KPMG 360 Apprentice Review
at KPMG
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Reading
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
I am on KPMG’s 360 programme and currently am completing a placement in the Corporate tax department. My day to day role varies but involves a daily catch up with the team in the mornings, for any general updates or tax specific updates. I then use the rest of the day to assist the team with different projects and some tasks include: Setting up/completing risk procedures by setting up opportunities for new clients, taking notes during client meetings, calling HMRC for any client queries, helping draft client proposals, analysing work in progress and raising invoice when billing the client.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the different ‘rotations’ we have to different departments where I have got to experience Audit and tax so far. For my current placement in tax despite having to work from home due to COVID 19 the programme has seen been enjoyable, and members from the team have been very welcoming.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have gained many skills during my apprenticeships so far. My communication skills have improved by interacting with different members of the team, on different projects. I have also improved in time management as some deadlines are very tight to complete certain tasks, and I have learned how to manage my time better. I feel that during my placement in tax I have come across many different systems/software and programmes which I use on a day to day basis when completing tasks so this have improved my technical skills by using these regularly.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is organised fairly well. We are given clear dates as to when our placement will start and end, and when our college dates are in advance. The length of the placements are a good length of around 6 months per rotation. We are also sent any updates of any changes or anything to be aware of via email.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We are assigned a ‘performance manager’ and having regular meetings with my performance manager has been very helpful and helped me settle in to the department despite it being virtually. My performance manager has been very helpful to answer any questions I have and just having a general catch up. We are also given a ‘buddy’ who is very helpful in answering any work or non work related questions or anything you are unsure of, which has been very helpful!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider BPP are very helpful despite all classes currently being held online. Despite the courses being intense they are there to answer any questions we might have. Having calls with BPP every 3 months to go through the progress through our apprenticeship is also helpful in tracking the progress made through the apprenticeship so far, as well as points where to improve on or actions to take.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Although not all the exams can be relevant to your placement, some of the exams completed have helped in my daily work. For example the content covered in different exams has helped me to understand financial statements better and think about what the financial statements mean. I have also come across certain accounting terminology in my exams that are used in day to day work which links exams and the work completed in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are many virtual events you can get involved in within your department as well as with other apprentices. The department I am in currently have held monthly virtual social events, as well as coffee catch ups, charity events and knowledge share on different topics - there is something for everyone.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend KPMG to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend KPMG. If you are interested in accounting and are/or a looking for an alternative to university then this is a good programme. It provides lots of work experience, improves your technical skills learning on the job. Also you are directly involved and included in different projects and work which is a very valuable experience.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to KPMG?
Think of how you align with KPMG’s values, and link this to real life examples where you have demonstrated these. Also research the different departments to understand which teams or business areas might be of interest to you. Work hard in your role but also focus on doing well in exams.
