Audit Associate Review

In my role I work with entities to complete their annual or interim audit. Within the different stages of the audit i will be working on planning the audit, outlining any chnages during the year or outlining any risks. I will also test certain accounts and check that they are not producing any misstatements. Towards the end of the audit, I will work with their financial statements agreeing the figures to our work performed. No day is the same at KPMG which makes it a great learning environment.

I have learnt so many new skills whilst being at KPMG such as contacting a client about the work being performed, how to test accounts, excel skills and how to use many other softwares. I have also built on my communication and teamwork skills greatly. KPMG set you up for a successful career in accounting by providing you knowledge on people skills as well as accounting knowledge.

I really enjoy my programme so far, I have met some really great mentors since joining (even though everything has been virtual) who have taught me a lot about the though process and procedures behind an audit. The learning has been ok so far, learning online for our exams can be stressful when your materials do not turn up on time and there is a lot of self learning involved too.

I think overall it is well structured as there is always time for you to speak to managers about your concerns as well as voice areas that you need more help developing, in order to be a better auditor for the future. At times there isnt always the best communication with the college provider as you only really hear from them every 3 months. Obviously, as i have only joined since working virtually, I have nt yet seen the whole picture on the programme.

KPMG provide a lot of support, everyone is assigned a line manager, a buddy, your apprenticeship group and there is many networks that you can join (ethnicity groups, womens society, charities). KPMG are also big on mental health and there is always support you can get if you are in need.

In all honesty, not the most. You have catch up calls every 3 months with your line manager and a BPP representative about how you are getting on. They are useful but not often enough as you have many exams during the year. The materials you recieve when you are about to study are good as they prepare you for the exams well- just have to make sure you do all the questions they provide you in order to pass the exams.

The qualification is the foundation to my job, without it you wouldnt be able to understand the different accounts and the reasoning why you have to do certain testing. With the learning it allows you to understand a companies accounts and to be able to answer questions from management about why you are doing what you are doing.

There is loads to get involved it at work, there is many societies that you can join, fitness groups (can work out virtually together), great charity events to get involved in. Every month there is a office meeting which normally you would go out for drinks after. KPMG also set up networking events to cover all topics, many on mental health and looking after your well-being.

Yes

Great firm to work for, they provide great qualifications, exposure to big clients and allow you to build a portfolio in the type of industries you would like. They are global which means you work with people all over the world, providing insights and knowledge on many engagements. I have met some really great people since working there, i feel like it is a great environment to learn and start a career in finance with.

Be yourself, i think thats the best advice i can give. At every step of the application, take your time and plan some answers you would like to give. Towards the final stages, research things about KPMG or whatever thy have asked you to do in order to give a detailed overview. Be enthusiatic.