Audit Assistant Review

On a day to day basis I would check financial statements and run tests on them. This involves bank and cash, board minutes, accruals and prepayments and debtors and creditors. As I am a apprentice I move around the firm and get to experience a lot of different things in a short period of time

Yes. I have learned how to allocate my time to the most important tasks. I would say the most important skill I have learned is keyboard skills. Before I came to KPMG the only shortcuts I knew were copy and paste and now I barely have to use my mouse.

the extent to which I enjoy my program depends on the aspect and client. Training is quite enjoyable as you are grouped with other apprentices and can spend time together. Actual work is also enjoyable to an extent but it depends on what client you are working on and who your manager is.

The program is well structured. There are different tests you have to pass to move on to the next. You automatically get promoted once you reach these targets and pass the exam. The program also gives you a lot of on the job learning which is the most valuable form or learning.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. If you are running late you can simply call them and explain the circumstance and they will happily support you given the excuse is valid. There are many online resources to use and learn from such as filtered for excel and vle for study support.

My training provider is BPP. They have an online learning environment called the VLE. This has course books, lectures and practice tests. They are very helpful in practicing for exams and it has helped me pass every exam I have attempted so far. There is not that much physical learning however.

I am studying for level 3 aat and after the level 4. It helps me perform better as I can apply the skills I have learnt from the studying in my work. But I still believe the most valuable form of learning is on the job as you are physically in the working environment.

There are events such as Christmas dinner and away day where the whole department goes away for a day. In terms of sport KPMG are starting a martial arts club which I hope to get involved in but I haven't joined any clubs so far at my time here.

Yes

It is a very good place to start a career. It pays well and you get a lot out of it once you are qualified. It is hard work and long hours but it will teach you everything you need to equip you for a long healthy career in the finance world

Do your research as there is a wealth of apprenticeship opportunities available and this is certainly not the only apprenticeship. There are positives and negatives to everything but weigh them up and do what you think is most beneficial to you. KPMG has a very stringent recruitment process so you have to be prepared.