Apprentice Review

I am currently on a placement in Public Sector Audit, so I am based on client site on a daily basis. I work on the interim and final year audits of companies within the public sector. This includes controls testing and substantive testing, talking to the client, investigating differences and agreeing information provided to the accounts.

I have studied and completed AAT level 3 and I am currently working towards AAT Level 4. I hope to study and complete the CIMA qualification after Level 4. I have learnt about ethics, bookkeeping, debits and credits, tax and management accounts so far on AAT. I have also attended courses with my employer to improve my IT skills such as excel training, and soft skills such as communication training.

I am on a rotational programme, so I have enjoyed some departments more than others. Overall I have found my cohort to be very engaging and helpful, apart from some outliers who has since left the company. The premise of the programme is very enjoyable with the opportunity to rotate around multiple departments and experience different areas. However I have been disappointed with the management of the programme as I have found there is a lack of communication to the cohort, and not much transparency regarding decisions affecting myself.

I feel valued by KPMG as a whole, and realise my importance to the business especially from the department I have worked in. Managers in departments are always appreciative of the work you do and generally thank you at the end of jobs. I have found the managers of the apprenticeship I am on only value the amount of chargeable work I do as it affects their costs, rather than valuing me as an employee. There are internal recognition rewards that I have received from departments.

The program is constantly changing and evolving, as such it has been quite chaotic in its organisation. For example exams and course dates are not always provided promptly and are subject to change, deadlines we have been given in the past did not take into account workload and were only reviewed after requests from the cohort. We have also had events organised in the middle of revision/exams which has been problematic. I have regular meetings with my performance manager however they are not based in my home office, so I do not feel like they know me particularly well. The study and support we are provided is through an external training supplier.

The physical materials such as course notes from the external training provider are very thorough, however I have continually found mistakes within them. Where I have had classroom based training the trainer has always been very knowledgeable and detailed in their approach. Online live training has not been as good, as they are teaching a large number of people and the online platform is not very interactive. The general attitude towards supporting me is good, however I do get a lot of generic emails that are not tailored specifically to support me.

I receive allotted time for completing courses within working hours, however I do not receive any additional study time or consideration in regards to travel time from audit jobs. I have set tasks from my training provider which my employer uses to measure my commitment, and calls to reflect how well I believe I am doing. However in the past issues I have raised on the calls have not been addressed or acknowledged. Overall it is a very hands off approach from my employer.

I am living at home so pay minimum rent, and commute via the bus, therefore my costs are minimal. My home office is in central Birmingham which is easily assessable. On client jobs my employer reimburses my travel costs according to policy. My employer has a lunch allowance and canteen in the office, which is reasonably priced.

Opportunities outside work vary greatly dependent upon department. There are some opportunities/workshops for the whole office that are first come first served. There are lots of opportunities for volunteering, and engaging in student recruitment. There are some clubs/networks within the company, but a lot of them are based in London.

Yes

I have enjoyed my time with KPMG and they provide the relevant skills and experience I need to progress professionally. I wouldn't necessarily recommend the apprenticeship I am on, but overall the different team and departments are fantastic. There is clear progression within the business, and if you put the effort in you can easily go far.

Identify why my employer stands out to you compared to other accountancy firms, and what is unique about it that made you apply. Have prepared answers in mind to be able to show how you can demonstrate key skills such as team work and problem solving. Ensure you research the department or area that you are interested in before applying.