Audit Assistant Review

My current role is an Audit Assistant. Due to the nature of the department I work in, the day-to-day work really varies, especially depending on what time of the year it is, what type of client I'm working on and how big the audit (and subsequent audit team) is. On a small job I may be responsible for completing all of the work with very little assistance. This allows me to work closely with the client and with more senior members of staff internally. On a larger job I may be responsible for one particular area of work. This also has its own advantages, as it allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the area and further understand complexities that can arise.

Within my role I have learnt new skills as well as really developing my existing skills. Whilst at KPMG I have had the opportunity to study at University, which in and of itself allowed me to develop new skills. Whilst at University I became more independent and my confidence has improved. I feel that these skills have been particularly transferrable and have helped me in the workplace. Particularly as when I joined the majority of the staff were older than me. Within KPMG I have had the opportunity to partake on many internal training courses which have taught me the relevant skills to help me thrive within my job.

For the most part I do really enjoy my programme. I feel really grateful to have been given all of the opportunities I have from KPMG. I really enjoy the department that I work within and the variety of work that I am given. The people I work with is one of the best parts of the job. The programme has exceeded my expectations of what I would learn and how much it would develop me as an individual.

On the whole I do feel that the programme is well organised and structured. From the get go, we received information and support on how the programme would run and how we would progress through it, as well as there being an area on the intranet where we could look up information about our programme. I feel my department for the most part has been supportive of my study time and I appreciate that it is always emphasised that my studies come first. Whilst at University we had a dedicated Programme Lead who worked within the University who always tried his best to help and find solutions to issues we were facing. Now working on my professional qualification I feel that there is still support but this perhaps isn't as obvious as what it was previously.

I feel I do receive quite a lot of support from KPMG when I require it. When working on the audits themselves I feel there is a typically a strong support system and that when I require help there is someone I can ask. I feel much more supported now than when I first started as I have grown to know the people I work with and feel more more confident asking for help now than when I first started. I appreciate the time that some people in the department take to help support me, even when it is not their role to do so.

I feel that I do receive a lot of support from my training provider when working towards my qualifications. Whilst at University we had a dedicated programme lead who helped support us through that proportion of our programme. We also has access to all of our tutors to seek guidance from them when needed. Now working on my professional qualification I feel that the support has continued and that they are actively seeking to provide support wherever we may need. They provide us with various channels to allow us to seek this support however suits us best.

I feel that my initial qualification through University had little direct impact on helping me to perform my role better. It did help me in regards to my personal skills, such as growing my confidence and speaking to new people, but I don't feel it particularly improved my technical knowledge needed on a day-to-day business. Since starting my professional qualification, I feel I have come on leaps and bounds and that I have been performing my role significantly better. My technical knowledge has vastly grown which has been a great help in many tasks I complete. I have now begun to put theory into practice. Whilst working on my professional qualification I also feel my understanding on my job and on the industry I work in has grown vastly.

Whilst I don't personally partake in many, I do know that there are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work if that is something you would enjoy. Department social activities and team days are regularly organised by the department social committee. There are regular social activities organised by the office social committee and there are various networks that run across offices that you are able to join. In addition to all of the social activities we are also given time to partake in volunteering activities throughout the year.

Yes

On the whole I feel KPMG is a good place to work. Whilst there can be tricky moments, as in any workplace, I feel supported in my role and my the company. The people I work with are amazing and I have developed what I hope to be lifelong friendships with some people.

Be prepared and understand what you are signing up for. KPMG are a lot of information available on what they offer. Going into KPMG it is important to have goals and ambitions and to understand what you are looking to achieve. It is important to express this to ensure you make the most out of the opportunities you are provided with.