Audit Assistant Review

I perform a wide range of duties inc writing minutes during meetings, vouching information to third party confirmations, and performing a wide range of audit tests. I also take on a certain level of office duties, such as planning socials, helping out with meeting organizations and other duties. My jobs vary a lot day to day and from job to job, but my main role is assisting management with audit testing.

I'd say almost every skill I use in my job has been learned/developed at KPMG. My business communication skills have developed massively as this is something I use every day. My technical skills have also been learnt within KPMG. I know nothing about audit or accounting before I joined, and with lots of time dedicated to learning with courses and training, my technical skills have come on massively.

I really enjoy life at KPMG. I feel I have a good work-life balance. Although work can become stressful at points, I feel i have a good support network to get me through any difficult periods. KPMG places importance on office gatherings and remaining social with your colleagues and therefore we regularly meet outside of a working environment which is great for morale.

The structure is fairly good. Exams are quite spread out and avoid busy periods at work to prevent people becoming too overwhelmed with both work and study at once. KPMG are very understanding for allowing amendments to study leave if you feel you need further support and they support resits if the need arises.

I feel I receive a lot of support in both study and work. There are many avenues to each out for help and these avenues are regularly communicated to us to ensure that you are aware of any help you can access. I have needed KPMG's support multiple times and have never felt that this has been difficult or not offered.

BPP haven't been the most straight forward to deal with in my experience personally in terms of missing deadlines for marking work, IT issues that haven't been resolved and untimely release of study materials making study very difficult. If I was given the choice, I wouldn't use BPP again due to these issues.

I feel the study that I learn directly correlates across to my work and therefore aids my skills within audit work. I feel as I do more exams at a higher level, this will continue to help me within my professional role. The exams are also well thought out to ensure we get maximum ICAEW exemptions which is great.

Our office is very social heavy. We meet at least once a month for drinks/dinner and plans regular bigger socials such as waterparks. KPMG offer a good social budget per employee which means there are lots of activities to get involved in. The Christmas parties are always good too which is a great way to relax with colleagues after a year of hard work.

Yes

Pay and recognition is good and work-life balance is well respected. You can work flexibly and work from home is also an option. KPMG pay for all your training which is a huge benefit due to the costs of this now. Study leave is provided fully aid which again is a massive bonus. I haven't had any issues with KPMG and if you think audit is for you then I definitely recommend it.

Be confident in your abilities, but also know when to step up and ask for help. Have a strong sense of integrity as it's needed in all the work that you do. Be prepared to work hard for the next few years as the exams aren't easy, however, the reward at the end makes it worth it.