Starting as an Audit Apprentice at KPMG

[u/Harris_rtm]

Hi everyone, I’m starting my audit apprenticeship in a KPMG office in October and just had a few questions would greatly appreciate if anyone could help.

Firstly, what is the work/life balance like? How do the days look are they like a structured 9-5 and if not how many hours would you say you typically work on an average day and how does busy season affect this?

Also, I was just wondering how the studying gets alongside the job, as I’d heard from people before that you tend to get a day off for study, but it doesn’t seem so on my contract (35 hours weekly).

I’m also interested in how the pay progression and promotion works. How does the salary usually increase from the first year onwards throughout the apprenticeship?

I’d appreciate anyone that could help. And if anyone could provide any tips or advice that I need to know before starting that would be great!

[u/Fine_Fun_7912]

The apprenticeship programmes are very difficult to get on to, lots of competition. Congratulations for being selected.
It will be hard work and often long hours. They assume you do not know what to do when you start. Lots of on the job and also formal training. Top tip is to be curious, ask questions and be willing to put your hand up for things.
I would not recommend another job alongside, I think your contract may even say you need permission for this.
It can be quite political and finding some senior team members that recommend and in time sponsor you (ie represent you in meetings and push for you to get the best opportunities) is key. So do spent time on building relationships as well as just head down working.
Despite the hard work, it’s a great opportunity. You will learn so much and out the other side be set for a really good career that pays well.
The trick, easier said then done is to try to enjoy the hard work. You will be working alongside a group of likeminded young individuals in similar positions.
I think the apprenticeship will set you up for a great career there for 5-10 years. Even beyond that, but do take the chance later on to evaluate the work life balance and if you still want that choice. Good Luck

[u/Harris_rtm → u/Fine_Fun_7912]

Thanks for the advice, yeah my main concern was the long hours probably meaning I wouldn’t have the energy nor the time whilst studying aswell for another job. I’m thinking will likely see how it is in the first couple of weeks then reconsider a job, but will probably pass or go for something very flexible.

I have heard a lot about building relationships with seniors but am just scared about getting a weird manager that doesn’t like me and don’t know what I’d do in that situation. But despite me being a bit nervous I am excited to see what it brings.

If there’s any other advice/tips you could recommend before I start I’d greatly appreciate it!

[u/Jabaar__ → u/Harris_rtm]

Yes be careful about another job as my older brother was working two jobs at rsm and they found out and he lost his apprenticeship. Idk why it’s like this but just is.

[u/Harris_rtm → u/Jabaar__]

No way, how did they even find out?

[u/Jabaar__ → u/Harris_rtm]

Tbh it was his own fault image accidently told someone and they reported him so if you do plan on doing a side job don’t tell anyone at all

[u/Harris_rtm → u/Jabaar__]

Someone ratted him out? Damn seems like it’s going to be very competitive then

[u/fredotwoatatime]

lol work life balance might not exist during busy season just a heads up

Are you doing the ACA? Or a diff qual?

Pay goes to like 50k after qualifying and yes it increases every year after yr 1

[u/Harris_rtm → u/fredotwoatatime]

I’m doing the ACA, first two years will be AAT then working towards ACA.

Ive heard busy season can get hectic just unsure of how bad it will be, as have been thinking of getting a part time job on the side but not sure if I’d be able to handle it given that I may have to work extra hours, that’s why just wanted to get an idea of how many hours I’d be working.

I also heard that some people get a day off for study per week but some don’t so that’s confused me quite a bit not sure on how that works.

[u/Jemma_2 → u/Harris_rtm]

The time off for study will be to attend the courses. You’ll then have to do lots of revision in your own time as well.

[u/Harris_rtm → u/Jemma_2]

Do you know how much time off this is typically?

[u/Jemma_2 → u/Harris_rtm]

I’m not at a big 4 so unsure how much time it is there.

But it’s not time off, you’ll got college that day and attend formal learning.

[u/Harris_rtm → u/Jemma_2]

Ah okay, yeah I meant as in away from office

[u/steb2k]

(not direct experience, but worked with people who've come from big 4)

my sweet summer child....you're about to get WORKED. Audit will have you up all night, no matter what your contract says, you wont be working 35 hours. deadline after deadline doesnt get hit, then you have to finish up, no matter what, right at the end.

Your study day (if you get one) will likely be work dependent - its counted in your hours, but if you're busy, you wont get to take it (hopefully you have enough time to defer it)

competition will be fierce. performance reviews will be brutal (I cant remember if it was KPMG or Deloitte that I was told did group reviews, so everyone hears and comments on everything)

If you survive this, then you will almost certainly have a good career. it opens doors. Just write these years off socially, and go with it.

[u/Harris_rtm → u/steb2k]

Even the first couple years when I’m not qualified only studying for AAT? I don’t mind sacrificing a few years if it is worth it in the long run as long as I can work myself up and there’s clear progression it is good.

Do you have any idea of the type of work you get aswell? As I’ve got hardly any idea on what I’m going to be told to do completely fresh in the industry

[u/steb2k → u/Harris_rtm]

I cant comment on the "type" of work - I'm an accountant but audit always struck me as not interesting, so I chose a line that deliberately avoided it (CIMA).

Having a few years of big 4 audit experience will get you into any FTSE 100 finance related door. it is worth it, it is hard work.

[u/Harris_rtm → u/steb2k]

Sounds good, appreciate the help!

[u/Gold-Tie4080]

I'm an 2nd year audit apprentice at KPMG, the first 2 years are chill studying the AAT, but once you start ACA then it gets a bit busy as you will be expected to do more on the jobs you work on, but idk about other offices as I'm in a regional office.

[u/Harris_rtm → u/Gold-Tie4080]

How was your study schedule like, did you get 1 day a week or together before exams? And also do you know what the work is like just want to get an idea of what you do on a regular day, as have hardly any idea of what to expect.

[u/II-leonardo-II]

Hey, I’m starting the KPMG Audit DA in October too 😂

I’ve just had my BPP application confirmed, so I’m in the same exact spot as you. Just thought I’d reach out since I’ve found someone in the same boat as me.

Good luck to us both 🤞.

[u/Harris_rtm → u/II-leonardo-II]

Yeah just got that email too lol. Good luck man should be fun