Graduates

KPMG's Audit Practice

What is Audit? 

Does a company's record of its cash balance agree with the records of the bank? Do the employees really exist? Does a company own its fixed assets? How much is its stock really worth? How effective are the company's financial controls? Are the published accounts really a ‘true and fair’ reflection of the reality?  

Working in Audit demands the ability to find definitive answers to key questions like these. A great starting point for a business career, Audit will stretch your analytical ability, and help you build a thorough understanding of different client businesses.

The fundamental role of an auditor is defined as: to report to the shareholders of a company on whether the annual accounts show "a true and fair view" of the company’s financial activity and position, and to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 1985 / 2006.

One of the most challenging sides of audit comes into play with the first part of this definition. It is possible for company directors (or others working in an organisation) to interpret accounting policies and present financial information so that the performance of their business is shown in the best light.

It is therefore a key role of the audit provider to help ensure that appropriate accounting policies and processes are being applied and irregularities in financial reporting are identified.

Audit in KPMG

At KPMG, we also take a broader view of an audit’s purpose. We see an audit as an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of our clients’ business processes and objectives, in order to help them develop and thrive in changing markets.

Opportunities for Graduates

Our Audit Programme offers graduates a range of different opportunities across different business areas. Graduates joining our Audit Programme or Public Sector Audit Programme can expect to study for one of the several professional qualifications we offer, all of which are very highly valued in the industry.

We can offer graduates a great variety of work beyond pure auditing. You may be involved in accounting work, transactions, proposals or regulatory work. There are also secondment opportunities to other audit practices in the UK, to different sectors and, occasionally, to our clients.

If you’ve already completed some professional exams, but do not have relevant work experience then we may be able to consider you for an Audit Graduate training contract. If you’ve passed a number of professional exams and have relevant work experience then please visit the Experienced Professionals part of the website.

We are now taking applications for Graduate programmes in Audit to start in Autumn 2010