Trainee Associate Review

Currently, I am on a secondment to the Tax Data & Analytics team. My typical day revolves around meeting with clients to discuss efficiency around the year end return point. We workshop with clients to find out problem areas and aim to deliver solutions. My typical role when I return from secondment is based around Risk & Governance of tax departments, this stems from the need for clients to be transparent around their tax affairs - we often risk assess clients and using that data we create visualisations and offer insights into how we can mitigate the risks the client has.

I have attained CFAB certification, a stepping stone to the wider ACA (ICAEW) Chartered accountancy qualification. The most important skill I have attained during my apprenticeship is the skill that confidence and a willing to learn attitude bring - Since investing in those I have been able to learn numerous types of software and gained respect as an apprentice and a colleague in the team.

The programme has been extremely difficult, but for the right reasons - I have learned and grown as person throughout the programme and continue to do so now. The programme exceeds my expectations as I never realised the amount of responsibility a 'junior' could undertake if you're willing to try and gain the respect of your colleagues.

The programme induction was well organised due to the amount of people the start with the firm each September, we all received 'buddies', attend training days, and have career coaches where there main focus is to support you, to support your development and encourage your growth within the whole firm.

From my employer there are dedicated teams that deal with Student Recruitment, Professional qualifications, as well as your career coach - who will always find the answer to a question you may have about anything through a wide connection with fellow colleagues. We have a HApp (Higher apprentice) mentoring scheme in my department with cohorts above that can answer questions and support us.

Our training providers has near enough 24/7 contact facilities if we are struggling with a given topic. The tutors we have had for each exam have always gone above and beyond and if you are struggling will arrange a call, spend extra time or point you towards extra guidance.

My qualification has allowed me to have an awareness of the firm, the business type and the wider world. I have been able to understand more economic and politics events, and the context which surrounds it. I have been able to put into practice what I have learned, through the obtained knowledge of accounting concepts.

As a company wide event there is 'One Firm, One Day' where numerous volunteering activities are organised and we all sign up to attend one the multiple activities. There are always social events from a quick drink to pottery making! When I am not working I will be either down the gym or enjoying time with my family, and there definitely appears to be an allowance for that work life balance, especially given the firm wide policy of the allowance of working from home.

Yes

As the opportunities are endless once you are within PwC - It is a great place to start as you aren't limiting yourself to a specific sector or business, PwC has every kind of job you could really imagine - and I can really say that no two days are ever the same.

Don't be afraid to get yourself noticed, and don't ever put yourself off the decision of applying. I was the only person in the room at my assessment centre that hadn't taken accounting/finance or even heard of the big 4, yet I am the one who has the drive and confidence to put myself in the limelight now and be the only junior to be noticed. Do your research prior to the Assessment centre/Interview, but don't stress over it as they're looking for who you are a person - they aren't looking for machines! Have a laugh when it comes to the group assessments, the assessors know that the situations are make believe, but demonstrate your flair and a different way of addressing a situation. Ultimately my advice would be to just give it a go...I did, and now I'm writing tips and advice!