360 Apprentice Review

My current role is within FS Audit - it is basic level stuff, not very engaging or interesting work; just preparing working papers, tying accounts or reconciling bank statements and bank confirms. You learn quite a lot doing this, however I wouldn't say it was very challenging. You can get very bored very easily.

I have increased my knowledge about accounting and finance quite considerably, but I wouldn't say I had a very in depth knowledge at all. Work and training provided is very low level, therefore it will take a while for you to learn anything of high importance when working in audit. Work provided can sometimes be scarce, since you are coming in as the lowest of the low, therefore you are unable to complete more important work.

Programme on paper looks fantastic, but in reality it is terrible. Management is shocking to say the least. You are rotated on 6 month placements so when you finally get to grips with work you are shipped off somewhere else. Management don't do anything when it comes to helping you chose a placement, you are put in a placement 'based on the businesses needs' i.e. you will be audit and 9 times out of 10 you will stay there. Realistically its a rotation between NM and FS audit, rarely someone is placed in Tax and Advisory and Consulting is out the question.

The organisation within the programme is non-existent, placements and rotations are given you to you same day or maybe the day before if you are lucky, meaning you have zero time to prepare. Management are obsessed with their 'Forum' which honestly in my opinion is a waste of time. They cant take any constructive feedback and I think they do the bare minimum so that the programme can just run.

The support for exams is actually very good. You are given tuition days out of the office so you can concentrate properly on your learning. Study leave is also provided to you before exams and special exemptions and adaptions are put in place to cater to your needs. PM's and RM's are also there to help with issues you may be having with work and are usually fast to respond.

Support is pretty good, you get regular e-mails telling you how you are doing with your current module and help is always available from BPP if needed. There are loads of practices papers available to help you before your exams and the teaching in general is rather good. However, it can be hard to fit in time to study after work and I personally feel the time frame to learn and revise for exams is rather short, as the actual learning material is only given to you 2 weeks before the exam.

I haven't used any of my AAT work so far in the actual work I have been completing for Audit. However, it is a free qualification and it looks good on your CV. ICAS will be vital for higher level work and also means you get a rather tasty pay rise after it.

There are loads of wee social group things within KPMG, but they are mainly for the London office and I don't think there any based in Scotland. Each service line and department have monthly socials where there are free drink and a wee bit of food. Everyone can socialise outwith the office and they are usually quite fun.

No

Based on the work you are given and the very poor management structure I would definitely not go back and do this again. However, KPMG as a business is very good to work for at a higher level. So I would recommend anyone considering this to come as a graduate rather than apprentice!

Consider other smaller firms such as RSM or BDO rather than KPMG. The way KPMG have managed this programme is dreadful. If you are set on working for KPMG I would highly recommend coming in as a graduate rather than an apprentice. Also they have a zero tolerance policy on failing exams - you have 2 attempts - if you fail twice you are out so have a back up just in case.