What has you journey been like since starting PwC as a trainee accountant?

I joined PwC through their school leaver programme. I started as a Higher Apprentice which meant I would help prepare corporate tax returns. As I completed more of the ACA qualification I was given more responsibility and now, as a Senior Associate, I review corporate tax returns and prepare returns for my own clients – which then get submitted to HMRC.

So you decided to take ICAEW’s apprenticeship route to obtaining the ACA, do you feel like you have missed out not going to university?

When doing my A-levels, I knew that I wanted to be an accountant, but wasn’t sure on how to get there. I saw that ICAEW had an apprenticeship route that also allows you to gain the ACA qualification, the same level as a masters degree and this really appealed to me. It has been a great experience and one I would recommend to all students. A lot of my friends have just graduated from university and are looking for jobs – however I’m now three years into my role and a senior associate working for a Big Four company.

I’d fully recommend this route to all A-level students, you’ll not feel like you have missed out on not going to university.

What skills are valued at PwC?

You don’t have to be someone who loves maths. There are a lot of people in the firm who didn’t study maths or business. Problem solving, working with people, communication and ethics are all fundamental in developing as a chartered accountant and are developed while training for the ACA. If you want to become a leading business professional, then this is for you.

What’s your advice to A-level students considering the school leaver route?

When undertaking the apprenticeship route with ICAEW, it’s important to make use of the support they offer. I now deliver to a high standard because of the ICAEW events and support – it allows you to network and speak to other students who are in a similar position. It’s great to share experiences and advice with one another.