Apprentice Review

I am part of the KPMG 360 apprenticeship, a rotation programme. My first rotation was into Financial Services Audit and lasted 6 months, in this department I audited building societies; credit card providers and mortgage servicers. Every day can be different in it's own way when new issues' arise from trying to agree balances to supporting evidence. However in a very general sense, at the start of an audit, I am assigned work to do by my manager/ in-charge and that is what I will work on during my time on the audit.

Since starting at KPMG I have learnt many new skills and developed existing ones. For example during the induction week (first week) we were taught the basics or how to present our-self to clients. The week after that we started learning about AAT level 3 accountancy (which was all new to me) and then I was assigned to my first client the week after that. At my first client, I have enhanced greatly my excel skills and interacting with clients. Furthermore, there are many networking opportunities within KPMG and externally that I have attended which has enhanced my social skills.

I greatly enjoy my apprenticeship. This is because I have the opportunity to rotate around the firm's: audit, tax and advisory departments. Also once I have experienced these departments I can pick which one to specialise in.

I feel valued at KPMG. For example, at the end of each audit engagement we are encouraged to provide and receive feedback from our managers. From this I can see how valued I was during the audit by knowing what my strengths and weaknesses are. However I recognise at such as low grade that I am (E0), my value will not be that great.

The KPMG 360 programme is very structured. It's a 6-7 year programme with various placements during the first 2-3 years before having the opportunity to pick a department to specialise in. At the end of the programme we will have the opportunity to become an assistant manager (depending on business needs). Additionally we will be chartered accountants.

Our training provider is BBP in Manchester and I believe that the support they provide us is good. We have webinars (online classrooms)in which we are taught the information regarding AAT level 3. After the webinar has finished, we have access to an online portal that has question papers and videos in regards to the topic we are learning.

I receive a lot of support from KPMG. We have dedicated performance managers and buddies for when we start in a new department. Additionally there are lots of internal opportunities to network and build our support networks. I have just got involved in a programme called learning with leaders which basically matches a director/ partner in the firm to an E grade (low level staff member)to experience how each other works and what they want from each other.

My salary is good for the grade that I am on. It is above the national apprenticeship wage. My most significant cost is train fairs which my salary covers.

Yes. There are many opportunities outside of work such as a Manchester based organisation called MCASS which organises networking events for young professionals outside of working hours. Additionally, the other KPMG 360 apprentices organise social nights out in Manchester after work.

Yes

Mainly for what is stated above. The apprenticeship is really good for anyone who is ambitious and wants to progress in the accountancy industry. Also there are many opportunities within the firm to enhance my network and support groups to develop personally and professionally.

I would advise that applicants should embrace opportunity as KPMG are not necessarily looking for someone who wants to stick in the same role for their career at KPMG, after KPMG has invested so much in said person. I would also say that the applicant needs to be confident. This is because the firm deals with lots of clients and needs to keep a good image to win new work.