Flying Start Degree programme - FS2 Milton Keynes Review

Flying Start degree programme - FS2, Milton Keynes. I was part of various audit teams and involved myself in different tasks such as testing of Accounts Receivable, Accounts payable, Property, plant and equipment, and Accruals. I regularly communicated with external clients, obtaining required evidence for our audits. On a day-to-day basis I would work with a team to get closer to completion of the audit, resulting in us concluding on the state of a company's financial statements.

I have worked towards the professional development work experience required to become a chartered accountant whilst on placement. I did various internal training courses, including e-learns on independence and compliance. I have learnt a lot of professional skills, including how to communicate well with difficult clients, how to manage my time well, and how to keep myself driven and motivated.

I have really enjoyed my programme. The work has been challenging, meaning I have had the opportunity to learn a lot of new things. The teams I have worked with have all been enjoyable with a good morale and atmosphere. The company culture was good and I was always offered support when I needed it. The programme exceeded expectations.

All of the teams I worked with appreciated my efforts and regularly thanked me for my commitment and help. PwC have a good recognition system where you can be nominated when you go above and beyond. I really appreciated this as we were able to see where people were working hard. I felt valued at work.

The programme is very well structured with thorough training before joining the firm, a good introduction to the office and PwC lifestyle at the beginning, and support throughout. They have a good buddy system where older students look after those in the years below them and more senior staff oversee all of us. We have regular check-ups and feedback to ensure we are coping well with working lifestyle.

Support was always given and readily available if I needed extra. I was given good advice whilst on my placements which resulted in me having an enjoyable time. Everyone's attitudes towards support were good - with people of all grades offering help whenever they could. We were given key contacts as our main point of call for support which was useful.

Support was always given and readily available if I needed extra. I was given good advice whilst on my placements which resulted in me having an enjoyable time. Everyone's attitudes towards support were good - with people of all grades offering help whenever they could. We were given key contacts as our main point of call for support which was useful.

As we are provided with accommodation next to our office location this means our living and travel costs are not high. We are paid a very good salary and overtime when we work above our contracted hours. Travel costs away from the normal office location are covered by expense claims. Daily costs for lunch, etc. are not high.

There are a lot of company events on outside of work; such as monthly drinks, quizzes, and game nights. These gave us the opportunity to interact with colleagues outside of work. There are a lot of chances to be involved with sports teams; including badminton, table tennis, pool, and football. When I wasn't working I interacted with other Flying Start students.

Yes

PwC are an excellent company who offer the opportunity to become chartered accountants in a highly professional, well-supported environment. They offer a huge variety, with every day offering new challenges. PwC have an excellent, and well-earned, reputation and as such will set anyone up who wants a career in Accountancy or audit.

My best advice to someone applying to PwC would be to research the company and have a good understanding of what audit involves. They should also have good business acumen/knowledge of what is happening in the wider world. Assessment days are well organised and can be enjoyable if you are well prepared. I would have liked to have known more about audit before going through the application process.