Trainee Associate Risk Assurance Review

In Risk Assurance the role varies massively. As you get the opportunity to work on such a wide variety of clients, some days you work from the office, client site locally or are on away work. Generally you may work on any of the following, carrying out reviews, internal audits, CASS engagements and stock counts. This means no two weeks are the same. Reviews range massively depending in the client meaning there is great variety and you get to look some cool stuff. Some weeks are a lot busier than others but thats natural. A typical day could look like going into the office for 9am catching up on emails sending out any chaser emails, checking commitments for the coming week, 11am heading out to client site to have some meetings, 2pm head back to the office type up any notes and neaten any testing up, 5:30pm head home. This could range as you may spend your whole day on client site, in the office or working from home.

Throughout you develop new skills by learning how to carry yourself in a professional environment especially when on site at clients. You learn how to use new systems that are specialist to the firm. As well as learning how to use software that you are familiar with in a business context. Your classic skills like team working, time management, relationships and communication skills are developed throughout.

I really enjoy the variety and the fact that theres lots to learn, the variety of locations from weeks away on away work to local clients. The flexible way of working to fit around commitments, the dress for your day policy. There are bits that aren't so 'fun' and tedious that just have to be done but thats the nature of every job. Overall it's a good programme that provides you with a good qualification. (The ICAEW ACA)

The programme is structured mainly with on the job training, there are a few training weeks dotted around as well as college. The time at college increases throughout your first 4 years until you gain the ACA qualification. There is often a lack on PwC's end with organisation with information at the start all being very last minute. There is often a lack of support around exams just get in with it kind of attitude no matter the situation. Task delegation can be limited and can mean you are left unbooked with little to do. It's quite herical based naturally is in this industry.

Varied. From your peers i.e. up to three grades (sometimes 4 grades above) show an interest in what your up to where your at kind of thing. The grade above you do as they are your 'buddy' and were in the same boat as you a year ago. Beyond that other than your career coach there isn't much support as long as you pass your exams no bodies that bothered. Kind of understandably as there all super busy and you have to stand on your own two feet without anyone checking in. Especially from the size of the firm you wouldn't expect someone to check in and see how things were going.

You get time off for college but you have to/most do use your holiday on top of this in order to prepare for your exam as from the off, for the first 6 exams you have about 4/5 weeks to revise for the two exams. Meaning its tight and juggling this around work means you have to take the time off in order to secure first time passes. Support from peers one grade above is often forthcoming. Support from the training provider is often limited and you often have to learn a lot solo as lots of the sessions are online meaning the ability to ask and convey questions is often very limited.

Peaks and troughs. Initially most of the exams don't seem to relevant Tax and Law especially. Yes Accounting and Assurance have some use and help provide an insight. But I would so far question whether they help me perform better in my role. Maybe some of the other exams may help.

There is a sports committee but I think you have to be a member to find out about the different 'sporting events' on. There is an occasional yoga class that we get emailed about. There is regular socials i.e. five or six a year. Bit of variety to get to know people outside of the office.

Yes

You get a good qualification out of it and experience at one of the big four. Even if you know it's not where you want to be forever it's a good place to start. There's a defined career pathway from the start allowing you to progress each year as you pass your exams.

Research the job attend a careers fair where you can chat to current school leavers or attend an open office event. Apply online - not sure what the process is anymore as they've changed it for this year onwards. Could do one of the PwC insight weeks i.e. woman in business or intern programme. They can fast track people on these programmes to a job offer.