Apprentice Review

KPMG 360 apprentice rotates around the business in all three functions including Tax, Audit and Advisory. Responsible for a variety of tasks varying between technical and administrative. This also presents the apprentice with the opportunity to speak to clients and attend client visitations. I have been responsible for preparation of personal tax returns and assisting with VAT advice.

I have gained level 3 qualifications in accounting and am working towards level 4 qualifications through AAT. I have attended a large number of both internal and external training courses ranging across many topics. This includes for qualification purposes as well as every day work purposes. I have learnt a lot on how to deal with different types of people as well as time management and organisational skills that are vital in this area of work.

I enjoy the work I do very much and have liked working with some of the teams I am in. There is a wide variety of people at the organisation so I have worked better with some teams that others. Although I have had no issues with any personnel. The programme has surpassed all expectations and the culture is very inclusive. Different offices have different cultures but are broadly the same across the UK.

From the different teams I have worked in I always feel valued and appreciated. The people re fantastic and will make it known when you are doing a good job. Have received small gifts/rewards for exceptional work done at discretion of managers. I have been asked to participate in many different projects since I started my apprenticeship and it only helps to reinforce the idea of an inclusive environment that appreciates all that the employees do.

The programme is well structured although a lot has still to be confirmed for the future years of the apprenticeship. There have been inductions for each stage of the programme that are very informative and dates for classes and exams are organised well in advance to allow adequate planning. Having mentors and managers really help with the day to day tasks and helping to have a structured role on each placement. I would like the future years of the programme to be more organised and structured to help with my career pathways and plans although I appreciate I am in the first year of the apprenticeship and future intakes will not have this issue.

I receive as much support as is needed from my training provider. The tutor is always available to answer and the support network is extensive. Everyone is more than willing to go the extra mile for any needs you have. I definitely enjoy all the support that is available as it can be through contacting a tutor or viewing the online recourses that are extremely useful when leading up to an exam.

I receive a lot of support from managers and Mentors where possible as well as from senior colleagues in each placement I go to. The majority of people are brilliant and have a fantastic attitude but it can sometimes be difficult to get the support you need in terms of career development and progression. The programme is excellent for developing an individual but when you are looking for more information on the next stages and what you can work towards it is difficult to get useful answers.

My salary package meets the costs I need it to although does not allow much room for saving. It more than covers living costs and travel costs and I do believe it is competitive. I do not think it recognises people on an individual basis though as apprentices with very different attitudes and contributions to work are rewarded the same. This can be demotivating for those who do go the extra mile and put the effort in that is required.

There are many company events outside of work although more so in London. the regional offices will all host events too and most of which are for charity. There are not many sporting events at my office although I understand there are many across the UK. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer whether it be to set up a charity event or to go out to local schools etc. Giving to the community and charity are very important to a lot of people here.

Yes

It is a great firm to start a career with and it presents endless opportunities if you are willing to look for them and work hard. It is a fantastic place to work with a great atmosphere and very friendly people. It has a fantastic reputation and you really feel part of the bigger picture and as though you are contributing a lot to that reputation. I would love to stay here for the foreseeable future.

I would advise people to be honest and open in the application and interview stages as well as being eager to explore new opportunities. Be yourself and think about where you would like to be in the future. Our values are very important here and if you have similar values to the firm then you have every chance!