KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

The KPMG 360 offers a rotational programme allowing apprentices to experience different areas of the business. Therefore depending on the are you are in, you working day can be very different. In audit we are treated as a normal graduate at the equivalent grade and experience. During busy season (around 2/3 months) hours are long but these are offset by normal 9-5 outside of busy season. The rotational aspect is really good, however in practice the company always say we try to meet business needs, therefore you may never get to experience different areas of the business.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have developed many skills, such as presentation skills, research skills and communication skills. The majority of the time you need to speak to a client, therefore you have to be professional when speaking and/or emailing the client. The apprenticeship team at KPMG organise forums (normally on a quarterly basis), during these you have to research and present information about the company therefore your presentation and research skills will greatly improve. The main skills you learn are the technical skills needed to complete your job. For example, how to audit.

The programme is really enjoyable, as you experience many different areas of the business and meet many amazing people. I have had 3 placements overall, all have been enjoyable, I have found the area I want to specialise in and therefore shows that the programme can work. The other areas I have been in but do not want to specialise in, have also been enjoyable.

I think there is definitely some room for improvement in the organisation and structure of the programme. I find that there is a lack of communication between the apprenticeship team and the rest of the business. I believe that the structure regarding specialisation could be greatly improved. The opportunity to specialise in a certain area is only available 6 months into your journey at KPMG, however if you chose not to specialise there, you can still be put in a placement there (even though you cant specialise there anymore)

KPMG support you massively, you can adapt hours to suit you and for example, in audit, you can ask for clients near to where you live to limit travelling, or alternatively request clients further away so you can travel. The support from more experienced staff on the work you are completing is invaluable. They take the time to help you and explain things in detail so that you can obtain a deeper understanding.

I fell as though BPP are lacking in support and quality of information they provide. They are slow to respond to emails and mark mock questions you complete. They often provide feedback and marks on our mock papers after we have sat the actual exam, making the mock papers pointless. The information they provide in study materials is wrong, as it relates to previous syllabus'. Also the answers to workings in your materials are often wrong, so you can waste valuable time trying to figure out why you went wrong, when actually you were right! However, I find the tutors we have for in-centre lessons are really knowledgeable and helpful.

I feel that for placements in audit, our qualification really helps, from learning how to prepare financial statements to the debits and credits behind the preparation of the financial statements. However for those in actuarial placements and advisory roles, the qualification is not very useful. The qualification you gain as an apprentice provides you with the initial knowledge to complete your professional qualifications.

There are a lot of activities to get involved in at KPMG, for example; - social events within your department (e.g. bowling, team days) - different groups available such as Women in work (these are often referred to as communities) - networking events - for example actuarial networking events, within KPMG and in the wider business world.

Yes

KPMG provides everything you want an employer to provide. They provide high quality services for employees and clients. There is a friendly sociable atmosphere that makes you want to come to work. KPMG support you through anything and everything. They provide you with all the information and training you need to complete your job.

Be yourself. KPMG don't want you to pretend to be someone, everyone is different and they want to acknowledge that. KPMG is a great company to work for so don't be bothered about voicing any concerns you have. KPMG have helped me with anything I need and provide advice on what they can