Audit Apprentice Review
at KPMG
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Canary Wharf
Review Submitted: March 2022
Overall Rating
4.2 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
Every day is different at KPMG. 20% of your days are spent learning/ studying and the other 80% is doing an actual job. for your learning days, you will likely be at BPP studying for your next exam. A working day is normally either WFH or going to the office. In these days, you will likely speak to your team in the morning and get given your jobs for the day. There will be other meetings with your team and clients to make sure you are succeeding.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I love my programme. I know in sixth form that university was not the right option for me, but I still wanted to develop a life long career and not be at any disadvantage because I didn't have a degree. At KPMG this is all possible. The qualification I gain at the end of my apprenticeship is the same as the graduates get - meaning I will be at no disadvantage in the future if I don't have a degree. Furthermore, I am leaning more on the job than i ever could at university, my qualification is getting paid for and I am making a salary!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have become better at communicating. The idea of emailing a big client used to be very scary and daunting, however now its of a second nature. In addition, communicating with the team verbally and through email has improved for me - which has improved my confidence. I have also learnt various skills in regard to performing the actual audit job,
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme has an excellent structure. BPP and KPMG are in constant communication with each other, so studies and work aren't isolated. I know early on when my study and exam deadlines will be and when I will be at BPP so I can work my work schedule around it. If there are any problems with BPP, KPMG will deal with it, so there is no need to worry.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
A lot of support. KPMG understand the main priority for all trainees is getting their qualification so they can continue to succeed. Therefore, all qualified managers are extremely understanding when you say you need to revise instead of work very late. There are opportunities to talk to managers or BPP if you feel overwhelmed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
BPP is good but sometimes can lack organisation. They make us aware when our exams are, have good lesson structures and good study guides/ question banks. Assuming you complete all of the practice work provided by BPP, there shouldn't be any problem passing exams. They also schedule 1-1 calls every 3/4 months to update you on your progress, ask how you are feeling and wonder if there are any queries you have. However, they are not back to in person lessons, books often arrive late and the system often crashes - which can be very frustrating.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The AAT/ACA qualification and audit work complement each other. It is often that you are studying for an exam, and realise you know something without even reading the content - as it is an actual job you perform day to day. In addition, the exams have a practical application to them, which provide more motivation when studying. However, the exams cover all of the roles of an accountant - not just an auditor. Therefore, certain exams we have to do have no real life applications to the job we are doing at this point in time. Although, they may be useful if you would like to leave audit in the future.
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
KPMG is very social. Once you are accepted onto the programme, they create a Facebook page so you can get in touch with your cohort and start building connections, which reduces the fear you may have. In addition, you get assigned to a department on day 1 and from this day your department will have regular social event so you can get to know everyone. Even though I joined virtually, they still made a conscious effort to make everyone feel included and build confidence.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend KPMG to a friend?
Yes
Why?
KPMG audit apprenticeship is the perfect option for someone who is clever, wants a career but university is not for them. You earn a decent salary from day 1, get your qualification paid for you and gain invaluable work experience from one of the biggest professional services firm in the world. once you qualify, there are so many open doors to take your career. In addition, the support you receive is great as it can be frightening entering the corporate world at such a young age. Furthermore, the size of the company means loads of apprentices join together so you can make life long friends and not feel completely alone.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to KPMG?
Don't be nervous as all the managers are really nice and approachable to talk to.
Don't be worried about not knowing anything - you learn without even realising on the job. Everyone starts the job not knowing everything, so the managers are extremely supportive and will always show you what to do - just don't be afraid to ask questions!
Take advantage of every social opportunity and make sure you feel comfortable in your work, don't be afraid to speak up.
Don't be worried about not knowing anything - you learn without even realising on the job. Everyone starts the job not knowing everything, so the managers are extremely supportive and will always show you what to do - just don't be afraid to ask questions!
Take advantage of every social opportunity and make sure you feel comfortable in your work, don't be afraid to speak up.
