Trainee Associate Review

I work on the preparation of monthly and quarterly management acocunts, the preparation of VAT returns, the preparation of tax returns, and the preparation of statutory financial statements. On a day to day basis i liase with managers and senior managers within the PwC team, and also with the client to report of progress.

I have developed my communication and confidence with communication by having face-to-face meetings with senior figures within PwC and client companies. This has meant i have to display my technical knowledge to the and explain principals they may not be aware of and how i have accounted for transactions in management accounts for example.

I enjoy my programme because it enables me to work on different areas of accounting and broadens my technical capabilities within the financial services industry. When at college, the kaplan tutors are extremely helpful and provide a lot of support with studies. Within my team i receive a lot of moral support from managers and senior managers.

My program is very well organised and structured, which is communicated with us in various forms, such as timetables and calendars which are created to help us plan resourcing at work around studying. I know exactly how long my course will be and what is expected of me in the workplace and at college.

I receive a lot of support from people at every level of the organisation. On an office based perspective, peers and also managers often offer to help me study if i'm struggling in a particular area. In terms of study days, my employer is flexible in allowing me to take holiday days in order to study around exam times, and prioritises this over my work.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider, including a mental health service hotline, to help if study and work gets stressful and overwhelming. In terms of classroom tutoring, the kaplan tutors are extremely well qualified and explain concepts very clearly and show enthusiasm and support towards us when we are studying

I feel like my professional qualification helps me perform significantly better in my role, as the accounting exams i sit link directly to my day to day job. For example the ICAEW Financial Accounting Reporting exam, links directly to my role of preparing statutory financial statements, and helps me understand my role much better.

At our PwC office, we have a social club in which we regularly go out as a group to do social events such as chocolate tasting, or escape rooms or things of that nature. By being a member of ICAEW we also have professional networking events which are organised by ICAEW, where you get to meet other charted accountants.

Yes

They provide a structured pathway to getting qualified and offer a lot of support in order to get there. They offer an attractive salary for an apprenticeship, and job security after the apprenticeship is over. Furthermore, PwC offer an attractive benefits package including childcare vouchers, medical and dental cover, and optional company car schemes.

To do plenty of research into the company and their values. There is a rigorous application process which consists of many different stages, such as online numerical and english tests, as well as an assessment centre, which makes you re-take these tests and also do group activities and team building exercises. I would advise any candidates to be well prepared for these situations.