Audit Associate Review

I am currently an apprentice in Audit in Banking. I work on multiple engagements for Financial Services clients, auditing their companies and subsidiaries. I will work on different parts of the audit within different teams and working on our firm's software to produce deliverables for our clients. I will change client every couple of months which makes my work varied.

I have learnt many new skills over the past 2 and a half years I have spent at KPMG. I have learnt how to adapt to a professional working environment and in doing this, vastly improved skills such as communication, team working and leadership. I have had plenty of opportunities to flex my skills and get continually pushed to improve every day.

I really enjoy my programme. When I first started, we were given the opportunity to rotate placements around the firm which gave me exposure to many departments within KPMG. This was great as well, because I had no idea what I wanted to do growing up or what I wanted to specialise in. I have had a wide range of experience working in Tax and Audit and working with other apprentices as well as experienced more senior team members who always have my best interests at heart.

Our Level 3 and Level 4 AAT have been structured nicely over a 3 year period. Then once we finish our Level 4 AAT, we have the opportunity to start a Level 7 qualification straight away, which for me will be the ACA. Having already got 3 years of accounting work experience under my belt, this will really help me.

I receive endless support from my employer - whether it's my performance manager, people leader, line manager or in-charge, everyone in my team and at KPMG are willing to help me and provide me with support when I need it. If I am struggling with any aspect of my work or anything outside of work affecting my mental health, I know that my employer will be very supportive and provide me with the necessary help I need.

My training provider is BPP who work very closely with KPMG to ensure all my needs are met which prepares me adequately for my upcoming exams. The resources provided by BPP for my AAT exams have been great. The resources are well structured and easy to follow. BPP also reach out to us to ensure we are doing okay with revision/preparation for our exams.

My qualification greatly helps me with my work on a day to day basis. The accounting knowledge I have learnt through my AAT qualifications, I can apply to my work on a daily basis and it also gives me a further understanding of the work I am performing for my client and improves my quality of work too.

Yes - KPMG offer many networks which have been kept active even over the last couple years with Covid. These include support groups, online networks such as the Muslim Network or Lean-In Women Circles which help us feel empowered and KPMG encourage us to join these to support our development as well as parttake in social activities.

Yes

KPMG has a great working environment of like-minded people who work hard and appreciate one another. There is a wide vary of placements offered to apprentices which give us good experience across the firm and help us understand which sectors of accounting and professional services we prefer and want to specialise in. We are also given a lot of support with everyday work as well as exams.

Just to be yourself and consider others - KPMG is all about respect and team working so its really important that you are respectful of others opinions whilst putting forward your own. KPMG are looking for hard working individuals who want to do well and kick-start their career - if you are a passionate person then you'll be a great fit!