Apprentice Accountant Review

I am an apprentice working within the KPMG restructuring team. The team deals with financially struggling businesses I am able to get involved with projects, both advisory and administrations. Daily I work with other trainees up to senior managers, and interact with external clients and creditors.

I have learnt many new skills as the department allow me to get involved with projects and take on responsibility. I also study AAT which is providing me with some accounting knowledge. The KPMG internal courses are also beneficial.

I enjoy the work I am able to get involved in, however I think this is due to having found a good placement and team to work within. I have found that previous placements (as the apprenticeship is rotational) have not been as enjoyable, and have mainly been there to fulfil staff shortages. As the management team are based in London and I am based in Birmingham, I find we are quite disjointed and I don't feel they actually know what my role entails. The company is welcoming and supporting of apprentices, however I do feel this is dependant on the team I am working in, as some people can looks upon apprentices in a different light. I do enjoy my day to day role and feel it is a good opportunity, however I know this is not the case for everyone, as it has not always been the case for me. My expectations were that I would have more opportunity to experience the firm, however due to shortage of work, and departments being unwilling to take on apprentices, this has not been the case.

How I feel I am valued by KPMG varies between each department I have been in, and also down to individuals. Most colleagues are willing to work with apprentices and managers treat me like a normal grad/trainee on jobs, however this is not always the case. Externally I do not feel it makes too much difference as I am as experienced as other trainees in the firm. Internal recognition is quiet, however I feel this is because comments are not relayed to us. Externally recognition and interest in the apprenticeship scheme has been high. I believe the next step towards being valued is equal pay between experienced apprenticeships filling grad roles, and new intakes of graduates.

Training is ran by an external provider and is well organised. Support is fairly good as we all have an assigned performance manager. I feel the programme is not well organised and many decisions seem last minute, however I am the first intake of apprentices, so it may be something that is corrected in time.

The training provider does contact us following study, and they are fairly accessible. Tutors usually give out their email addresses also. I do enjoy the training.

I feel the support from KPMG is good and as a whole the business is really supportive of apprenticeships, and have expended the programme. We are given a performance manager and a people leader centrally.

Currently I am living at home, so salary meets all of my expenses, however I believe I would struggle to meet the cost of living if this was not the case. KPMG salaries are fairly competitive, however at the end of this year I will be AAT level 4 qualified and have 2 years experience in the business, yet will not reach a starting graduate salary. I live locally so travel costs to work are limited for me, and as mentioned above, because I live at home, I have enough disposable income to cover daily costs and social costs.

There are a lot of socials organised by networks within KPMG and other firms where trainees can meet. We are encouraged to do volunteer days/ visit schools which is positive. The Company also puts on a few events around the year for the office to get involved in, along with various department socials.

Yes

KPMG has given me lots of opportunities that I wouldn't otherwise have had chance to experience. However, there are drawbacks about the apprenticeship programme that I may highlight, such as the lack of rotations, or choice in departments. This is a real flaw to a programme that is promoted as self-driven.

I would advise of the process and tell them to get as much experience as possible to use when answering the questions and make themselves stand out. Show a bit of personality and also show understanding of current affairs.