Flying Start Review

I am a Flying Start 1 working in assurance. I have worked on various different clients as a junior member of the audit team. I have to interact with clients and work as part of a team to investigate for any material misstatements of the financial statements. I have worked on a number of different areas of the audit such as cash, receivables, PPE, payables, investments, operating expenses and cost of sales.

Both at university and working for PwC I have learned lots. I have learned about various different areas of audit whilst on placement. In additon to this I have developed my professional skills by dealing with clients and representing PwC. We also have professional skills sessions a university in preparation for this. I have learnt about different areas such as financial accounting, law and tax at university. This has really increased my knowledge across many areas that I have then been able to put into practice on placement.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme. At university I have made some of the best friends I have on the course and then the people at work are really friendly and welcoming too. The work is challenging and no two days are the same. It is a great combination of having the university experience alongside gaining valuable work experience.

I have been made to feel extremely valued by PwC. I have been out for meals after debriefs and had my lunch bought for me as a thank you for hard work. I have received lots of praise from the people I have worked with. We also have a recognition reward system in place where you can recommend people for hard work and they then receive a voucher you can spend at various shops. I have also been given a lot of responsibility on jobs so I know that my contribution is highly valued.

With us going on placement in busy season it means we are constantly busy and therefore get a lot out of the placements, instead there been times when it is quiet and you don't have much to do. There is a great network of people there to support you and everyone is more than willing to answer any questions you might have. We receive good training in preparation for going on placement as well.

I have a mentor at university who I can speak to if I have any problems. In addition to this a lot of the staff are really supportive and are willing to help deal with any problems. The ICAEW also provide good support that you know is there if you need it.

There are a large range of support networks in place. Every office has a flying start champion who is in contact before you start on placement and helps you to settle into the office. You also have a buddy who is there to support you and answer any questions you may have. Outside of that my people manager and generally everyone I have worked with have been more than happy to answer any questions I have had.

My salary is very good particularly for someone my ages and has meant I've had the money to book a holiday and go and visit people on a weekend, whilst still saving the majority of me earnings. They also give me an allowance for living at home that I then give to my parents. They will also pay for my travel to client sites and with me not having a car this is brilliant for me.

There are many opportunities outside of work. We have an office social club and there have been regular office socials such as a games and pizza night in the office and a weekend trip to Amsterdam. I have also played football for my office against the Sheffield office. I have also been invited to various networking events.

Yes

I have loved my time on the flying start course and working with PwC. The work is challenging but being able to work on a wide range of clients that vary in size means that no two days are the same. You are constantly interacting with new people. PwC have made me feel valued highly. Most importantly the people are all very friendly and have been brilliant to work with.

I would tell them that it is a brilliant experience and they won't regret applying. The interview days are way more relaxed than you would expect and are just a chance to show why you are suitable for the course. The work is really challenging but you are rewarded well and expectations of you aren't unrealistic. If you want to enjoy university life whilst also gaining valuable work experience then this course is perfect.