KPMG 360 Apprenticeship Review
at KPMG
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Glasgow
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
2/5
- collate tax information received from clients and enter this into the digita system to create the client's annual tax return. I read this information carefully in order to deterine to what extent all information should be included in the tax return
- compile a list of all outstanding information needed to create the clients tax return, relay this to a manger who requests this from the client
- compile a list of all outstanding information needed to create the clients tax return, relay this to a manger who requests this from the client
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am on a rotational programme and some parts I have enjoyed more than others. My first placement was in personal insolvency. While I gained great exposure to clients by answering the phones, I did not enjoy this placement very much as it felt like an admin job rather than a finance apprenticeship. I enjoyed my placement in audit as I frequented client site and had much more responsibility for my work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
As I have rotated round the business, I have lesrned mny new skills throughout many departments.
In personal insolvency, I learned how to confidently answer client queries both over the phone and through email.
In audit, I developed my confidence and audit knowledge by asking clients questions and flagging problems as I encountered them.
In personal insolvency, I learned how to confidently answer client queries both over the phone and through email.
In audit, I developed my confidence and audit knowledge by asking clients questions and flagging problems as I encountered them.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The programme is well structured in the sense that apprentices have the opportunity to rotate round different departments in order to gain experience in many aspects of business, thus helping to decide where to establish a long term career. However, apprentices often don't get the chance to work in their preferred/ chosen areas as placements are ultimatley determined by business need. Therefore, it has sometimes been the case that apprentices on a rotational programme work in only one department for the duration of their apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Apprentices are well supported when sitting examinations, and generous exam/ study leave days are given prior to sitting them. Every apprentice is allocated a performance manager who they can contact at any time regarding any issues they are facing in/out of the workplace. There is also frequent communication about the wellbeing services available.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Apprentices attend a mix of online and classroom tuition for examinations. Both of the teachings methods I have attended have been effective and the tutour responsible as always been helpful and willing to answer any questions. Tutors also provide their email addresses so we can contact them for help with questions after we have attended the tuition.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Sitting AAT level 4 helped me alot while working in audit. I was able to understand the meaning of each section of a set of financial statements. This allowed me to further understand the work I was completing and therefore quickly identify any issues. I found that my qualification only helped m in audit because it wasn't applicable to any other parts of the business I've worked in so far.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
I think this is something that is lacking in this workplace. I do not know of any extra curricular activites such as sports or networking events. Since the pandemic, there has been a variety of extra curricular activities for example reaching a certain step count each day, photographys challenges, etc. However, while working in the office I was not aware of anything.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend KPMG to a friend?
Yes
Why?
KPMG offers a very friendly, welcoming working environment and there are alot of opportunities to progress. Good performance is definitley recognised and rewarded. They offer a plethora of different pathways for school leavers, graduates and experienced professionals. They are also very accomodating of any personal issues you may be facing so no one is hindered from reaching their professional goals.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to KPMG?
While experience and qualifications definitley boost your employability, KPMG do not focus completely on these things. It is very important to highlight your personal qualities as well. All roles at KPMG will require an element of team work, and it is important that you are confident and willing to contribute in a team.
