KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

Now specialised in a consulting position my day-to-day consists of communicating with clients, writing reports, completing testing and holding or assisting with meetings. This is juggled with the ICAEW ACA qualification study which is the third and final qualification obtained in the apprenticeship after completing the AAT level 3 and AAT Level 4.

Yes I have, I am constantly developing skills including presentation and public speaking skills through increased responsibility for leading client meetings. I have largely developed report writing and business writing skills which are very different to academic writing, the different style is a constant development area for all in consulting.

I enjoy the programme now I am specialised. The first 3 years were spent rotating around the company and largely being placed in external audit which I did not enjoy as it consisted of repetitive work which I did not enjoy and long hours you were expected to do, especially during busy season. I am one of the few from my intake not specialised in audit. My day to day role is a lot better now and I actually have job satisfaction.

The overall structure is clear for the first three years however there is insufficient information over the specialisation process and post-specialisation. There is a lack of communication over salary alignment with graduates at the same level, as we get paid less due to not having a degree. There is a lack of communication over this issue.

From my specialised team I receive lots of support, with a decemt level of understanding over exam prioritisation. However, I know this is not the norm across other departments. There is generic support from the professional qualifications team regarding studies but insufficient support when you have a specific issue you want answered.

My department is good at allowing me to prioritise study and working towards exams, this is not common across other departments. There is appropriate support from the tuition provider and a well structured taught, consolidation and revision approach to the ICAEW ACA qualification with sufficient online and physical resources. The tutors are available for questions on forums if required.

The qualification helps somewhat with my role but it is not as applicable to me as it is some other roles. The qualification helps me understand some background to clients and further understand some client processes but this is not always the case. It can be frustrating when the work isnt directly applicable but it is possible to help in the future.

Yes there are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in, including social events which are being reintroduced after the pandemic. There are sports teams, a variety of networks (LGBT, Women, Black and Caribbean) as well as corporate social responsibility teams in each department to organised fund-raising activities for our affiliated charity.

Yes

KPMG provides a secure and professional working environment and has a wide range of job roles, therefore it is likely that you will or can find a role suited to your skills which you enjoy. Working for a big 4 accounting firm comes with perks you wouldnt necessarily receive in a smaller firm (WFH, Flexible hours)

Research the company to see why KPMG is fitting for you, including the jobs available, work-life balance in your role, any extra-curricular activities you want to continue (gym, sports). Have these reasons prepared when you apply and are interviewed to ensure you know why you applied as you will be asked.