Associate Review

Working as part of an engagement team to assist clients currently experiencing financial difficulty, including those who had gone into insolvency, or had cash flow problems. Key responsibilities included drafting joint administrators’ progress reports, maintaining asset and expense trackers, liaising with internal colleagues, client staff, and correspondence with suppliers and creditors.

Developed more refined verbal and written communication skills in a business context, including improved communication skills through internal and external interactions with colleagues, clients etc in a business setting. My financial analysis skills have also improved significantly through a combination of professional qualification studies, and application of this learnt knowledge to daily duties.

The programme is challenging, particularly in finding the balance between professional qualification studies and full-time work. It can take time to adapt to the new environment, but is definitely enjoyable once you become more comfortable in your role and manage to find the best way to balance work and studies.

The programme is very well organised. The pathway is clear from your first day at the firm, and there are structures in place to ensure you are well supported. This includes the Professional Qualifications Team, which you can turn to as a reference point for information on any issues with your studies, as well as the apprenticeships team and Performance Managers for work-related issues.

We are well supported by KPMG with both work-related issues and our studies. This support comes both internally via colleagues (i.e. fellow apprentices, graduates, and your Performance Manager) and also processes & structures such as the study leave package in place for our programme, and the Professional Qualifications & Apprenticeships Teams respectively.

The study resources provided by BPP are high quality, and are very useful in helping to progress through qualification modules. Course tuition is generally good, however varying levels of self-study is required for different modules in order to be successful. KPMG colleagues also have access to a dedicated Client Service Team at BPP to discuss course-related issues.

The qualifications studied through our training provider definitely help me to perform better in my role, as the module content is all transferrable to work, and gives me a far greater understanding of our day to day activities. An example of this is the transferability of financial reporting and analysis exam modules to assessment of clients.

Yes, there are lots of different teams, societies and events set up by colleagues which anyone can get involved in if they wish.

Yes

Working at KPMG has given me exposure to some of the largest organisations across the UK, which has been an invaluable experience at a young age, and has accelerated my development significantly. Being involved with supporting these clients, whilst also gaining professional qualifications along the way has been extremely worthwhile.

Don't hesitate to ask people questions, and be yourself in the interview.