KPMG is launching a pilot programme for Audit and Advisory graduate trainees this autumn which will establish a new route to ACA qualification. The 12 month programme is designed to accelerate technical training and exams in order to empower trainees to apply higher level skills earlier in their career.
The scheme, known as the ACA Intensive Programme, is being developed in conjunction with BPP and with ICAEW support. The programme will see trainees obtain a Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance* from BPP University College at the end of their first year. The diploma has been designed as an intensive learning pathway and exams taken as part of the diploma in year one will count towards the ACA qualification. By the end of the ACA Intensive Programme trainees will only have the final Case Study exam to complete. Trainees will therefore have a largely uninterrupted period of practical work experience in years two and three of their three year training contract.
Michael Walby, Director of Professional Qualification Training at KPMG, said: “The accountancy profession has evolved significantly in recent years due to new technologies and changing business needs. We believe that our portfolio of graduate programmes needs to similarly evolve. Intensive study in the first year means that trainees will be able to translate their skills and knowledge earlier into a real business environment. This is what this pilot is all about.
“The launch of our groundbreaking School Leaver Programme in 2011 and our appointment of BPP to deliver our ACA training from the autumn of 2013 have already demonstrated our appetite for innovation. Our ACA Intensive Programme reflects our continued desire to innovate for the benefit of our people, KPMG and our clients.”
KPMG recognises the importance of practical work experience for the trainee chartered accountant. Periods of practical work experience have therefore been incorporated into the structure of the ACA Intensive Programme. The diploma will also include a Work in Professional Practice module which will focus on the development of professional skills required in the modern workplace and provide a strong link between academic learning and work based experience.
Dean of BPP Business School Tim Stewart said: “We’re delighted to be working with KPMG on this exciting new development in the accountancy training market. We believe this route to ACA qualification will enhance students’ ability and commercial awareness. The programme combines academic rigour with workplace competence so that KPMG graduates will be ready to hit the ground running.”
Mark Protherough, Executive Director at ICAEW, said: “ICAEW welcomes the development of this new ACA Intensive Programme, developed by KPMG and BPP, with ICAEW support.
This will be a very attractive qualification pathway for current undergraduates, and ICAEW is committed to working with KPMG and BPP to ensure its success.”
Around 65 students will start on the pilot this autumn. KPMG expects that over time more of the firm’s annual intake of ACA trainees will follow this new training route.
*The award of the Graduate Diploma will be made by BPP University College and is subject to final approval by the Academic Council of BPP University College.
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Media enquiries to:
Mark Hamilton, KPMG Corporate Communications 020 7694 2687
About KPMG
KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and operates from 22 offices across the UK with over 12,000 partners and staff. The UK firm recorded a turnover of £1.8 billion in the year ended September 2012. KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. We operate in 156 countries and have 152,000 professionals working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. KPMG International provides no client services
