Case studies : Trainee chartered accountant: Emma

Emma achieved a first class degree in law and business from Birmingham University and now works as an audit assistant within the audit department of KPMG LLP.

I first became acquainted with KPMG by taking part in the international case study competition as advertised through my university. My team qualified to the national finals where I was taken to London to compete against other teams from around the country.

Following this, I achieved a position as an intern on the company’s vacation placement scheme. During these six weeks, I worked on a range of clients spanning from motorcycle manufacturers to high street retailers, as well as enjoying getting to know the department through socials and corporate responsibility days. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as an intern. The experience enabled me to find out more about KPMG and the work a graduate joiner would do. I was impressed with the amount of responsibility I was given and the friendliness and support provided by everyone within the firm. KPMG is a professional and highly regarded business, however it is also a fun place to work and so I was delighted when I was offered a training contract following my placement.

After completing my degree, I joined one of the six private sector audit departments at KPMG Birmingham. Now, three years later, I have spent my time auditing companies and studying at college for the ACA qualification.  Although the ACA is challenging and involves a lot of commitment, as long as you are prepared to put the time in they are achievable and highly rewarding. KPMG provides a lot of support around exam time, allocating specific study times and ensuring management are aware of the exam timetable. Typically pass-rates are well over 90%.

I enjoy my job at KPMG because of the variety it brings, I have worked with senior management from over a dozen companies and I enjoy the culture of the firm. There are always new challenges, the opportunity to meet new companies, understand their businesses and experience overseas assignments. There is also a balanced social side to KPMG. There are frequent departmental socials ranging from karaoke and quiz nights to weekend trips to the Lakes. It really feels friendly.

There is also a lot of flexibility within the firm which allows a graduate to progress their career as they hope. I have recently secured a five month secondment to the tax department after voicing my interest in this area.

I am currently in the process of studying towards my final ACA exam, after which I will be a qualified chartered accountant.