Rating

8.2/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • In an associate role, you complete basic to slightly more advanced audit work in areas such as PPE, cash, accruals, salaries, etc. An audit involves various stages that you will be involved with, including: planning and walkthroughs with the client, test of details, controls testing and documentation, statutory accounts reporting, completion.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learned a great deal about accounting and finance that a normal degree would not provide me with exposure to. These include but are not limited to: how to build client relations and manage stakeholder expectations, communication and relationship skills, technical skills, completing audit work compliant with regulations and how to apply accounting standards.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • Although the degree is challenging due to the steep learning curve of completing ICAEW exams alongside university, I have enjoyed the challenge and learn new things everyday. I enjoy the university aspect as well as the working aspect and being able to earn whilst still a student and working towards completing my degree.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • This degree programme is offered at Nottingham, Newcastle and Reading University. There have been a number of cohorts and it is well organised in terms of the number of ICAEW exams you will complete by the end of it. The programme could benefit by improving the level of training provided to Flying Start associates, given this is all 'on the job' training.

    7/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • Working directly within audit teams allows you to get a great deal of support from senior team members. Most seniors understand you are still a placement student and provide additional support as needed. As we are all assigned 'career coaches' you are able to easily get additional support when needed in time management, pastoral care, etc.

    8/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • As a member of PwC studying towards the ICAEW ACA qualification, you will receive ICAEW textbooks with many practice questions in exam style that are extremely helpful in revision as well as study time at college for the final exams. In addition, when completing some exams at university, you will receive similar learning styles within lectures and seminars.

    8/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • The ICAEW ACA qualification involves regulated exams which provide you with the basis for understanding the nature of audit testing and what is required as well as knowledge in tax, business law, corporate finance, hedging, etc. This programme means you will have this knowledge going forward and is helpful when working within the role.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • At the Milton Keynes office, althought it is a smaller office, it is more social and interactive. There is a social society in which you can help to organise events, Monday Night Football, month-end drinks and a number of different events throughout the calendar year as a new joiner, to get in involved.

    10/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • PwC has a well structured degree tailored to training individuals and providing them with the necessary tools and qualifications to progress within a career in accounting. The ICAEW qualification is renowned and extremely beneficial when pursuing future careers in similar disciplines. PwC also has a graduate programme which offers the same qualification.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
  • I would advise to research about audit and what this entails to understand the nature of the role you are applying for. I would also recommend you get into contact with other students on this programme, for example via linkedin to learn about their experiences and their point of view


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

Accounting, Finance

Milton Keynes

May 2019


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