Audit Associate Review

I am a student from University of Reading and in second year I was based in PwC office in the Spring term. During the placement I have work in 3 clients and have performed testing on Cost of Sales, Operating Expenses, Accounts Payables, Accounts Receivables, Payroll. Before I start performing the testing I have discussion with my in-charge or colleagues who will go through the procedures to perform this testing, therefore I have an initial understanding of what I need to do. I was responsible for completing the work that was assigned to me.

I have developed the skills to apply some of my accounting knowledge from university to some of the areas I was auditing for example Prepayments and PPE. I have also developed on my interpersonal skills by communicating regularly with my team members and in-charges to inform them about the work I have done and to request for guidance in areas I am struggling. Also, by communicating with the clients to raise queries and gain understanding of the nature of their business.

I have enjoyed my time in PwC because its has a good culture; I have been surrounded with very friendly and smart people who has helped throughout the placement. I enjoyed the amount of exposure I have gained from auditing 3 clients and the sense of responsibilities, especially in smaller audit team.

I felt very valued by PwC because I was responsible for auditing the area assigned to me. Therefore it was my responsibility to perform the work at good standard and with in the set deadline. I have done this by consistently seeking guidance with my in-charge and team members. The wide range of tasked assigned to me depended on the size of my client.

The programme was well structured. We had an induction training week on December after the end of first term. This is where we got given our laptops and did some technical training to be familiar with the software used and some of the testings we were gonna perform. The placement started from 02 January till the end of March. Due to the busy season period I was booked on client throughout the whole of my placement and gained good exposure.

The support I received on the job was great. At the start of the audit my incharge will usually walk me through the areas I am going to be working on and explain the procedures I need to undertake to perform the testing. This has helped me gain an understanding of the work I am performing.

Before I start performing the testing I have discussion with my in-charge or colleagues who will go through the procedures to perform this testing, therefore I have an initial understanding of what I need to do. I was responsible for completing the work that was assigned to me. Also during the audit my in-charge and team members are very approachable to answer any of my question, to improve my understanding of the work I am performing.

We are given an allowance if we live at home during the duration of the placement which covers our living costs. In terms of travel, only the travel to the office from client sites is covered. During some social events our costs are covered (but not for all). In terms of increasing travelling expenses the salary cost is just right.

Yes there is many opportunities outside of work to socialise. For example there is PwC football session every Thursday at 7pm. We also have debrief audit meal at the end of every audit.Beside the sports event there are many social events that take place in order for us to interact with people in the company and beyond. Such as the 'women in finance' networking event. There are also days where you can do some volunteering work and this counts as a working day.

Yes

PwC has a good strong culture and working environment.It is a great place to gain some experience and looks good on your CV. They through new starters straight into the deep end via giving many responsibilities and tasks ensuring a steep learning curve and therefore development is pursued. Although challenging, it pushes you as a person and worker.

In terms of the application process, ensure you adjoin well with the companys' corporate values and ensure the application puts your best foot forward. In terms of the interviews, thoroughly research the format beforehand and talk to others who have been through this stage - mainly be confident. Furthermore, ensure you are open minded, there are many fields at PwC and a lot more room to manoeuvre between different career choices.