Vacation Intern - Audit Assistant Review

My internship at KPMG gave me a real insight into the work of an auditor. It gave me opportunities to experience all the different levels of auditing, from graduate to partner, and I enjoyed it immensely. I would definitely recommend doing an internship at KPMG if you're interested in experiencing the work of an auditor.

Extremely - from day one I was treated like part of the team and given responsibility and my own work. My colleagues provided me feedback when asked, and actively looked for ways to make my experience at KPMG more enjoyable, for example inviting me to meals with clients etc.

Although I was given my own work from day one, I always felt I could ask any questions if I was ensure. My manager always explained the task at the beginning, and went through review points at the end. I was also made comfortable to ask questions about KPMG in general, and their likes and dislikes of Audit.

For the first 3 weeks I was busy, enough to fill the day and feel I was being useful, but not so busy that I was required to stay too late or work to unreasonable deadlines. In my last week I did have one day where I didn't have much work, as I was on a client where all the work I would be able to do had already been done, however I was shown KPMG business school online where I could complete modules on Audit if I had spare time.

I was given my own work to complete from day one, and on one client completed all the work expected of a first and second year audit assistant. I also interacted with the client from day one, and by the end of week two asking my own questions and requests without needing to consult my in-charge.

I gained a lot more confidence, due to being trusted with my own work and time management, and constant interaction with clients. My ICT skills improved immensely, especially using excel and e-audit. Communication skills, Time Management, Organisation, Team Work, Resilience - all skills which will help in my final year of university.

People are busy, so the atmosphere is fairly quiet but not too serious. It mainly depended on the client/your team as to how much you would chat/what invites you would receive to socialise. I didn't meet a single person who wasn't willing to help or talk to me, everyone is friendly. The atmosphere is not formal, so you never feel out of place. You're always made to feel welcome and valued at KPMG.

Very - We attended an induction on day one with other offices to explain the ins and outs of the internship and explain KPMGs values a little more. The first day in the office, all our equipment (laptops etc) were already set up for us, and we were given a guide to the Leeds audit department which we could use, from who was who in the office to how to fill out expenses, which was very useful. We were booked on clients in advance, and we could check where we would be each week and if it had changed using retain staff plan. Finally, KPMG managed to organise shadowing days for some of us.

We were given as much advice/coaching we needed from our team without ever feeling like they didnt have time for us. We were given a 'passport' to help us reflect on our own personal development, and each manager would complete their own feedback form, which was shared with us at the end, which showed positive feedback and any development points we needed to work on. We were given full access to KPMG business school.

Very - I have been offered a final partner interview, and if successful I will be given a place on the graduate scheme after my final year at university. I loved Audit and would love to work at KPMG so would accept the offer. KPMG is a supportive company, and I feel it is the best organisation to do your ACA exams at.

Ish - I traveled far so I couldn't stay for some of the activities. Interns organised activities between themselves, and were sometimes invited to the events kpmg staff organised. I got the opportunity to go for dinner with a partner and a client, and there will be a final lunch organised for interns. I believe that the graduate scheme has more opportunity for socialising.

I didn't live in the area but in terms of drinks, food etc, Leeds is very reasonable.

Again, i didn't experience this too much however Leeds is a student city, so there are lots of opportunities to go out and socalise, and there are lots of restaurants and bars.

Unfortunately we missed the day leeds organised KPMG staff to go to the races as it was the week before we arrived! Yes there is, there are also clubs to join, and staff socalise a lot outside of work.