Audit Assistant Review
at KPMG
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Accounting
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: April 2023
Overall Rating
3 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
2.6/5
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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
Completing audit work as directed by the manager/in-charge of the job. This can vary greatly depending on the client and the stage of the audit. Throughout the completion of work, there is also coursework and exams that are fitted in around jobs. These form an essential part of keeping the apprenticeship
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
On the whole, the programme has been enjoyable. The work load and expectation of the amount of work has potentially detracted from that however, as the remuneration doessn't appear to really match the expectation of work at times.
the studying has been good but working in exams and studying can be difficult at best
the studying has been good but working in exams and studying can be difficult at best
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
In an word, yes. Coming from a limited background within the finance and accounting sector, it has been a steep learning curve but through the mandatory studying and exams it is easy enough to pick up knowledge and skills in the field. These skills include ability to decipher information from financial records and increased knowledge in how company's operate at higher levels.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
From a coursework perspective, it is fairly well organised however the lack of tuition provider in Scotland has meant long travel. the courses themselves also seem like they have been cut back in a bid to save costs leaving a lot of the learning to the students in their own time. From the perspective of on the job work/learning, there seems to be little in the way of direction out with the mandatory internal training.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
The support come more from the colleagues you work with than the employer as a whole. They do offer a resit if the exam isn't passed but outside of that their is not a great deal of support. This is felt more so in Scotland as far as I'm aware, assuming due to the distance from the main offices
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The support given by the training provider is better than at employer level. The tutors so far have been helpful but feel their training time has been cut short leading them to have to force through as much learning in a short space of time as possible leading some students to lag behind.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The training gives useful knowledge on how the financial system, at least from the view point of audit, works. The ability to be able to learn about areas of finance and be able to see it directly in your work is helpful. Further into the training, I willl imagine this will be more useful
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are a number of different social activities organised by colleagues, by either committee or department. The office culture is a good one with social interaction actively encouraged. These include things like: 5 a side, nights at the office, ball, dinners and such like. There have also been a number of talks organised but have seen a number of cancellations of these in recent months.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend KPMG to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The culture in the office is a good one. Granted, the hours can be a lot for some but the work is interesting and there is good scope for upward progression provided that you are able to pass all your exams. The company is also a reputable one so further success following working here is relatively high
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to KPMG?
Be ready to really have to put a lot of time in initially to get your head round how it all works and make a concerted effort to get to know people in the office, either by getting involved in social activities or just coming into the office as much as you can in the early days as it really helps when it comes to asking questions about your work.
Social Mobility Talent Insight Programme
at KPMG
- Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
- Canary Wharf
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4.8
