk within organisations -checking that financial reports and records are accurate and reliable

Some new skills I have learnt are: - How to use Microsoft office applications such as Excel to a professional and business level which allows me to analysing spreadsheet data. -preparing reports, commentaries and financial statements -liaising with managerial staff -presenting findings and recommendations to clients and colleagues - I have also learnt how to undertaking reviews

Although I have only been enrolled on this apprenticeship for a year i feel I have learn so many new skills relating to both work as well as lifestyle. From a business point of view, I have learnt how to formally converse with clients and am now confident in presenting PowerPoints. From a personal perspective I have learnt key life skills like budgeting, savings and pensions.

Although the program is split over 5 years it does at times feel rushed. It is hard to gain work-life-exam balance and sometimes it can become overwhelming. The worst time is definitely during busy session when some on the other apprentices I have spoken to have had to work till quite late at night.

From KPMG support is always given. Upon joining the firm all apprentices are assigned a line manager who is responsible for any issues and questions you may have.You will also be assigned a buddy which is essentially another apprentice who is probably in their 2/3 year of the apprenticeship who you can also get in touch with if any problems occur.

With BPP training, support is giving in the form of a performance support team. It is up to the individual to reach out to the team personally if you need support,however because of this some apprentices may feel shy/embarrassed so may choose not to use this service. Apprentices also have quarterly catch up calls with the provider to check progression.

Learning periods with BPP are conducted in the form of online lectures (due to covid) and take place monthly (however during audit busy session no lectures run so to allow apprentices to focus solely on their work). Whilst learning I do sometimes make links to work I may have carried out on my project. However sometimes it can be hard to make distractions as the learning content sometimes is not realistic.

KPMG being part of the Big4 does provide a whole load of opportunities for individuals. Some of these being: Volunteering opportunities - attend school talks to help school students understand apprenticeships -Christmas department parties -women’s network -Reading club -football team -whole office events These are just to name a few.

Yes

The opportunities that have arisen due to my participation in this apprenticeship are overwhelming. Although sometimes work can be stressful and overbearing it is all worth it once you complete the apprenticeship with no debt and an annual salary that is definitely more then a graduates salary! The opportunity to profess to different departments in the firm is also something that is interesting.

-Definitely research the company before hand. -Make sure this is something you want to do as you will be spending 5 years on this. I know of people who have dropped out half way through the apprenticeship as they realised this may not be something they enjoyed anymore. -Make connections!