KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

As an apprentice in audit, I have my allocated process areas of the audit which I am responsible for finalising the workpapers for before they go for various levels of review. I have been involved in various different areas such as Payroll, Revenue, Cash and Incentives. I have also been involved in many different types of audits including statutory, group reporting and regulatory audits.

I have learned so many new skills since being at KPMG, which includes technical industry specific skills as well as soft skills such as communication, project management and leadership. In addition to this we also have the opportunity to sit technical exam to enable us to progress even further in the business.

I really enjoy my current placement and believe this is somewhere I would want to specialise, however, there are whole parts of the business that I still haven't seen. The KPMG programme sets itself apart from the rest of the big four as it is rotational, however I don't believe there is quite as much rotation as perhaps expected.

I feel very valued within my teams at KPMG. Everyone I have ever worked with has been friendly and supportive and is always wiling to help me to learn more and develop my skills. I definitely don't feel as though I'm treated any differently because I'm an apprentice and am given just as much respect and guidance as graduates.

I feel our programme does lack in communication and transparency between management and apprentices. There is a set structure in terms of career growth within the 6 year programme, however the structure of the actual placements is inconsistent and apprentices are often left in the dark about where they are going to be going next. The management team don't take into account where apprentices actually want to rotate. Completely understand that business needs should be a priority as obviously we are a business seeking to make profit. however, being 18 months into the programme and having spent 12 of those in one department and 6 in a team that doesn't let apprentices specialise is not reflective at all of the whole business. With additional tasks and group projects that we do as part of our apprenticeship there is also absolutely no guidance and support from our management team.

We receive a basic amount of support from the training provider, which comes in the form of quarterly calls. some of the tutors are extremely knowledgeable and helpful and will go above and beyond to help their students. they make complex ideas much easier to understand in the short time frame we are given

As mentioned above, I have found my teams to be extremely supportive and accommodating wherever they can be. Whether it be exam related or personal issues, the day to day people I work with at KPMG are generally very supportive. However I believe there is little to no support given by our management team. As a team where supporting and managing apprentices is solely their role, its absolutely not right that many of us do not get the sufficient support we need from them.

Although I salary is fairly good, I don't believe it reflects the costs of living and working in London. There is also no transparency in what your future salary could be moving up the 'grades'. It can be frustrating that we get paid so much less than graduates even though we end up doing the same work, although I guess that is reflective of our educational background.

Yes, there are many networks, societies and clubs at KPMG. however you don't always get the time to attend them as you often work really long hours and work away from your home office. KPMG also do a great deal for charity and also give back to local communities.

Yes

Overall I do think KPMG is a great place to work and encourage people interesting in a career in accounting, finance and professional services to definitely consider KPMG as a top contender when applying. Although the management team can be frustrating to deal with and need to really improve in supporting us; on the whole the people and the culture here are all extremely positive and supportive, which makes your day to day work enjoyable.

I would say the biggest thing is to be yourself throughout the recruitment process, which sounds cliché but KPMG really are a people firm and showing your personality in the interview process I think is important. I'd also say to get your application in early, as they recruit on a rolling basis.