Audit Apprentice Review

Your day to day tasks will vary depending on the team you are on. Usually you'll be given more basic tasks that help out your more senior colleagues. This could include documenting support received from the client, or taking notes during a client call. Sometimes you might not have a lot to do, but if you ask someone, they will usually always have a task you can help out on.

When I first joined the company my skills in excel were practically non-existent, however 6 months down the line they have greatly improved and I am much more confident using excel without needing to ask for help. In addition to this, I was not very confident as speaking over the phone but no having joined client calls on teams, I am more comfortable to talk to a client if necessary.

When I first joined I really hated it. I disliked the fact that you are constantly changing team and as your work load is so varied you feel overwhelmed with the information. Alongside of this you're trying to complete exams and studying. Now I have been on the same team for a few months I feel more at ease as I can comfortably speak up to managers as I know then better now and remind them that I have an exam or statements to write.

The programme I'm on is well structured. You're given an exam schedule which has the dates on it for all of your exams so you know well in advance. You're also booked onto the exams and courses by BPP so you don't have to do anything yourself.

KPMG doesn't give you a huge amount of support regarding your exams. One of my exams took place over busy season but I was still expected to work until 8/9 in the evening despite needing to get home to revise. I feel like you end up relying on the study days we are given (1 day for each exam) instead of being able to revise after work.

BPP does provide a chatroom the weekend before the exam, but in my opinion, it's too late (as it could be the day before). You also have to complete online training ladder steps but i have found them annoying as they may incorrectly mark your answer if you do something small such as not adding in a comma in thousands. (something that isn't relevant in the exam).

So far I haven't felt like anything I have really learnt for my exams has been that relevant to my role. Other then maybe some terminology which is something you can pick up on a day to day anyway. I'm hoping that when I proceed with more exams they become more relevant and will make my role easier.

KPMG provide lots of different extra curricular activities for you to attend. This varies from sport related things to different communities. The social committee also plan lots of activities and, depending on the team you are on, they may also plan activities. Usually after work drinks is the most popular but there have been cricket socials, and dinners and parties at Christmas.

No

I think if I had known that KPMG have the method of 'throwing you in the deep end' when I as applying, I probably would have reconsidered my application. I don't think I would recommend KPMG as I have found it stressful and unclear and there have been many days when I came home and cried as I wasn't enjoying my job.

Make sure you do your research first and speak to people who work there (if you know any). Also make sure to consider the fact that you will be working overtime for free whilst also trying to study for exams and learning new information for your role all at the same time. It can be very overwhelming and if you don't do well under pressure, maybe consider another company.