KPMG360 Apprentice Review

As a KPMG360 Apprentice I am given many responsibilities including completing workpapers on Excel, having discussions with clients, composing emails and setting up eAudit files. Recently I have been involved in projects such as the completion of capital testing, investment confirmations and PE workpapers. Despite being an apprentice, I am not treated like an assistant who is given meaningless and mundane tasks. The work I am provided is interesting and actually contributes largely to the overall success of the audit.

Since the beginning of my time at KPMG, I have learnt an incredible amount of new skills. Firstly my ability to manipulate and complete Excel spreadsheets has hugely developed in such a short space of time; I have learnt to use shortcuts and many new formulas. Furthermore, I have developed my communication and interaction skills, which in turn has boosted my confidence. I have learnt to interact professionally with clients and my public speaking has definitely improved due to opportunities I was given to present in front of my fellow apprentices. Not only have a learnt a range of new skills based on work experience, but I have also been exposed to new knowledge and content through my training at BPP. After completing two exams, and currently revising for my next one, I have broadened my knowledge on bookkeeping, final accounts and indirect tax, which has been interesting.

Despite its daily challenges, I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoy my programme. Being given the opportunity to experience so many different areas of the company is amazing, and I am so glad that I chose this pathway instead of university. Each day is different, and each day I learn something new, sounds cliché but it is true! I've also met so many new people and made definite friends for life.

This programme is extremely well structured. We spend 6 months in each department before we rotate to a different area of the company; this allows us enough time to truly experience the area and decide whether we would specialise in it in the future. Exams are spread out across the year so that we don't have to struggle constantly with a work/exam balance, allowing us enough time to still have a social life and relax.

KPMG provide endless amounts of support for us apprentices. I adore my performance manager and regularly catch up with her just so she knows how I am getting on. Whenever I have problems she is the first person I go to because she answers straight away. We also have regular meetings with our performance managers to prepare us for interim where we are assessed and our goals are revisited, so we are aware of areas that we need to improve on. The support that we receive all year round is amazing - I couldn't ask for more.

The form of support that we receive from our training provider is quite unique. The course is intense because we learn the content, and then within 3 weeks we sit the exam, therefore this doesn't leave much room for heaps of revision, yet its beneficial because all of the information remains fresh in our brains. We are taught the content, and then the support we are provided is in the form of constant sources of revision. We are given question banks, mock tests, online achievement ladders etc. We also have the tutor's email for any queries which is helpful.

Anybody can just complete a task if told how to do it, but when you actually understand why you are doing what you are doing, that's where your daily role becomes much easier. When assessing financial statements at work, the facts that I have learnt through my training provider allow me to actually understand the task at hand and its importance, therefore I am able to perform better.

At KPMG, networking is something that we never hear the end of. My calendar is full with department socials and networking events, organised not only to give us a break from work but also to expand our network for our futures at KPMG. So far I have got involved in a shuffleboarding social within my department, a networking event for all apprentices as well as many forums.

Yes

Working at any Big 4 is the opportunity of a lifetime, but what makes KPMG so special is the focus it has on its people. We are made to feel like we are the most important aspect of the company, and turning up to work everyday knowing that you are appreciated is a great feeling. I would 100% recommend KPMG to somebody looking for a job in the world of finance. The apprenticeship schemes offer work experience like no other, and there are endless opportunities (e.g global secondments, extra training) offered to those who want to make the most out of their time at KPMG.

My main tip to somebody applying to KPMG is BE YOURSELF. KPMG are striving for a work environment filled with diversity, they don't want robots. In your interview, try and explain what makes you right for the job and show some passion and interest for the company - prior research is always impressive. Also, a piece of advice would be to BE READY, because KPMG do not go easy on you. They provide you with all of the benefits (good pay, laptop, phone etc.), but this is all in exchange for dedication and commitment. During busy season, the hours are long and the workload shocking, but you are supported every step of the way. This apprenticeship isn't easy, so if you're looking for an easy 5 years that will nicely ease you into accountancy, choose university. If you're ready for the full blown experience of working and earning, choose the apprenticeship!