Strategy Consultant, Apprentice/Analyst Review

I joined KPMG's rotational 360 programme (6 year masters level apprenticeship) and specialised in Strategy Consulting (CEO and boardroom advisory), after wide ranging experience in Legal Services (Immigration), Tax Valuations and Audit. I help advice the c-suite of companies/clients with high-level strategic advice and decision making. This is involves conducting research, conducting analysis (e.g. excel models and other advanced tools) building a point of view and presenting back to the client. My Strategy work revolves around helping clients with Growth, Enterprise-Wide-Transformation, Cost and Deals Strategy.

I have an AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting (Level 3), AAT Profesional Dimploma in Accounting (Level 4) and I am now currebtly studying towards becoming a Charted Management Accountant (CIMA - Level 7 - Masters Degree equivilant). Exams are time consuming and take dedication but are passable if you put the effort and time in. You pick up hard skills such as PowerPoint, Excel and other advanced tools. You also pick up a lot of soft skills e.g. professional interaction, confidence ect

I am extremely lucky that I joined a rotational programme where I got to experiance KPMG as a whole. I was able to specialise somewhere that I found really interesting (Strategy Consulting). I am also quite lucky in regards to the type of work I do - I am really passionate about the environment and most of the projects I work on is around ESG & Sustianability Strategy - helping clients be more sustainable

Overall, the structure of the programme is good. You know how long the programme is and what qualifications you will recieve and when your exams are, well in advance. Given it is a rotational programme, you have to be proactive in making the rotations you want happen - things will not be given to you on a plate.

Support is generally quite good - I've not had too many problems where I have required extensive support. However, the people are generally very nice and caring so it feels easy to raise issues, in the few instances I have had problems. There is also a lot of general support available - e.g. around mental health ect.

The training provider for KPMG is BPP University, based in Liverpool Street in London. Generally the support is ok and you get a decent amount of study days. However, in and around exam times - you are expected to be revising after work and during the exams - so it can be a little difficult for small periods of time

The qualifications really do help - The AAT level 3 and 4 are directly relatable to working in Tax and Audit as well as some teams in Deal Advisory. It sometimes may be less relevant in Consulting, however, I think the knowledge is good to have and does help with my job within Consulting - especially the CIMA qualification

The extra-cirricular activities are great - all the teams I have been in are really sociable. There are also lot's of internal networks e.g. Muslim Network and sports networks that regulary host events. You also get 6 CSR days that you can spend with any charity in the UK e.g. people have raised money for the NSPCC and gone to do a great wall of China trek.

Yes

I joined the rotational 360 programme so that I could find a service line within KPMG that i was passionate or intresting in - I have been able to do that. While like anything in life, it is difficult at times - I am really glad I took the apprenticeships route, it has worked out really well for me.

See my below my tips if you are looking to apply: 1) KPMG recruits on a rolling basis, and some routes fill faster than others, so we'd encourage you to apply as early as possible 2) Give sufficient time and attention to ensure the information in your online application form is accurate, as we will use the information you provide to decide whether to take your application further. 3) Be yourself! 4) We will assess you against the strengths that we know are key to a successful career at KPMG. We recommend that you spend time learning about each of the strengths, and consider how they align to your own strengths before submitting your application. 5) Research our business thoroughly.