KPMG360° Apprentice Review

Due to the rotational aspect of the programme, daily tasks and responsibilities can vary wildly depending on the department in which you are placed. Generally speaking though, most days will consist of meetings with team members about projects that you are currently working on. As an apprentice, most of the work will be delegated to you by a graduate or a manager within the team meaning that work is often varied and stimulating. Although, it can sometimes be a challenge to source your own work in this way.

KPMG is passionate about developing its apprentices, both professionally and personally. For example, I am currently studying towards my AAT qualifications with BPP University. Likewise, I have been able to strengthen my presentation and interpersonal skills through the apprentice forums and client engagements. Using KPMG’s learning portal I have been able to target personal development areas, such as my Excel capabilities.

I enjoy the programme as it has allowed me to experience the different areas of the firm (Audit, Tax, Consulting or Deal Advisory) before considering where I would like to specialise. I have found my teams to be very supportive and accommodating of someone at apprentice level, which has allowed me to build strong relationships across the firm. I feel that this programme offers a wide range of challenges, new opportunities and learning points for its apprentices.

I feel that the programme is generally very well organised with regards to training, studying and overall development support. Apprentices attend an induction before starting the programme which really allows you to get to know your cohort on a personal level and establish strong friendships. Rotations are communicated to you in advance along with points of contact within that particular department which helps you to feel more integrated within the team. However, it is worth noting that the rotations between departments are heavily influenced by business need.

KPMG offers a good amount of support to its apprentices through mentoring and guidance. As an apprentice, you are assigned a ‘buddy’ who is typically a graduate within the team. They are there to answer any work or non-work related questions from the perspective of someone who is relatively new to the firm too. Also, you are supported by your apprenticeship Performance Manger who is there to help you work towards achieving your goals.

We receive a good level of support from our training provider with regards to exams and our off the job learning requirements. They review our individual progress on a regular basis by scheduling catch up sessions and are happy to provide extra support as required. Resources and study materials provided are both intuitive and strongly exam focused.

The AAT qualifications (Level 3 and 4) have strong links to industry and are recognised around the world. They give a good introduction into the fundamentals of accounting through modules such as advanced bookkeeping, indirect tax and management accounting etc. Further to this, the teaching has a focus on the ethical aspects of accounting and how you should implement these. Overall, I feel that the qualifications are well suited to the apprenticeship in helping you to perform better in the role.

KPMG offers a range of social, volunteering and networking activities to get involved in outside of work. These may vary from office to office but there are netball and football teams, religious societies and the KPMG choir (to name a handful). Also, KPMG places an emphasis on CSR activities, giving each employee a six day annual CSR allowance to get involved with charity work and fund-raising.

Yes

I would recommend KPMG to a friend because it is a fantastic place to work and begin your career, with a real focus on personal and professional development. It will equip you with the necessary skills and technical knowledge to succeed on the apprenticeship and in the finance sector in general. You are supported throughout the entirety of the programme and are constantly presented with new challenges and learning opportunities.

It is important to be enthusiastic and approach the process with an open mind. Make sure to do some research and prepare for the questions they are likely to ask as this will allow you to be more confident. Lastly, I would emphasise that the firm are conscious that applicants are school/college leavers so they don’t expect you to have any specific technical knowledge. After all, the apprenticeship is designed to equip you with this!