Audit Apprentice Review

I work within the financial services banking department within the audit capability, on one of the biggest banking audits in Europe. My roles include obtaining client evidence - which involves emailing client contacts and downloading uploaded files from the secure site, updating workpapers relevant to the audit and helping senior team members with their tasks.

Working with Microsoft Excel on a daily basis has helped me become more skilled with the Microsoft Office suite. I also have improved my written communication skills when sending emails to the client and completing workpapers. I also have strong networking and collaboration skills through attending and contributing in team catch up calls.

There is not much variation in my role, although this is due to being placed in the banking audit department where I am on the same engagement and do not roll on to another client. However I do enjoy learning about how our audit work impacts the global markets - e.g. the SVB bank collapse, and how this has impacted financial markets globally which serves as a reminder the importance of our audit. I have gained a lot of knowledge on the operation of banks which is really interesting.

There is an excellent level of support and training for each exam, with a sufficient amount of study leave. Notice of modules and training materials are received well in advance before each exam. Regular progress review calls with the training provider allow me to realise my growth in skills and set goals I want to achieve.

Senior members of the team are very approachable and understanding. They are very accomodating when I have exams coming up and I am finding it difficult to keep up with work and studying for my exam. More could be done to support new joiners, members of the team didn't fill me in straight away and I had a lot of confusion around various basic things, such as booking annual leave - no clear information about these things when joining.

There is an excellent level of support and training for each exam, with a sufficient amount of study leave. Notice of modules and training materials are received well in advance before each exam. Regular progress review calls with the training provider allow me to realise my growth in skills and set goals I want to achieve.

Accounting knowledge is essential for audit work. Knowledge on financial statements gained from studying for the accounting qualification has led to me understanding my role and what we are looking at or requesting from the client. I had a good understanding of the documents used and meanings of various terms due to studying for my qualification.

There are multiple social events across various networks within the firm. For example there are team socials , department socials and apprentice socials, which allows me to network with a wide range of people including peers as well as senior members from different backgrounds. However, these socials usually revolve around drinks which I am not comfortable attending and would rather do team building activities which is more inclusive.

Yes

KPMG is a great workplace, that values diversity and inclusion. There is a lot of support available and it is easy to maintain a good work/life balance. There are many opportunities to network with various people within the firm, and everyone is approachable. Apprentices are not made to feel any less valued and you are valued in the team.

Include various examples of skills you have shown, such as teamwork, leadership, creativity etc. Have a good understanding of what the role you are applying for is and what will be required of you, as well as an understanding of what the qualification you are studying for is. Mention why you want to work for KPMG specifically and why you would be a good fit for the role you are applying for.