Audit Assistant (Grade E) Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience participating on the Audit Vacation Programme with KPMG. Looking back, it undoubtedly provided me with an array of career and personal development opportunities which I believe are of great value in today’s competitive environment. Furthermore, it was exceptionally rewarding: it has presented me with great impetus to succeed in my undergraduate degree and has strengthened my confidence in embracing the transition and journey into the workplace: for all those interested, seize the opportunity of such an internship!

Throughout the programme, I felt that my colleagues appreciated and valued my personal contribution. Following my completion of the audit of various pension schemes, I was delighted to be granted the opportunity to travel to several client sites and undertake alternative year-end audit work for a diverse range of companies. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed the sociable culture at KPMG: during my placement, the most memorable events include our department’s afternoon summer barbeque and the Glasgow office’s summer fundraising event where the office senior partner participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Based in Financial Services Audit, I found the culture and structure of the firm exceptionally supportive whereby, graduate trainees who are currently progressing towards the CA qualification were equipped and on-hand to offer advice at all times.

In terms of the workload on a daily basis, I would say that it was critical that I planned, prioritised and accounted for my time effectively (in order to complete the tasks in the most efficient manner for both the client and KPMG).

Looking back, I would say that the management team at KPMG successfully allocated me the optimum degree of responsibility whereby, I was challenged to adapt positively and work flexibly across a variety of tasks with the ultimate goal of producing a high standard of work. However, as aforementioned, such work was undertaken within a supportive and structured environment and therefore, if necessary, I had the opportunity to discuss the given tasks and receive assistance from the audit in-charge.

By witnessing first-hand the need for professional firms, such as KPMG, and their graduates to adapt positively to an ever-changing commercial and regulatory environment, I now have a much greater depth of appreciation of the financial services industry and the way in which it operates. I believe that this is an asset that will complement to and add a practical perspective to my university work over the forthcoming year.

As aforementioned, I found the working environment and the culture exceptionally supportive. Whilst, as expected in today's competitive business world, the members of staff across all functions were exceptionally busy, I believe that it is important to emphasise that all members of staff at KPMG, particularly the graduate trainees alongside whom I worked closely, were willing to offer assistance and friendly tips and advice at all times.

On commencing the internship, I found that the allocation of my forthcoming tasks was very well arranged whereby, I could view on KPMG's internal system which particular audit jobs I was to undertake over the upcoming weeks. However, in terms of the organisation prior to the placement, I would have greatly appreciated receiving earlier notice of my preliminary and final start date, in order to allow students to plan for the summer.

The programme with KPMG began with a one-day induction, held in London Docklands. During this event, I had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with over one hundred interns, from varying degree disciplines, who were employed across KPMG’s Audit, Tax and Pensions, and Advisory functions.

I undoubtedly believe that the future employment prospects within KPMG are extremely promising. As a diverse global organisation, career opportunities are vast: careers across the Audit, Tax & Pensions and Advisory functions are challenging, well rewarded and offer the opportunity to work with clients from some of the world's largest organisations. Notably, global professional services firms, such as KPMG, provide an excellent training programme whereby, as a graduate trainee, I can progress towards the professional CA qualification. KPMG has the largest full time Professional Qualification Team of the Big Four and therefore, I believe that the firm will value and strive to contribute towards my success in these professional exams.

As discussed, I really enjoyed the sociable culture of our team. On my arrival in the Glasgow office, I was delighted to receive such a warm welcome from all the staff:a number of lovely lunch outings in the sun were arranged as well as evening celebrations when the graduate trainees received news of their success in their professional exams.

I was primarily based in the Glasgow office, where the cost of living is relatively low. In comparison to other large cities, entry prices to evening venues are very reasonable and moreover, there is a vast number of lovely restaurants and eating places from which to choose. As a student, the 'Student Recommended' application also provides notifications of many special and lucrative deals which are on offer across the city.

Glasgow is a bustling city which offers a fantastic variety of venues and activities. I was particularly delighted to be able to make the most of spending an exciting summer working in Glasgow whereby, I attended several of the sporting and fringe events during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as well as travelling to many of the musical and comedy events held during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, there were no clubs or activities other than Men's football outside of work - I believe that this is due to the smaller number of employees in Glasgow, relative to London. However, I feel that it is important to note that the exceptionally friendly culture and environment within the department would lend itself to graduate trainees feeling confident and supported enough to setting up their own suggested club/activity.