Audit Apprentice Review

I work in audit, which is essentially testing a companies accounts to check that their year end financial statements give a true and fair reflection of how the business is performing. Day to day is never the same, mostly I will be talking to clients, working out approaches, evaluating information, documenting testing and having discussions with seniors about any issues arising.

Definitely! I used to think I was Excel competent but I definitely wasn't, learning excel has been a huge part of my learning so far. In terms of job specific I am learning every day about audit, about how businesses operate. I am now able to look through financial statements and be able to understand everything of them. Regarding my education I am learning lots about accounting and how accountants in businesses would work.

My programme is certainly challenging! There's a lot of time management necessary to be successful as I'm juggling a full time job with education that most people would go to college full time to achieve. All aspects are so rewarding though, when you get good feedback from your work, help to resolve and issue, or perform well in an exam or other coursework there is a great sense of achievement. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the programme is the people. It's often said that KPMG's people are at the hear of the business as its genuinely true. Accountants are typically labelled as 'boring' but I can assure anyone from my experience that's far from the truth!

The structure does take some getting used to but is certainly effective. To summarise, you'll be working full time for 3 months perhaps, and then have a week at college to learn content with an exam after a period of study leave. Its certainly the best way to run a programme like this.

KPMG's support network is extensive and easily accessible, I know from my base office I get more than enough support. Managers are always understanding if you have to leave early to study, and are always supportive of exams. We have what's knows as performance managers who are like mentors really, I have catch ups every few weeks with mine and he's always interested and supportive of my work and studies.

We definitely get all the resources we need, if we follow the college's guidance and stick to their plan then there really is no reason we shouldn't succeed. We also get regular catch up calls with BPP to check on our progress, they advise us on work we need to do and talk through our exams and what work we've been doing which is great support.

There are definitely some exams and topics that are more relevant than others, however I see the benefit of studying everything for sure. The college sets us reflective statements which are great opportunities to reflect on work we've done and potentially highlights areas we might need to consider working a little harder on.

There are plenty of social events at work, especially during this current situation (COVID19) KPMG have gone a step further to make sure we're all getting involved, being social and still able to have contact with our colleagues. I am based in a smaller office so I'd imagine there's even greater opportunities at larger offices.

Yes

not only would I recommend KPMG but I have, many friends have asked and expressed interest in what I'm doing. The culture is so friendly and welcoming at KPMG that I feel only naturally inclined to want to welcome people in also. I also think for anyone looking to get into accountancy or finance the programme is ideal, with a very relevant qualification at the end!

GO FOR IT! Seriously just do it, I never expected to be working in a Big 4 accountancy firm and honestly I applied on the off chance they might consider me. I thought I was miles out of my depth but the way they welcome you, treat you with respect and the fact you start with many people in the same position is so reassuring. And actually you do feel like you belong, regardless if you're talking to someone who's in your intake, or if you're talking to a partner, everyone is so good to work with. Don't get me wrong its a challenging programme and there are certainly stressful times, but if you're up for a challenge, don't mind working hard and want to get a career set up then apply. Honestly its the best thing I ever did and I feel for the first time in all my GCSE's, A level studies ect. that I know what I want to do, and genuinely feel like I have a career direction and a bright future!