360 Apprentice Review

I am a 360 apprentice so right now I'm working in audit. I work in a team of auditors who go out to the client site and complete a computer based audit file using information from the client and our own information. My roles are checking bank statements agree with the appropriate paperwork; creating work papers which show information from the client and from third parties such as a bank; speaking to the client to get information and creating Excel workbooks to test data.

Yes, I have learnt many computer based skills, most prominently Excel. I have improved my teamwork and communication skills which are necessary for our audit team to work effectively on the job. My timekeeping and organisation skills have also grown. Qualification wise I have already achieved my Level 3 AAT award in 1 year and I am working towards the full AAT and the ACA in the future.

I enjoy the travelling and meeting new clients and working with lots of different people each week. It is a very stressful environment sometimes and can be long hours but the rewards are great. This work has far surpassed my expectations and I have met many new friends.

I feel KPMG like to challenge me and I embrace this challenge with open arms. Although the work can be hard and tiring, there are always people willing to help and one can always talk to one's performance manager if one has any issues.

There is a good balance between working and studying. You always know where you are and what you're supposed to be doing due to thorough email correspondence and a very helpful diary system. You can have a mentor and buddy and anyone is happy to help. If someone gives you a task that you are not skilled in yet they will either be happy to give guidance or will reallocate the task.

There is always a good amount of support and emails are responded to quickly. There is an advisor you can contact whenever and support is also available online. You are also expected to give feedback through online programmes which are very helpful for improving in the future.

There are quarterly catch up calls and people come to the office sometimes to check how things are going. There is always a support line (email or phone) when you need it and they are always hasty to reply.

My salary is decent and covers the living costs of living in Cambridge. However I am getting a very good deal on rent so I can only speak for myself. Travel expenses are always reimbursed/ paid for centrally. If travel is over 2 hours, a hotel (Premier Inn usually) is paid for. Also meals are all reimbursed when away on a client and I think the system is very fair.

Yes, for 360s you can become a 360 representative and there is also a trade standard event I which a you and your team can showcase your presentation skills and knowledge.

Yes

It has been the best decision and experience of my life so far and I am really enjoying every moment. I am learning a lot and gaining lots of experience while meeting lots of new people.

Apply early as possible (September-October time) and make sure you at prepared for your assessment centre/ interviews. Take time to really get to know what the course entails and KPMG as a firm.