Audit Trainee Review

I perform audits for clients, either for Group Reporting or Year end. It involves testing balances in their accounts. I have a team which changes whenever I change jobs (every 1-6weeks) and this usually consists of between 3-6 people. We also interact with the clients externally on a daily basis

I am studying for the ACA qualification and so am part way through this programme with BPP. I also speak with external clients on a daily basis so I have strengthened my interpersonal and professional skills. We have internal training courses on how best to perform and understand the work we do

I enjoy my programme when it comes to the movement around teams and working with new people every few weeks. I like the heavy client interaction also. I am also glad I am on a programme with hundreds of new joiners every year, as it gives you a sense of community when you join with a huge group.

The programme is well organised when it comes to everyone getting their training and being booked to jobs. The exam management team has poor organisation and so this is disappointing, as in a company as big as this you would expect better management when there are hundreds of people joining per year to complete a qualification and take exams. In terms of the work and the teams, this is well managed, although occasionally understaffed. There is a good sense of structure with employees all at different levels within 1 team, showing a clear hierarchy which makes it easier to delegate work

We have Performance Managers who are there for any query or question or just a chat. Some people use their PM's more than others and some would rather talk to a closer colleague. We have many support services, which I feel I cannot review as I have never been of need to use them. Being in a smaller office gives a better sense of community and support. The best support when it comes to work related questions is your team around you and that has proved extremely helpful

BPP doesn't seem to provide the best support as a whole. They have someone who sends a generic email to you with your personalised information as a check in every now and then but it will go back to the generic inbox. However, the tutors at BPP are fantastic. Most will always tell you to get in touch for any help and always have time to explain questions in class.

Certain modules in my ACA qualification directly relate to my job, ie. the Financial Accounting and Reporting module. This has helped me understand more about my job and the accounting practices behind it. However some do not relate directly to my day to day role, for example Law or Tax papers.

There is a social committee who organised work related events, however these aren't too frequent, maybe every few months. I joined during COVID and so there were even fewer events. I am speaking with my view on behalf of my office and so I'm not sure about the other KPMG offices. We do have volunteering opportunities, for example in local schools, which have recently come about

Yes

It is one of the Big 4 and great to get experience in a firm this size. There are many apprentice/graduate programmes which help you meet so many people from all types of backgrounds. It is a good company for networking and working on high profile clients and there is a good community, whether that's your team or the office or your cohort

Read about the company before the interview. Really understand why you want to work for the Big 4 instead of a smaller company. Don't be nervous/shy on assessment days but also don't be arrogant either. Understand the role you will be doing before you apply, as audit may not be for everyone!