Audit Apprentice Review

I support the assurance team with ESG engagements over non-financial KPIs including GHG emissions, social metrics such as employee volunteering, impact investing metrics, and sustainable finance. My role consists of resolving technical issues and analysis, day-to-day client contact as well as coaching other members of staff when on engagements. Alongside engagements I have also assisted in business development to help grow the team pipeline, whether in the form of creating pitch decks or sector benchmarking.

AAT Level 3 alongside currently finished AAT Level 4 studying. Alongside this I have developed knowledge on ESG reporting as well as learn various ESG disclosures, including TCFD, OPIM, UN SDGs. Through experience I have learnt may new soft skills including how to use different software's proficiently e.g. excel.

I thoroughly enjoy my program, having had many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Apprentices are given a lot of support from my team and are given responsibility from day one, showing how much they are valued. The networks and mentoring schemes available have also added significantly to my experience at the firm.

The structure of the programme puts apprentices in a brilliant position by the end of the apprenticeship, having acquired the ACA. Sufficient training and studying time is given for each exam, being blocked off in chunks at different points of the year. Apprentices are also assigned a performance mentor to help me achieve their goals for the year, meeting on a monthly basis.

Every member of my team has been incredibly supportive, appreciating that they too were in our shoes when studying. Both Performance Managers and Performance Leaders are always available to discuss concerns and ensure that you are heard, alongside the apprenticeship teams ensuring you are also supported by them. Through all of these different support systems, I felt more than sufficiently supported and free to express concerns I have.

After lectures, tutors ensure that apprentices are aware of their email so they are able to answer any queries. Furthermore the BPP training providers have a great platform to put you in good stead ahead of the exam. The course is delivered by virtually and in person for some modules.

I believe that due to the nature of my role, my qualification does not perhaps enable me to perform better in my role compared to those working in external audit. Working in ESG Assurance has meant that what I learn on the course is limited in helping my day-to-day role, although I am confident that if I were to be in the external audit department the qualification would help enable me to apply what I have learnt to a much greater extent.

At KPMG there is a huge number of extra-curricular activities to participate in, ranging from a vast number of different sports societies (I am part of both the Golf and Badminton society) as well as social events for every team and department. As I work in the ESG department I have attended numerous ESG events tailored to young people in the firm being the next generation of professionals to shape this area.

Yes

I would recommend KPMG to a friend as it is a great apprenticeship programme, whilst being able to work with great people and enables you to develop many skills when working with FTSE250 companies. The apprenticeship opens up countless doors into the professional world both inside and outside KPMG, for example the secondment opportunities to work at KPMG in another country.

I would advise that someone applying to KPMG does their research to understand why they believe the company is a good match to them and how they are able to example the values that KPMG hold themselves to. I would also encourage other applying to seize as many opportunities they can to help their application stand out.