Audit Apprentice Review

My role as an Audit Apprentice varies very much from day to day - it can involve meeting with clients at their client site, audit testing or planning for the audit. It really just depends on the stage of the audit. The only thing that I can safely say that I do every day is use excel!

One skill I have definitely developed is since starting this apprenticeship is my excel skills. I took a course for excel through work which helped me learn some of the key knowledge, and the fact that it is something I use everyday has given me an opportunity to gain experience using the software. I have also been able to develop my professionalism through communication with clients and senior team members.

Overall, I do enjoy the apprenticeship programme. Some of the work has definitely been challenging, but it has been a great opportunity to learn and I feel like I have made so much progress since joining the firm. I have had the opportunity to work in a few different teams so it has been great meeting new people and expanding connections within the company.

The programme is very well structured. We have set college time and study/exam leave, with set training days also. I have set meeting times with my performance manager. When I joined the firm, there was a week long induction which was very informative and was good preparation for starting work.

I have frequent communications with my performance manager, and I have been provided with resources to access if I feel I need support. There are forums held every month where employees can raise any issues or concerns they may have. There are also fortnightly wellbeing surveys to ensure employees are coping.

There is lots of support available if it is needed. The BPP learning platform has lots of helpful resources, including live recordings of sessions, exam papers and a questions page. You are able to reach out to your tutor if there is something regarding the content//exam that you are unsure of, and there is also a live forum that takes place one day of the weekend before the exam to get additional support from a tutor.

The content I have learned for my exams has benefited me in my job role. Having knowledge of accounting principles has helped my performance at work and I feel as though a have a much more in-depth understanding about the industry. It been helpful to have the opportunity to see the content for the qualifications being put into practise in real life.

There are lots of networks and activities to get involved in at KPMG. There is a social committee that organises social events, as well as sports clubs such as the netball club or running club. We are encouraged to take up volunteering opportunities - there are 5 days a year that we can choose to volunteer within the community.

Yes

Overall, KPMG is a great firm to work for as the training provided is very high quality. The culture at KPMG is very inclusive, and you are really encouraged to push yourself to achieve. The work environment is fast-paced and can be challenging at times, but there is always support available.

I would say that it's really important to take a look at KPMG's core values and think about whether they align with your own - this is a good indicator of whether you would be a good fit for KPMG. I would also take some time to research the firm and the business area you have chosen so you have some prior knowledge when starting the application process.