Audit: Public Sector Audit
KPMG’s Public Sector Audit team support high profile areas of the Public Sector, such as health, central government, local government, education and other publicly funded non-for-profit organisations.
Our remit is wider than the straightforward auditing of financial statements. Here you’ll also support organisations to make good use of taxpayers’ funds, as well as enable them to deliver improved services. With our growing internal audit function working with Public Sector organisations, charities and regulators, a career within Public Sector Audit will develop as you do.
This programme is designed to expose you to the breadth of our work. So, as well as experiencing projects and clients in different areas of the Public Sector, you’ll also receive support to gain invaluable professional qualifications.
Training and Development
Over the course of a three-year ACA training programme you’ll spend around 20% of your work time studying. That’s equivalent to a day a week, so you can be sure of joining a firm that takes your development as seriously as you do. KPMG also has the largest full time Professional Qualification Training team of the Big Four – dedicated to giving you the best chance of passing your exams first time. You’ll even have the flexibility to study at your own pace through online learning packages.
At KPMG, most of our graduates excel in their professional exams. For example, in September 2011, 92% of KPMG ICAEW trainees sitting their Professional Stage papers passed first time, compared to an Institute average of 76%. The fact that KPMG trainees consistently outperform Institute pass marks is a real testament to our people and the quality of our training.
We’ll also provide other essential skills training in areas such as communication, IT, ethics, networking and consulting to give you the best possible chance of success.
Find out more about how our support and training will benefit you.
At a glance
| Business area | Audit |
| Programme length | Three years |
| Qualifications | ACA |
| Location | Various locations |
| Entry requirements | Yes |
Interested?
Find a programme and apply.
Take that vital first step towards a rewarding career with KPMG.
Search & ApplyWant to know more?
We’ve got some great material that should answer any questions you might have.
We’ve got a great selection of advice and information available, to make sure we’re the right fit for each other. Download the PDF for a detailed breakdown of what is involved in this programme day-to-day, what qualifications you can study for and what other people who have been through the programme thought of it.
Meet Heather Simpson
As part of Audit you work with clients on a daily basis, so I make sure I’m polite, friendly and above all, professional at all times.
- Business area: Public Sector Audit Department
- Degree: MA (Hons) Economics
- Location: London
Frequently asked questions
Answers to some of the questions you might have.
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What are some of the recent developments in the Public Sector?
The Public Sector is always high profile. Pick up any newspaper and the headlines are often related to Public Sector issues such as hospital waiting lists, the deficit in the NHS or whether services are providing value for money against government resources. Improving public services is a key part of the government's agenda and we play an important part in checking that organisations are spending money where they’re supposed to and helping them improve their performance to meet government targets.
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Does Public Sector audit differ from Private Sector audit?
Yes. We’re appointed as external auditors by the Audit Commission, Audit Scotland or the Accounts Commission for Scotland to many health and local government bodies, rather than the organisations themselves. Secondly, the Audit Commission's Code of Audit Practice and Audit Scotland's Code of Audit Practice sets out our audit responsibilities. They’re wider than in a traditional audit to provide public accountability for the money spent by these organisations and help ensure that taxpayers receive value for money. For other Public Sector organisations, such as foundation hospitals, universities and housing associations, we’re appointed directly by the bodies themselves.
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Where could a career in Public Sector Audit lead me?
Once you've passed your accountancy exams, the career opportunities are vast. You may want to develop particular sector skills on a variety of assignments as part of KPMG’s Public Sector Audit practice. Or you might consider other options, including:
- Working within a different KPMG function, e.g. KPMG’s Public Sector Advisory, Corporate Finance or Transaction Services practices
- Working abroad on secondment as part of KPMG’s global network
- Moving into a role such as Business Analyst or Financial Controller in the public sector for a hospital trust or local authority
