Flying Start Degree Programme - FS2, London Review

I worked as an auditor performing statutory audits and other similar engagements for a variety of clients. Daily tasks involved speaking to client finance, legal and HR teams, working with other people on PwC teams, taking responsibility for auditing certain items in the financial statements and working with a variety of computer software.

Most notably I was able to gain practical experience towards my ACA qualification, become proficient in using software such as excel, word and other PwC tools and software. I learned how to work effectively as part of a team and how to communicate with clients/external contacts in a professional manner.

It is a great opportunity to network and meet people from many different backgrounds. The work is interesting as you are able to see how specific companies and industries operate, as well as how accounting standards are put into practice. It is also interesting to see the culture of one of the biggest accounting firms in the world and how it operates in so many branches of accounting.

You receive 5 days of training prior to starting in the office, as well as continuous support throughout in the form of flying start champions, the rest of your team and your own personal career coach. When working in teams, there is plenty of opportunity to take ownership of work and delegate to more junior members of teams.

There is a wide support network at PwC, ranging from your career coach, to more senior people on your team and your industry group who are on similar clients to you. Most times people are easily available through instant messaging and calls/meetings can be easily set up through the firm's internal platforms.

The training provider send check-in emails to ensure that we are progressing well and are always happy to help and escalate any issues you face to more senior individuals if necessary. Guidance is always helpful and clear, and questions are never left unanswered even if they need to be referred to someone else.

The qualification and apprenticeship are very closely linked and allow you to apply the theory to real scenarios only a matter of months after learning them. The two also provide you with essential IT skills in excel and other similar software, as well as progress to achieving the ACA practical experience and exam qualifications.

The company always strives to set up social events at the office as frequently as possible, whether this be in the form of drinks or formal networking events to meet new people. The office is in Central London meaning that there are many opportunities nearby for social and team bonding events.

Yes

PwC is a global accounting firm and operates in a wide number of branches of accounting. This would open so many doors for career opportunities in the future, and allows you to meet a number of different people with different backgrounds and expand your network. You are always looked after and are never left alone in your work.

Make sure that you have a good knowledge of the current business climate, as it is an important area in the accounting profession. In interviews, speak in a professional business tone and be prepared for questions that you will be asked. In group assessments, always listen to what people have to say and never empower the team.