The professional services firm’s first ‘audit only’ apprenticeship has 9 vacancies up for grabs to school leavers across its three Scottish offices (Aberdeen: 4, Edinburgh: 3, Glasgow: 2).

Places on the five-year programme will offer apprentices the chance to work towards a Level 7 ACA or CA qualification – accrediting them as an auditor upon completion. The launch follows a successful pilot which has been running over the last twelve months and has seen 70 new apprentices join the firm across the UK.

The new programme follows heightened investment in the firm’s audit practice with the addition of 1,000 experienced auditors and 1,000 graduates in 2019; the single biggest recruitment drive KPMG’s audit practice has ever seen.

Hugh Harvie, KPMG’s head of audit in Scotland, said: “Starting out in audit is a great career choice as it provides a broad education into how a business works. Our apprentices will be learning every day through working with experienced auditors and our structured in- house learning and development programmes.

“No two days will be the same as they help us run the rule over a large variety of different organisations across global markets, from the biggest multinationals through to innovative start-ups. Advances in new technology such as AI, blockchain and predictive analytics are fundamentally changing how we work and the sort of skills we’re looking for.

“Strong numeracy is still hugely important; but we also look beyond academic achievement alone and focus on potential. We are seeking those with natural curiosity, independent thinking and a keen eye for detail. If you feel you fit the bill and are looking for a rewarding career in a global organisation, we want to hear from you.”

Cajsa Thulin, KPMG apprentice, added: “I chose to do an apprenticeship at KPMG because I wanted to get stuck in and gain practical experience at a large global organisation. I knew university wasn’t for me, and by exploring different apprenticeships in a number of UK businesses I found that the KPMG programme was the best fit for my personal career path.

“I did my research, and everyone I spoke to praised the opportunities available here to learn both academically, and through working with experts in their chosen field. I’ve certainly developed a lot of skills in my time so far at KPMG, through using new technology and by meeting diverse groups of clients and colleagues. I would recommend an apprenticeship at KPMG to anyone who might be looking for an alternative to the traditional higher education model.”