Audit Apprentice Review

My current role as an Audit apprentice has seen me working on audits from my second week of working at KPMG. As my role is the least senior, my role includes assisting managers and assistant managers with work on the audit that they assign me. The variety of work is great and I have been working on multiple areas during my time on the audits.

I have learnt and developed numerous skills already. I have become quite competent in my excel skills, something I had never used before working at KPMG. I have also developed my independence and my proactivity. Due to audit and accounting being brand new to me, I had to develop the ability to be proactive and take on things that I had no prior knowledge or experience in.

I really enjoy my programme. The opportunity to learn new skills and develop my knowledge through work and study is perfect for me, it really gives a practical feel to my work and I can see the progress I am making each day. The opportunity to work for an international company is also great. I have been able to work in multiple offices and with a variety of people from around the world which is always interesting.

The programme is well structured in the sense that you know when you are working and when you are studying. I would say that personal organisation is important as you are expected to also organise your own affairs in terms of study leave, revision and preparation. My college dates and work dates are set out well in advance so I am aware of my time and when I have certain events on. However, there is always a lot of information to deal with and changes do occur, which sometimes does make it feel slightly hectic.

I receive a good level of support from KPMG. From day one you are allocated a Buddy, PM, and PL which are your main points of call for questions or help you may need. Your Buddy is particularly good as this can be a person you can go to for any question or worry you may have. There is also a big presence of support for mental health and personal issues you may have, I regularly see initiatives and support networks for any issue you may have.

My training provider is BPP. Although I have only been to college once so far, I was overly satisfied with their services. Their support is good I would say, you can contact your tutors whenever you want for help or questions you have. I also have regular review calls from BPP to go over how I am managing my studies and how I am doing overall.

My qualifications are directly transferable to my work. The knowledge I gain and the qualifications I receive definitely help me understand and perform better at work. Even after my first college experience, I felt a lot more confident at work as I had knowledge I could apply to my every day jobs.

At KPMG there is no shortage of opportunities to get involved in things after work. There are monthly office and departmental socials that are very popular. There are also many networks that you can join depending on your interests. Personally, I had joined a 5-aside football team in the first few weeks of joining. You also get the opportunity to just socialise with colleagues after work due to the very social atmosphere of offices and KPMG as a whole .

Yes

KPMG offers a great experience in many areas. You gain great qualifications that are with you for life. The experience of working for a massive international company is great and really puts you in a great position, the variety of KPMG and the number of different places and projects you can work on makes your work life fun and keeps it exciting.

I would say that confidence in your own abilities is very important, but also don't be afraid to ask questions and make mistakes. You are there to learn and develop your skills so you won't be perfect immediately. I would also say take every opportunity that is offered to you, whether that be new courses or volunteering opportunities as all of it will develop you and your career.