Flying start degree programme- FS2- London Review

My day to day role is being apart of an Audit team, working on various clients in lots of different business sectors. where we go on to the client site and test parts of the financial statements, to get comfort over the figures they will be using in there annual reports.

I have learnt many new skills this placement, as I have worked on longer length jobs, has allowed me to experience the whole audit of a client from day one. I am much more confident than I was from my previous placement and feel comfortable talking to the client on a one to one basis.

I really enjoy my programme and studying at Newcastle university as it gives such a good lifestyle balance, with studying and going on work placement as part of my degree. Which has set me up so well for when I leave university and start my full time job as a chartered accountant

The programme is well structured, as at the start of term the course leader sends us the dates for the whole year. So I know what dates im going on placement, my holidays and when the exams are scheduled too. Which is great so I can plan things around when im busy.

From my employer, there was some support given as when i joined, we were assigned a career coach/manager. Who you can always go to is there's any problems or if you need advice on anything. They also manage your well being and reviews feedback from jobs/clients that you have worked on.

The training provider is PWC/ICAEW examination board, they do offer a lot of support and guidance. As they provide the uni with textbooks, question banks and online support. Which are great resources to have when trying to pass the ICAEW qualifications as the pass rate is fifty five percent.

Throughout university we study towards taking the professional accreditation exams, which count towards our 15 exams to qualify to become a chartered accountant. Therefore then throughout placement, the knowledge we are learning in university can be used in the real world and in practice throughout our jobs. This is great.

As my placement is in london, the office is huge, therefore there isn't many extra curricular activities that i have heard of. However they hold office drinks and audit socials throughout the office, every couple of weeks or once a month. Which is great as once they did a pizza and drinks night so we could meet new people.

Yes

I would recommend PWC to a friend, as it's a great job and working atmosphere as the majority of workers are made up of the younger generation. As there is a lot of chances to travel and be on a variety clients which makes your job more interesting rather than staying in the office all year.

When applying to PWC, it has quite an intense interview approach, for example for me I had to pass a group assessment with a case study and then a individual interview. Make sure you know the core competencies of the company and know the latest business news of the world as this will really help.