Accountancy giant KPMG has announced it will double its intake of school leavers next year, giving young finance students across the country an even greater opportunity to work for the ‘Big Four’ firm.
The news comes as the first intake into the company’s school leaver programme has joined the firm and will now study for an accountancy degree at either Durham or Exeter Universities.
More than 90 students have been placed on the programme in its first year. Over the next four years, they will divide their time between university and work experience at the firm. All tuition and university accommodation fees will be paid by KPMG on students’ behalf, and they will also receive a starting salary of up to £20,000.
After completing the degree, they will spend two years obtaining a professional qualification with all exam fees covered by the firm.
Oliver Tant, head of audit at KPMG, said: “In its way, this represents a watershed in the development and history of KPMG .”
“These students will get the best of both worlds – a company paid degree and a salary. We want to widen access into our profession for young people from all backgrounds.”