Audit Assistant Review

The insight proved to be a fantastic and valuable experience in gaining an entry level understanding of audit as well as business and finance etc. There were opportunities to work with clients at various sites as well as in the London office. The work was challenging yet engaging and ultimately it proved to be a rewarding experience.

During my time at KPMG I felt highly valued and appreciated. I was always treated courteously and given a fair amount of work and responsibility by my team and in-charge. I felt that my contributions were welcomed and the work that I had done was important to the ultimate goal of the team, thus making me feel like a co-worker as opposed to a subordinate.

There is plenty of support and advice that is given to you throughout the insight, with members of your team always finding team to assist you with various activities, whether that be support on work set or technical advice, such as how to complete training modules, or fill in expenses and timesheets. Overall there was a consistent level of high support.

The skills that I gained I'm sure will prove extremely valuable beyond as I begin my career. I have received an offer from the firm for a graduate position and will undoubtedly continue to use the skills that I gained on this insight as soon as I begin my graduate placement. The methodology and way in which work is done at the firm will also carry on with me to my degree studies as I enter my final year.

The 4 weeks are spent in a team (or teams) working on a specific client or project. You feel just like a regular worker or member of the team as you seamlessly transition into wherever you're placed and work and responsibility is handed off on you gradually so as to not completely overwhelm you to begin with. There is also a beginning day of orientation to meet other interns and gain valuable insight into what the firm looks for in its interns and potential graduates.

The work atmosphere was one that promoted hard-work but was not overwhelmingly stressful nor dull. There was always a sense of there being a busy activity but at no point did this ever become an issue or hindrance. Furthermore several events are hosted and organised by the fellow interns such as socials usually at the end of every week.

The firm put a lot of time, effort and faith in your personal development, assigning you a "buddy", an in-charge who delegates and checks your work, as well as a performance manager who keeps track of the work you've been doing an communicates with your team regarding your progress. The firm also entrust you with a work laptop which is necessary to use in both the office and on client sites, highlighting their faith and commitment in training the interns.

As the internship has you working a team who were already working on, and will continue to work on a client or project after you leave, the experience was a huge insight into understanding the firm's structure and the level of work that will be expected of you within KPMG. Essentially you are a full-time employee for your time there.

The company culture was clear through the atmosphere of the building as well as several materials given to you throughout the placement. Furthermore the introductory day was very useful as to understanding the firm's ethos and the competencies that they look for from all of their employees. Ultimately it will be easy to understand the firm's culture once integrated into KPMG.

The work usually varies from day to day, involving data, Excel spreadsheets and client-facing meetings. The internship has given me a tremendous insight into the work that goes on at KPMG and has given me plenty to believe that a career here would be a long and successful one. I intend to accept my graduate offer and begin working at the firm following my graduation next year (2016).

The pay packet is very generous considering you are an intern, and the money spent on travel to client sites (if outside London) and lunches on client site are fully reimbursed by KPMG. I believe the remuneration given matches my contribution and level as compared to regular, full-time salaried employees, and given with the invaluable experience gained, the internship rewards you highly.

There are networking drinks socials that are held at the end of every month, giving you a chance to socialise and meet with members of your team as well as individuals and employees in other disciplines and departments within the firm. Other than that there are intern-led social events as previously mentioned, as well as potential for meetings with your team.

The social opportunities were a welcome break to a relaxed and calm environment where employees and interns can enjoy themselves. The intern events that are hosted, again, by the interns themselves are a great way to end the week and are thoroughly well-deserved. Ultimately the events and networking opportunities were well run and enjoyable for all different types of people.

There are several clubs and opportunities that KPMG offer to their employees, ranging from sports such as running and football, to other non-sport activities. Furthermore KPMG have a gym in their London Canada Square building which is available to employees. Between these and networking and personal socialising, there is plenty for a KPMG employee to get involved with.

I would absolutely recommend the KPMG Vacation Scheme to a friend due to the wealth of experience not just in your chosen discipline, but in business in general you can pick up on the internship, further to the potential graduate opportunities (most graduates get a partner interview towards the end of their placement). The firm is clearly very graduate focused and put in several aspects designed to appeal to, and cater to the needs of interns and graduates.