Trainee Level 2 Review

Each day the work I do will often vary despite working on long term projects with Large multinational clients. It involves extensive use of excel and other technologies to collaborate with teams from across the UK and Ireland. I will often have regular dealings with client contacts and am responsible for tracking deliverables for the sub team I work with.

I have developed an extensive set of skills in relation to controls testing for Automated controls, IT General Controls, Manual Controls and CASS Controls. My work has been primarily around the CASS rules, in that area I have greatly developed my knowledge of the requirements and application of the CASS rules.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme as I am challenged to push myself every day and I receive all the support I require both in my work and in my studies. Whilst challenging to balance work and study, it is achievable and encouraged within the team to focus on exams as a priority.

The Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business programme is well structured and balanced with work. On the programme we have an exam every three to four months, in total there are six exams (the first six exams of chartered accounting through ICAEW). For each exam we are given the required support in classes or self study programmes.

The support received is excellent. PwC has a strong focus on the well being of its people and provides resources to help aid the well being of its employees. The support provided in day to day work through subject matter experts and general help from others is great, that is also the case for support during exam times.

For each exam in the Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business Kaplan provides us with the required resources to study for our exams including a Kaplan textbook / workbook, an ICAEW study manual and question bank. We get classes for three exams and self study programmes in the other three exams. We also have access to mykaplan - an online learning site.

The knowledge gained from the Certificate in Finance Accounting and Business helps build a strong knowledge base that can be applied to the work I do in my day to day work as it provides technical knowledge on areas such as Accounting, Business, Law, Tax, Management Information and Assurance (the area I work with primarily).

Within my team at PwC we have a quarterly social event for the whole team, giving us a chance to get to know our colleagues outside of the workplace environment. Over summer we often organise a mini 11 aside football league amongst teams within my department, getting people to bond and communicate whilst getting active.

Yes

PwC is a great place to work, with opportunities you would not find anywhere else. The people are great, motivated and knowledgeable. The skills you would learn working at PwC will become invaluable to you and will greatly help develop yourself, your skills and your career. I would highly recommend a school leaver programme specifically to students leaving school.

Read the materials that are on the PwC careers website for hints and tips in what to expect in the application process. If possible I would really encourage you to attend an information evening at a PwC office to get an insight into the office environment. For students, I would recommend the business insight week that PwC runs over the summer, offering an invaluable insight into the work we do.