Flying Start Review

Flying Start (Associate) The role usually involves testing the lower risk financial statement items. Typically this involves liaising with the clients to gather the evidence required to test the area of accounts and taking responsibility for any queries and issues with those areas responsible for.

Currently undertaking the ACA exams with PwC. They have helped me to have a solid understanding of the different business disciplines such as accounting, finance, taxation and business strategy. The placements have helped me to apply the knowledge from the academic ACA modules to real life scenarios and has helped me to make links between the different disciplines and allow me to gain an understanding of different business environments.

The PwC environment is very welcoming and on the vast majority of teams I was placed onto my seniors were very approachable which allowed me to settle in quite easily. This exceeded my expectations as before joining, I had the idea that my seniors would be very busy therefore my interaction would them would be minimal however in most cases my seniors have encouraged me to be inquisitive and have in turn helped me develop technically as well.

I feel PwC definately does recognise our efforts as they regularly organise socials and had now introduced over time pay. However there could be greater communication between the programme leaders at Nottingham and PwC resourcing as often resourcing were unaware of our dates and at the beginning we were not placed into a social group and for me I was not on any mailing list for business unit emails.

I feel the programme is very well structured as the placements integrated with my time at university studying for the ACA modules enabled me to apply my knowledge learned in the clasroom to real life engagements. Additionally before each placement, we received trainings which helped us to become familiar with the PwC systems and methodologies for working.

My tutors at university where we studied for the ACA modules were very helpful and whenever I had queries were always willing to help me out.

When we first join PwC we are assigned a people manager. Luckily for me my people manager was excellent and ensured I was able to settle down easily into the firm. He gave me great tips on how to start engagements and ensured any issues I had were resolved promptly.

Whilst on placement in London, PwC provided us with great accomodation therefore rent was taken care of. Additionally the salary we got was adequate for living, travelling and other daily costs.

PwC has socials frequently and and organises volunteering and guest speakers to come in occasionally which could improve in the future.

Yes

PwC has great clients and the training you get is excellent. In the assurance industry you are learning from the best in the industry and able to work with some really professional people.

To research the company beforehand and have a clear reason as to why you feel you are a good fit for PwC and the industry you are apply to.