Putting the theory into practice
After studying for 5 years at Otago University and coming out with a LLB and Bcom majoring in accounting, Carla O’Donnell was looking forward to putting all the theory into practice. Now into her second year at KPMG, Carla has some good advice for budding Tax graduates she is now helping to recruit.
“The grad induction week is a great way to bond with the other grads and learn what KPMG is all about and the buddy system makes your transitition from study to work a lot smoother as you have a friend to approach with all your questions. The tax training is comprehensive and constant. Each week consultants have a one hour training session, covering all aspects of tax practice in NZ. This provides a safe learning environment and an option to discover what areas of tax you could be passionate about."
“You get to do a range of tax work for a range of managers. This provides a great opportunity to test the waters in many areas without having to choose a specialisation right away. KPMG support you during your law professional studies which will be undertaken in your first year. You are granted one day off a week to complete your studies and time off to attend the onsite weeks. This is crucial to managing your study and work commitments.”
Now three years into his career, Chris Wills reflects on how busy his first year was.
“Most of my time was taken up researching and drafting the advice and calculations that we prepare for clients. Graduate life also includes meetings, phone calls and emails – both internal and with clients. Also, preparation of applications and letters and other correspondence to the Inland Revenue is a big part of the role.”
Nick Hope joined KPMG in 2006 after completing a summer internship and was recently promoted into a management role. For him the decision to join KPMG was about the people.
“I knew that my choice of firm was going to come down to where I felt most comfortable and I had the best feeling about KPMG and the people here.”
Nick recommends the internship route to success. “In addition to working alongside the colleagues I would be working with as a graduate, I also got a real taste of what the job was all about through working with some of the biggest companies in New Zealand.”
World class training
“Training and study features very prominently. You might find yourself working on a Tax Business School module one day (KPMG’s specialised internal training for Tax staff), and away from the office preparing for your law profs the next. And through lunchtime training sessions on specific areas of tax you get to learn from all the great, experienced people here and really pick their brains with endless questions.”
Carla has particularly enjoyed the social side of working. “The Tax Division in Wellington has a very active social group that also has social functions on the go to join in with. The division as a whole is very close and you will build strong relationships with people in the division especially those in your year group as you can all support each other.”