Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship allows me to rotate around the business for my first 2 years, giving me an insight into all different services that KPMG offers. My first placement was in audit. As an apprentice, I mainly help others with small tasks, however the work I do is still very challenging and interesting. When I turn up to work, my in-charge will talk me through some work that he is delegating to me, that I will complete with his help. Every job I do I learn, even if I'm doing it wrong. As an apprentice, I do not get given huge responsibility during my first months, however this quickly changes as they do a great job to ensure you learn and become the best. As an auditor, I may be frequently booked into meetings with clients, which is one of the best and most enjoyable parts of the job. The team is very friendly and helpful, and most of the time is spent working with them.

The KPMG 360 apprenticeship does a great job in ensuring that you learn quickly. The skills and knowledge that I have developed on my first placement have been huge. This ranges from learning Excel skills that help me complete tasks much more quickly, to understanding how audit works, therefore allowing me to take on larger and more challenging tasks. The people you work with will always be teaching and supporting you with every tasks you are set. There is a great mix between being supported through your tasks, with being able to learn skills yourself. My new developed skills are mainly in areas such as computer skills, accounting knowledge and communication. My ability to communicate with others has improved significantly, both verbally and electronically. This is mainly due to the range of situation my apprenticeship places me in, and the social aspect that the company offers, that not other firms do.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme as I am constantly learning and developing new skills. The rotational aspect of my apprenticeship also allows me try new areas that I am interested in, and network with more and more people. Unlike other jobs, you will not be doing the same thing everyday. When I come into work, I will not be doing the same work that I was doing the day before. This is due to the services that KPMG provide, as well as the opportunities that they offer to try new areas. My programme also has a social benefit, events are often organised in order to improve the networking within the cohort. I enjoy this a lot as it allows me to make more friends around the business, making me happier on the job.

Working for KPMG, I feel extremely valued. Despite being a new apprentice, nobody doubts my ability to complete challenging tasks. The support that I get provided both on and off the job tells me that KPMG truly cares about me. On the job, everybody around me wants me to develop and improve. No matter how senior someone may be, nobody will hesitate to help me with tasks, or take a while to explain something that will help me develop. I have a wide range of individuals that I can talk to if faced with issue, for both work related and non work related problems. KPMG also does well in supporting me during my exams. All fees are paid for, proving that they want to develop my skills. They also allow study leave, and managers will often adjust you're work load to help facilitate revision. My favourite part is when a Senior manager or Director will personally come up to me and thank me for a piece of work I submitted under their delegation. It shows me that everybody, no matter how senior, has the time for you, no matter how small your work is. I also have regular meetings with my performance manager to discuss how I am feeling, and what can be done to improve my job experience, as well as areas to develop my skills.

This KPMG 360 programme is extremely organised and structured. There is a huge induction process that makes me feel welcomed into the firm, and settles me in comfortably and easily, rather than being thrown into a massive firm. It really makes a difference. The programme is also very supportive of exams. Study leave is given for college and to revise, which other companies are often stricter on. I have regular catch ups with performance manager to discuss my development, and which areas that I am interested in moving into. KPMG does a very good job in ensuring that you're work load is not too heavy for your skill set. Being an apprentice, you will have an on the job buddy who will constantly be there to guide you through tasks and take tasks off of you if need be.

My experience during college was very good. The training I received was incredibly effective. Support and learning materials were also available online through the training providers website, this allowed me to cover chapters and teach myself in my own time. There were also huge materials available that allowed me to test my skills and prepare for the exam. I was also given contact details for anytime I felt under stress or pressure.

I received a lot of support from my employer. At KPMG, you will have a Performance manager that will always be there to support you through and work related issue or challenge. KPMG provide you with study leave for your exam that is very beneficial. Everybody will want to help you wherever they can. Anytime that you have an issue, you have a range of individuals that you can contact. There is never an issue where you feel you have nobody to speak to. KPMG is very good at creating this environment.

The salary and other financial benefits meet my costs very well. KPMG offers pre joining loans to meet any initial costs in the lead up to starting the job, as well as a further loan for any travel costs you may incur. KPMG also gives lunch allowances to everybody, as well as paying for your dinner if you are working late. Anytime you are forced to travel away from the office, KPMG allows you to claim the additional expenditure from your travel. The salary is also above the market average for my skill and level.

KPMG offer a wide range of opportunities outside of work. Everyone has an additional 6 days a year to use for CSR. This can be used for anything that allows them to teach skills they learn on the job to others, such as maths. There are also constant offers to visit primary schools, secondary schools and colleges to tell others about your experience and help them choose a career path. Committees are constantly set up to help you network with others, there will always be a team set up for your favourite sport.

Yes

KPMG offers the best experience in accounting. The business takes care of you so well, from paying a good salary with other financial benefits, to developing and improving your knowledge and skills. The work you do on the job is varied and enjoyable, no day will be the same. KPMG also offers many other incentives, such as the opportunities to show and develop your skills, such as rotating to different areas.

If applying to KPMG, my top tip would be to understand what it means, as well as the importance, significance and impact to work for a Big four firm. If you show this throughout your process, it will show, and KPMG will like it. You should also do research into the business, find out what makes them different from the other big four, and why you want to work for that company in particular.