Graduate trainee Review

As an auditor, on a day to day basis I work within an engagement team to audit the year-end financial statements of our clients here at KPMG. This typically involves looking after a specific account within the financial statement, and testing to ensure its accuracy and reasonableness this allows for sign off to occur on the audit.

I have learned how to use the excel very well, including various formula functions such as V lookups, sumifs, creating important pivot tables, as well as sanitising large amount of key data to ensure we focus on the important elements. I have also developed team work skills, and character building.

I have enjoyed various elements of the programme, as the role has come with various challenges indeed. This includes working long hours under high pressure, and ensuring to deliver a high quality of work. Studying at the same time for the professional exams has been a challenge, but something which is crucial.

The programme is very well structured, as the PQA team structure when study leave is, which is usually outside of busy season. In addition, the programme structure has allowed me to work on various clients, providing a breadth of exposure indeed. This has predominantly been insurance and investment management clients.

There is a lot of support from my employer, as they are always willing to give time off when necessary in order for me to revise for exams, as well as key downtime. In regards to the work itself, the managers are very supportive, and provide help whenever required by me.

The training provider BPP is very helpful, as they provide the course content in a timely manner, which means there is sufficient time to revise and perform well in the exams. In addition, the quality of teachers is very high at BPP, which means the learning experience is positive and good.

The qualification of ACA (ICAEW) provides key foundation knowledge into accounting and business, which helps to understand my work better, as well as some of the key issues faced by our clients from a business perspective. Understanding accounting policies also makes the quality of the work better, since I know how to apply key concepts.

There are many key activities one can get involved in, here at KPMG. For example, there are many societies you can join, such as the Football team, Muslim Society, as well as many other societies. This helps to develop your network at the firm better, and learn from other people.

Yes

KPMG is a great firm to work for, as they really are about your development and nurture you. KPMG provide an excellent learning curve, by means of providing experience in a variety of fields such as Audit, Tax, Advisory, as well as the opportunity to complete a chartered accountancy qualification.

I would highly recommend applying as soon as possible, so that you have a higher chance of succeeding and getting an interview slot. In addition, I'd recommend researching into the firm, and the various service lines offered by the business. This will help you decide which sector you should enter.