Traine Associate Review

I am in the Risk Assurance branch of the Audit and Assurance department. The work I do varies between working on ITGCs (IT General Controls) and Internal Audit. The internal audit work I have been involved in includes auditing universities against the UUK Code of Practice for accommodation and their expenditure of NCOP funding.

I have developed many skills since joining PwC. I have worked for a variety of clients on different elements of risk assurance. This allowed me to gain new skills on Microsoft Excel, my client communication, teamwork, accountability and specifically to the jobs, I have learned a lot about ITGCs and what they are.

I do enjoy it as there is a lot of flexibility. I am able to work from home a lot, whilst having time in the office to work alongside team members and also working on site with the client themselves. I have learned a lot in a small space of time.

For the most part it is well structured, however there could be some improvements. For example, in the first month, you have a 1 week training course in Egham, Windsor. Then the following week you are straight into college in Leeds (as a northern trainee), into your office for the first time on the third week and then back in Leeds for college in the fourth week. As you have to arrange your own travel, this can be a struggle considering you haven't had a payday yet and come straight from college.

I receive a lot of support. Sometimes you are left on your own to crack on with work but these types of situations allow you to develop and progress yourself in areas such as time management, responsibility, accountability and problem solving. There is always someone there to answer your questions though.

Kaplan are really helpful with supporting their students through the exams, however I feel there could be some improvements. Having a mobile app with a bank of multiple choice questions on, in my opinion be extremely helpful with revision on the go, as this could be done during work travel.

As a risk assurance trainee, there is not much overlap between the content that is learned for the exams and there work that I perform. However, this would be different for someone going into a role more to do with financial figures. I am aware this is very similar to what is learned in the course.

There are many different clubs and social activities to get involved in. In the risk assurance department, there is a social every single month. So far I have been go karting, trampolining, axe throwing and BreakOut rooms. There are also team socials as well as clubs such as 5 a side and 11 a side football and many other sports.

Yes

PwC is a great place to kick start your career if you feel you do not want to go to University. Your qualification is paid for and you gain work experience at the same time. The promotion progression is great and the majority of colleagues are very friendly and helpful.

Studying for exams whilst having the possibility of working on client site around the same time can be difficult and the exams can be harder than you think they will be. However, there is a great culture and a large support network available. In the application process, be yourself and just demonstrate the skills you know you have.