360 Apprentice Review

Working within investment banking audit, supporting all areas of some of the largest KPMG clients. I have worked on Central Valuations of the bank as well as subsidiaries of the group. I have covered a range of tasks from completing year end testing as well as setting up and risk assessing smaller entities. I am involved in daily calls with both my team and the client to not only kick off each day but to also query the client on evidence that they may have provided, which I am given full responsibility to do so. I complete mandatory workpapers, document audit procedure results and have consistent client engagement.

Since joining KPMG I have improved on a range of skills from communication to excel capabilities. I am confident leading client meetings and participating in team meetings. I work with a range of data sources and am exposed to complex accounting.

I enjoy the challenge of being within Banking Audit. It is fast paced and at times stretching however this can only benefit me in the long term. I am only on my current rotation so am keen to explore other areas of work however the complexity of banking audit has put me in a good position for future placements.

The structure of the programme works well in regards to rotating between business areas as well as incorporating study. There are clear goals with exams and these are well organised throughout each financial year and on the whole accommodating to when an individuals busy time may in fact be. I would argue that the breadth of rotations an apprentice can undertake has recently shrunk due to business demands however this is not to say that you do not gain a large exposure to client work. The types of clients you can work on remain plentiful, the sector of work those clients fall into - potentially not so.

Apprentices receive a lot of support from management. We have designated apprenticeship co-ordinators that solely work on resourcing, well being and career development. Our Performance Managers do a great job of checking in and keeping on top of each individuals situations.

I would argue apprentices receive a fair amount of support from our training provider. The study is very self focused meaning we have to make it work within our own time schedules and once tuition is complete, then support is available but off our own back if needed.

I would argue that working in banking audit, there is very little link to the exams I have undertaken so far. The complexity and specific nature of the work does not fall within standard accounting realms, particularly working on valuations. It forms a solid basis of understanding however would not necessarily suggest that the links between exams and real life work are strong at this stage.

There are a range of apprentice social events, networking events, charity events and Christmas events for staff to be involved in. There is always something going on and these are regularly made aware to us.

Yes

You can exposure to real life projects almost instantly, with the accompanied responsibility of doing so also. You learn quickly on the job and have no choice but to adapt into fast paced environments. Within my team I am not looked upon as the apprentice but as a valued team member whose work does in fact impact the overall project in one way or another.

Make sure you are sure this is the career path you wish to choose Be open minded as to the type of work you will be doing If you are not willing to put in some extra hours, I do not recommend applying Keep an awareness of the financial market and key events as they can massively drive projects