Tax assistant Review

My programme has a focus on rotating around different business areas before specialising in a given area. Subsequently I have gained a very broad level of experience as I have rotated around audit and tax within the business. The day to day role mirrors that of a graduate in any given business area and what is expected of you will scale in line with the experience level in any one particular area. This is such that a graduate with 6 months experience (in audit for example) would perform very similar tasks to that of an apprentice with 6 months experience.

I have learnt many things due to the nature of the programme - I have gained many different perspectives from every department I have worked in. I believe this in aggregate whilst not specific to my current work, does improve my quality of work overall. Technical skills are the main area that transcend specific business knowledge and I'd say this is where my apprenticeship has benefitted me the most.

I currently love my programme, however it has some major fundamental flaws. The programme quite rightly uses it's rotational aspect as it's USP and really advertises this at recruitment events. This USP is what made me choose KPMG over all my other offers from the Big 4 - I regret my decision. The rotational aspect of my programme is brilliant in concept, but the reality is I am measurably less qualified and I would say about 2 years behind any other Big 4 apprentice in my year group professionally speaking. The programme at KPMG has measurably slower progression than all other apprenticeship programmes in the Big 4, I feel valued and respected as a member of my team but I am treated like a student by the apprentice management team. This programme is not designed for driven individuals and it is honestly disheartening to see that a graduate doing the bare minimum will be given more progression opportunity than an apprentice at the top of their performance level simply due to their degree and age rather than actual merit.

Whilst the programme preaches rotational placements - realistically it is a great way to provide audit with a steady supply of apprentices who are cheaper than graduates and equally able to provide the same quality of work. The programme is currently structured to provide audit with resources, this wasn't explained to me prior to joining unfortunately as despite stating that I had no interest in trying audit I've ended up gaining a years worth of experience there.

KPMG is a great employer, I feel like despite my experiences with the programme - KPMG is a brilliant place to work and I am fortunate to be surrounded by such friendly and intelligent colleagues on a daily basis. I can't fault KPMG's treatment of employees in this regard.

KPMG is an extremely supportive company, I always feel very prepared for my exams and I often don't take advantage of all the resources I am provided with; that is to say that in the situation that an apprentice fails an exam, KPMG will not be at fault for that failure. I haven't personally failed an exam, but even in their treatment of those that have failed an exam - the support they provide is overwhelming and It is very reassuring that If I do fail, I'm in good hands.

Due to the rotational aspect of the programme KPMG has to provide a 'best fit' qualification - they provide this in the form of the AAT L3 and L4. Upon completion of the AAT L4 you will then specialise in a particular area and commence your professional qualification (i.e. ACA, CTA, CIMA). The AAT is not useful from a Big 4 perspective - I imagine it would further my professional development in a smaller firm or in practise but in my role it is unfortunately useless.

This is where KPMG shines, our culture is a huge part of why so many people work here and there are many opportunities to get involved with extra curricular irrespective of background, race or creed. We are extremely inclusive and even a self professed introvert such as myself can find things to do in the KPMG network.

No

I would not recommend KPMG's apprenticeship programme as it is a very limiting and has held me back professionally. I would however recommend joining KPMG as a graduate or as an experienced hire. I love working at KPMG but being an apprentice here has been humbling in ways that have limited my ambition. For any potential applicants, I would advise you to think about your capabilities - if you are a driven individual then please consider your other options. If you are okay with progressing at the same rate as your academic year group into your mid twenties then this programme will not hold you back.

Ensure that you are comfortable with the programme and understand the timeline of the programme, 5/6 years is a long time. Getting an offer from any of the Big 4 is challenging and this will likely be the biggest obstacle to overcome. Whilst I think it is always worthwhile applying (even if you don't believe the programme is right for you), there is a significant amount of research and deliberation required before accepting an offer. If you do think the programme is suitable for you, I think it is unlikely that you will be disappointed.