Audit Appentice Review

Every day is different - I learn something new everyday. There is a variation between working directly with the client and also working closely as a team internally on audits. There are so many additional opportunities available, which is great for networking and spending some time doing something you enjoy. For example - many volunteering opportunities are available, virtually and in person, which you can enrich your day with. Some weeks you may be at college with others in your cohort, and other weeks you may be working as a team on the job to complete an audit. The team are all working together toward a goal, and want you to succeed and also challenge yourself, so they will push you to attempt working on something slightly more challenging, but will also be there for you when you need help. Everyone is very supportive of external and internal training, as it allows us to stay up to date with any new software/guidelines etc. and also to work toward our qualifications externally. They are very supportive as they all have been there, studying toward the qualifications (many have done the apprenticeship programme, so really understand you).

Yes! I have learnt so many new skills - part of the firm's values are to never stop learning. New skills can be picked up both at college and on the job, which are then developed day-to-day. I find that the college course helps broaden the depth of my understanding when on the job, and the team that you work closely with are supportive and can help you develop them further.

I believe the firm's values align with my own. I am surrounded by like-minded people who strive for excellence. The support that we get is outstanding in everyway. I look forward to waking up and going to work everyday. Everyone is so welcoming, and will stop and talk to you, offer support and guidance where needed. I definitely enjoy the apprenticeship.

The induction took place over a week and it really settled all my nerves and gave a good introduction to the firm and what to expect day-to-day. There is support internally and at college, which is amazing as I have found that my tutors and colleagues are happy to sit and talk through anything that I don't quite understand. There are regular meetings with your manager, and also meetings between you, college and managers to track your progress and how you are finding the programme. You are given work that can push you, which is a great factor as it makes you think, apply learnt knowledge and really get into what you are doing - all whilst knowing that you have a brilliant support network around you. The firm's support on study leave/exam leave is amazing, there is many people who we can reach out to and there are a specific team which deals with any college enquires - so everything is answered by people who are trained specifically to deal with your question.

I find there is a large amount of support from both managers and colleagues/peers, whether that be the 'buddy' you were given when you joined, who you an ask any questions to, can meet you on the first day to the office and show you around or the people who you are working in a team with on a day to day basis. Support networks are made widely accessible - one example is we have ethics champions, who can go to and talk in full confidentiality about any issues you face in the workplace, who offers solutions and can even escalate it for you, so you don't have to worry. In saying this, we are always being reminded that you can go to managers to get support or even just a chat if you're not happy with something. HR can be a bit more difficult to reach - I have never personally contacted them because of this (and the support from managers, colleagues/peers is really good, especially as you know each other and see each other regularly). I have always been made aware that they are always happy to assist! Everyone in the firm wants the best for each other, so the attitude about getting support is always really positive.

I have spoken to my tutor many times whilst I have been at college for general support and also advice on issues that I have faced whilst I have been there. They are always welcoming and friendly. We get given their email addresses so we can get in touch with them over email if we don't want to talk to them face to face. This can help those who are less confident to ask for support, which I believe is a really good way of being open to support everyone. The tutors are happy to sit after class and go through areas you are unsure of, and there are recorded lessons available to you on your online account, which is also another great way of getting support if you are doing college virtually or would rather learn an area you find difficult at a slower pace. I really enjoy going to college, as you are surrounded by like-minded people, who want to learn and succeed, but also want you to learn and succeed. The peer support is brilliant too.

I feel as through the qualification so far has gone hand-in-hand with what I am performing in my role on a day to day basis. For example, I went into the apprenticeship with no prior knowledge, as did most of us, and the tutor started from basics, like debits and credits, and even just understanding this process increased my understanding immediately whilst I was on the job. Everything I have learnt has been put into practise and I grow this knowledge everyday and it becomes more and more understandable and second nature to do, which can really help when it comes to revising for exams, as you have been doing it everyday! I feel as though the qualification has opened my eyes to the world of accounting, not only by teaching me the course, but working alongside the firm's internal training to keep us aware and up to date of regulations within the industry as a whole etc. Allowing us to perform our work ethically and within accounting standards and expectations.. Therefore, I believe that the qualification has really helped me perform better in my role!

Yes Yes Yes! There are so many opportunities that you can get involved with - for example netball clubs, other sports clubs, communities, committees and anything else you want to start a club for! There is a social committee which organise regular after work activates, from bowling, to networking events, to Christmas Parties and they are always happy to take ideas. They always ensure these are accessible for all, by making sure they are in close location from the office. There are also KPMG organised volunteering opportunities, for example working with schools, which take place regularly, and you can always organise your own volunteering too.

Yes

I would recommend KPMG to anyone, as a result of many factors, I will list a couple below: - The support network, I have been amazed to see how everyone looks out for each other and wants each other to succeed, not only when they are working as a team, but also when they are working toward their personal goal, whether that be at work or outside of work. Everyone takes a genuine interest in you. - The work/life balance, the company strives to ensure you have a good work life balance, and you take time away from your laptop, and encourage you to look after your wellbeing, there are many different wellbeing opportunities you can take that the firm offers. - The training provider, BPP. I find the BPP provides such high quality teaching, and they put time into their students to ensure they can succeed and get the results they would like to achieve. - The on the job experience lines up so well with the off the job experience, which makes revision so much more of a pleasant experience, and you take more of what you learn at college away with you when you are doing it day to day. - No day is ever the same. Continual learning. - The social and volunteering opportunities which are offered.

1. Be yourself - I say this as the firm wants you to 'bring your whole self to work', so express yourself! 2. You don't need experience in accounting to be considered. As this is a school leaver role, they don't expect you to have studied accounting or AAT/ACA qualifications, all that you really need is passion for the subject. 3. There are work experience opportunities, which you can take part in to see if the firm is for you and mainly to give you and insight in what we do - take a look at the Discovery Week! 4. There are many stages of the application process, in each stage, take your time to practise and prepare, so you can show them how good you are. Each time you get moved onto the next stage, there is plenty of time to practise and prepare - don't rush into it. 5. Do as much research on the company as you can, whether that be case studies or latest news, it can help in your application 6. Always use STAR in interviews too, this not only helps you track what you have/haven't said and reduces the risk of going off track, but also helps the interviewer keep track of what you've said, especially when they're quickly making notes and listening.