Apprentice/Trainee Accountant Review

In corporate tax, my role involved inputting relevant trial balance figures into our software and drafting a tax computation to submit to HMRC at year end. I also got involved in a lot of business development work with various members and grades in the team. Overall I learn a lot from the work and it is also relevant to my current exam studies.

I have learnt how businesses keep their books, about Drs and Crs, the financial statements, management accounting, what is allowable and disallowable for tax purposes and also developed my commercial awareness in general. In terms of personal skills I am a confident presenter now and can network successfully with a range of people.

I enjoy my program a lot because it allows me to gain experience in as many departments as I wish whilst learning valuable interchangeable skills a long the way. The teams I have worked with have had many intelligent and career driven specialists from who I can learn real life valuable skills and knowledge off. The culture is also a dynamic and continuously improving one which keeps me motivated and career driven.

I feel valued from the point of view that I am being invested in and the teams I work in will set aside time to train me as they see me as a worthwhile investment. Recognition from my Apprenticeship leads is also positive but within departments a little less abundant. There is a constant urge to get you involved in other aspects of KPMG- not just the job which shows how the firm value every single person and want to develop you personally as well as professionally.

The program is very well structured in that we have a clear training program and exam timetable, and a clear view of when we will be changing departments and where we want to go to achieve our long term objectives. The study support is very well structured with a high pass rate and the regular meetings keep us updated on current business affairs.

We receive a lot of support, including resource managers to help drive our careers, performance managers to support us with our placements and personal development and various other people in place to aid our development. They are very passionate about helping us gain experience and knowledge. Our training providers email us regularly and we are encouraged to share any suggestions or concerns.

The managers I have worked with have generally been interested in offering us their support and knowledge and the HR team help us to achieve our long term goals.

My salary meets my outgoings fairly well, however there is an expectation that pay rises will increase sufficiently year on year in line with our performance to be able to have more disposable income. Living costs are covered but socially outgoings are sometimes limited.

We are encouraged to attend many volunteering and CSR events outside of work, as well as charity fundraisers and also gym memberships etc are also pushed. We are also encouraged to attend work socials and de-briefs.

Yes

yes, because if you're not sure of what you want to do then there will definitely be one area of specialism at KPMG that you will enjoy. Also, the career progression is promising and generally people have good work-life balances.

Be yourself! I have worked at other places and KPMG is the first place I have come across where every body is so different from all walks of life, with all different skills and everybody gets on. The interview is about showing your personality and how it is in line with KPMG's values and the assessment day also. In terms of preparation, know why KPMG as opposed to the other big 4, and also know your career aspirations.