Shadowing an accountant Review

For the middle three days of this program I shadowed a member of the audit team at PwC in London. I gained a further understanding of a day in the life of an accountant and what roles and responsibilities this entails. Despite only being there for three days I was handed minor tasks to complete such as tabulating data and helping to create the student newsletter. This gives information to new joiners about the company and other social issues to help integrate them to the firm. I have since applied for a school and college leaver role with PwC and have been successful.

Whilst in the office I was able to complete some of the online training modules that new joiners will also have to complete. These were about how the company is run and what measures need to be taken to ensure the company remains impartial. The week helped me to understand what skills I had and what skills I would need to have to become a chartered accountant.

I thoroughly enjoyed the business insight week. I was given work to do that was both challenging and enjoyable and was offered support at all times by those around me. The team were friendly and helped me to integrate by taking me out to lunch and chatting to me about my future career goals. I got the impression that everybody within the company worked as a team and had a positive mindset.

Whilst I didn't have too much to do, what I did do was greeted with gratitude. When I completed as task the person who was helping me would look over it and say what they liked or didn't like which gave me the opportunity to improve upon it. What I did was recognised and I quickly became embedded into the office life.

The programme was structured very clearly. We were told at the start what would happen on each day. In the middle three days we all had a 'buddy' who we would work with and who would support us if we needed it. As for the first and last day we worked in teams and were given clear instructions on what to do and how to go about it. There were people to help us from lots of different levels within the company hierarchy.

My buddy was there to assist me in any task that I was to undertake and give me hints and tips about how to do it. Other colleagues were also willing to help me just as much to help me get the most out of the week that I possibly could. I knew if there was anything I needed that there we people nearby to ask for help who would gladly offer it.

The people in charge of the business insight week were outstanding. They ran the programme very well, clearly setting out what we were to do and ensuring that everybody joined in to the best of their ability and was supported enough to do this. Throughout the week we knew that they were only an email away if we needed any guidance and they would be there to support us.

During this week I was paid a rate of about £9 an hour. While this was a very nice incentive I felt the insight into the company was much more valuable for me for my future job prospects. I stayed with my sister in London so had very little costs in terms of living.

As shown in the student newsletter there are opportunities for employees to go to social events outside of work. Only being there for a week I did not have the chance to join in on any of these but when I join the company permanently I will look to see what I can attend.

Yes

There is a clear career path outlined to you from the start and you are made aware of what you have to do to 'climb the ladder'. You get to work in one of the biggest accountancy firms in the world working internationally and with people from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. There is lots of opportunity to move within the company to a different role more suited to you and you have the opportunity if you wish to gain a further understanding of every sector. PwC offers a great career in professional services where the sky is the limit.

Take every stage of the application seriously. It is a fantastic opportunity if you are offered a role within the company and you should do all you can to gain the chance. Thoroughly revise for the online tests so that you are prepared, know what to expect and can do the best that you can for the assessments. This applies also to the assessment day. If you are fortunate enough to get through to interview make sure you know the company inside out, are well prepared and have questions to ask the interviewer. Ensure that you know the the company values and have examples of how you have shown these in the past.