Audit Associate Review

Having spoken to KPMG employees prior to my placement, and given KPMG's pedigree as a top graduate employer, I had no doubts about how much I would enjoy my 8 week audit placement. It certainly delivered. From day one you are immersed in the high-pressure, demanding lifestyle of audit; travelling to client offices, meeting clients and genuinely driving value for the business. Expect to be given responsibility even in your first week, and be aware that the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of a global audit client is there if you show real desire and produce quality work.

If there is anything to take away from working for KPMG it is the people. Regardless of the pressure on work, I found that all my teams made me feel at home and were enthusiastic when I asked questions to further my knowledge. Although the tasks I was initially given reflected my level of experience, i.e. zero, all the work I completed was greatly appreciated and at no point did I feel like I wasn't helping the team.

As part of the internship you are assigned a mentor, usually a manager, who is your point of contact outside of graduate recruitment. From my experience they were always available if I had any queries, they openly contacted me to check my progress and were key in supporting me prior to my final partner interview.

On all of my clients there were very few times where I didn't have any work to do. Generally this was because of the nature of the job - a summer internship often coincides with the audit of half yearly accounts, which, although not as time-demanding as the year-end accounts, still provide plenty of work opportunity.

Responsibility varied from client to client and was given where there was the opportunity. Generally busier jobs would demand more difficult work and a greater level of responsibility would be given. The work I completed varied from that of a total novice, e.g. ticking, to that of an experienced first year trainee, e.g. acquisition accounting, cash work and controls audit. Although at the discretion of the in-charge on the job, work would also require talking to the client directly, which is an aspect of my work that I really enjoyed.

The experience at KPMG is first class and the work will demand and develop skills that you may not recognise as being as important as others. In addition to technical skills, vocational skills such as team-work, communication, presentation, organisation, time-management and prioritisation are all key to the role.

with work and having general office chit chat about an individuals weekend, for example, or current affairs. A big bonus of an internship with KPMG is you are guaranteed to meet intelligent individuals and take part in intellectually stimulating conversation that means there is never a dull moment on the job.

The internship structure was very well organised, whereby introductory days were run to 'break-in' all interns and help prepare everyone for their first day on the job and what they might be asked to do during their vacation programme. There was support throughout the entire process and particular attention was paid to ensuring all interns had a good spread of clients during their time with KPMG. The feedback process was well organised in support of the final partner interview, and at no point did I feel left in the dark.

Although there are opportunities to take courses as part of the full-time graduate role, the internship was more focused on giving me an taste of the job, which did not leave much time for extra training. However, all my teams were keen on giving me work to help me develop my skill sets which was a positive.

I have a guaranteed job so that's a definite perk! Although partner interview was very badly organised so make sure you prepare for it at any time!

Although there were few opportunities where all of the interns were available to do something socially (many of our jobs involved staying at hotels near clients in the week), we did meet up on a number of occasions throughout the scheme, whether it be an evening or an event run by KMPG (such as dinners or charity days).

I am not aware of the cost of living within Birmingham because I was living at home not far away, and so commuted from there. The price of drinks/food depends on the bar/pub that you visit, and can vary from a 'burger and a pint' for £6 to £5 a pint in some pubs. Generally night cubs would be £5/£10 entry and drinks could vary from a few pounds to £10 depending on what night you choose. There are plenty of bars/pubs which are free to get in and relatively inexpensive though!

It was very good. Plenty of pubs, clubs and restaurants to choose from in Birmingham.

My team had already done there CSR before I started my internships but I know other interns who went to CSR days as well as to the Harry Potter studio etc