Associate Review

Working as an auditor, I visit clients to perform their annual external audits. This involves performing tests to evidence the amounts included in their financial statements. It's a mix of face to face communication and work using excel. I've had good variety, gained exposure to senior internal and external staff and improved my business knowledge

I've become more confident using excel, better at identifying unusual accounting transactions & more confident in conversing with senior staff.

I enjoy the variety but sometimes there is a monotonous element to the job in which you spend long periods of time using your computer. The company culture tries to ensure a varied and balanced workload but this might not always be the case during busy season. The programme works well in balancing university and placements.

This being my third placement, I've had more responsibility which has given me greater exposure to senior staff (managers, directors & partners). As such, I've contributed more to higher level discussion and have felt more valued as a result. There is an expectation for overtime and a very high standard of work, so there could be situations where you feel that your contribution goes un-noticed.

The structure and organisation is very good. The university/placement balance is great and the transitions between the two work well. It is really good that we still get proper university holidays as the intensity of the course means a rest is appreciated. The support mechanisms at university (tutors etc) are robust and there are multiple people to turn to whilst on placement should support be needed (people manager, buddy, champion etc).

I've been in contact with my personal tutor whilst at university and on placement and their support has been invaluable. They responded quickly to my concerns and worked to resolve them in a quick and efficient manner. On placement I had problems with accommodation and they were ever present in ensuring they were quickly handled.

I've felt very well supported by my training provider, with full credit going to my people manager. They've been very professional in their role and seemed to strike an excellent social/professional balance.

Currently fairly well. Whilst on placement, PwC provided accommodation and as such my salary could be used for recreation etc. However, I didn't feel that the salary was a fair reflection of my contribution compared to full time employees performing the same role. However, the cost of living in Cardiff is affordable and paid mileage to clients contributes adequately towards vehicle costs, repairs and maintenance.

During busy season, opportunities were limited outside of month end drinks. However, there were sporting events (cricket, football, netball) and SEWCASS events (paintballing, drinks). Alongside these were PwC networking/social events such as north wales business club dinner and Acorns dinners.

Yes

Its a supportive environment to complete your ICAEW exams and you gain a great variety of knowledge from your daily role. Colleagues are friendly, typically young and there is a great coaching environment which allows you to progress quickly

As well as being good with excel/accountancy, it's important to have good people skills as the majority of your time is client facing