Accountancy – discovering more about the business world
I’m delighted to start 2012 with a guest post from an LSE Alumni. Arnab Datta graduated from LSE in 2008 and is now a Chartered Accountant working with KPMG. Below he gives a personal insight into the what a career in accountancy can offer LSE students and recent graduates.
LSE Alumni Arnab Datta
After going through all of the application stages (it is not as tough as it sounds!), I joined KPMG on the ACA (ICAEW) Graduate Training Scheme. I chose to study the ACA qualification because it provides a solid base for a future career in business. Also, it keeps my options open for longer and is internationally recognised.
My induction to KPMG was interesting, since I attended the Global Audit Event in Athens where there were delegates from European countries, USA and Canada. Back in the UK, I have worked on and supervised audits of companies in different industries ranging from Financial Services to Media and Travel. Audit involves going to clients’ sites and checking their accounting records to ensure that none of the numbers in their financial statements have been ‘materially misstated’.
Although the work involves analysis in spreadsheets, one important part is building good relationships with clients to receive information promptly and get answers to questions. Also, good organisational and project management skills are required, since you need to juggle different tasks at any one time.
I have gained experience of the wider firm with secondments to other business areas. These have included a role as Assistant to the Chief Economist, where I analysed market data and attended the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) Pre-Budget Report analysis, where journalists from the BBC and ITN were present. Also, I have worked in Tax, preparing income tax and capital gains calculations for various clients.
My other recent experience has been in Forensic, where accountants investigate fraud and money laundering claims and solve disputes between two parties over the value of companies or where there is disagreement over assets during a couple’s divorce. This type of advisory work is quite exciting as each project is different.
Overall, the best research is speaking to current trainees to discover more about their experiences. Also, find out as much as you can about the ACA exams, since they are a major commitment during your training contract. When choosing a training organisation, do not only consider its reputation but look for somewhere where you will enjoy working and learning for three years.
ARNAB DATTA
BSc (Hons) Economics and Economic History (LSE)
Chartered Accountant (ACA), KPMG, London
Email: arnab.datta@kpmg.co.uk
