KPMG: Thomas Whiteley
Thomas Whiteley
Role: Graduate Trainee, Performance and Technology
University Attended: University of Oxford
Degree: Economics and Management
How did you find the recruitment process?
I was quite impressed with the recruitment process. Compared to other firms the whole process was very quick, you always knew where you stood, and the people centre was always happy to help whenever I rang them up/emailed them.
Why did you choose to work for KPMG P&T?
On leaving university, I had some idea of what type of work I wanted to do, but I had no idea which industry I wanted to do it in. I therefore wanted a graduate scheme that gave me the opportunity to see many different industries. With the P&T rotational programme I was guaranteed to see at least three completely different industries, and as it turns out I will actually have the opportunity to see several more.
What is the best thing about working for KPMG P&T?
Whilst it sounds like a cliché, I do think that the people really make KPMG a great place to work. All the teams that I have worked in have been different, but always fun. Everyone is always happy to help, and the fact that you here many stories about people leaving and then deciding to come back a few years later can only back this up.
What qualifications are you working towards and what support are you getting?
I have already completed the foundation level of the CIMA qualification, fully supported by KPMG, and intend to continue with the rest of the qualification in due course.
What do you do on a day-to-day basis/ what kind of roles have you had?
My work changes hugely from project to project. I have had to do all sorts from tracking project milestones and keeping the project risk management file to building a theoretical organisational culture model and designing and rolling out a global survey.
How do you work with clients?
My work is generally based at client site. Therefore, you are interacting with clients on a day to day basis, from day 1 of the job (after your initial induction). I led a client meeting after just 4 weeks. I know it might not be for everyone, but personally I loved being thrown in at the deep end straight away.
What advice would you give someone wanting to join P&T?
If you like variety, teamwork and project-based work then don’t hesitate to apply.
What did you study at University? Is it a barrier if your degree isn’t accountancy related?
I studied Economics and Management at Oxford. However, there is a wide range of degrees amongst the graduates that joined with me. The variety of work that you can get involved in means that you really don’t need much business knowledge at all, and the CIMA foundation, which you do in your first 6 months, brings you up to speed with any that may be useful anyway.
What social, society and CSR activities have you been involved with at KPMG?
With the wide variety of teams (from project teams to sports teams) that you get involved in, especially with your rotation, means that you can probably go for (free!) drinks almost every week. I play for the KPMG hockey team in a summer corporate league, and I am also involved in organising a KPMG graduate ball. Next year, I am going on a KPMG trek across the Sahara desert in order to raise money for KPMG’s chosen charity, Barnado’s.
What opportunities are available to you in the long term at KPMG?
Anything and everything. I can gain experience in almost any industry I want, and can do any type of work from Organisational Strategy to IT Advisory to Change Management. I can also build a huge network of people that will undoubtedly go on to be influential in all sorts of organisations, meaning that I can use KPMG to shape my career however I want.
