Audit Associate Review

Day-to-day role consists of supporting on audits; primarily setting up and completing work papers for various areas of the audit including VAT, Revenue and Payroll. Internal interactions with the team to communicate findings/queries alongside external interactions requesting evidence from Audited Entities and communicating my findings.

I have developed my communication and teamworking skills as well as been enabled to utilise my critical thinking skills in an entirely new environment. I have learnt a wealth of accounting knowledge and learnt to apply this is different situations.

The programme is engaging and provides me with the opportunity to work on different areas of audit and with different entities and team members. There is never a dull day and it is very enjoyable.

As opposed to the typical expectation of an apprenticeship of 4 days at work and 1 day at college the programme is structured with periods of work and then periods of college. It provides a good balance of work/education without interrupting the flow of either. Communication regarding college days is good.

There is an abundance of support in regards to balancing work and studies. Whilst working it is sometimes difficult to always get support on issues as other team members are busy however they will always get back to you.

The training provider provides a wealth of resources, textbooks are delivered to your home for online classes and there are forums available both throughout year as well as dedicated forums in the lead up to exams for last minute questions.

The qualification provides you with a wider knowledge of accountancy and although doesn't always seem relevant can be applied in various situations when you least expect it. Just recently information that I learnt for my tax exam helped to solve an issue I was having with a VAT work paper.

There is a huge amount of networks across the whole company alongside specific socials for my office.

Yes

The apprenticeship offered at KPMG is a great opportunity to get into accounting without the need to go to university (and a quicker route!) As an older apprentice the pay is above the minimum meaning it is liveable if you no longer live with at home. Everyone is friendly and supportive and there is a wealth of information to access regarding all aspects of your professional and personal life.

Research the company and their values, think about how these align with your own values and how you could demonstrate this if you joined the company. Most importantly to be yourself! Applying for a large corporate company can be daunting but everyone is human at the end of the day but you will go further by being true to yourself than pretending to be someone you are not.