Flying Start (Placement 2) Review

The role involves helping teams complete audits of a variety of companies. Auditing is checking if a companies financial statements offers a true and fair view of the actual position of the company, e.g checking that they actually own the cash that their balance sheet says it does. I have predominantly worked on auditing publicly listed banks/insurance firms meaning I work on big teams which is really fun! You often get given a task and are given the opportunity to 'run with it' and see if you can complete it. This is a lot of responsibility however there is tonnes of support available as and when you need it.

On the course you train towards gaining the internationally recognised ACA qualification from the ICAEW (institute of chartered accountants in England and Wales). Alongside going to university/college to learn how to pass the 15 exams you also receive a lot of on the job training on how to complete your day to day work.

I really enjoy my programme. The first year at university is just like a normal year at university which is great as you get the 'freshers experience'. Then the second, third and fourth years are a lot more intense, however you learn lots and also earn money whilst on placement meaning you can enjoy your summers more!

The programme is very well organised. It has been running for quite a few years now so they have worked out the best way to streamline the programme to be the most efficient. There is a lot of support available from people at university, PwC and the ICAEW. The way placements ans university work fit in together also works very well.

PwC offer lots of support. We have Career Coaches who give you advice on any problems you have and on how to best achieve your goals. You are also given a buddy during your first making it easy to settle into the firm. Flying Starts also have a champion who is a former Flying Start student that now works at the firm full time - they offer lots of support.

Lots. Whilst at Uni PwC provide you with all the required ICAEW books that aide your studies. After placement you go back to sit your university exams, the firm makes sure that intensive revision classes are put on to ensure that you can get your knowledge back up to speed incase you forgot anything whilst on placement.

The qualification is very relevant to the work which we do. You learn about a whole module called audit and assurance which teaches you exactly about the role which you perform when on placement. Knowledge from all of the other modules of the qualification also end up being useful at different stages of the work you complete.

PwC Bristol offers monthly drinks where everyone gets together and has free drinks. We also often have socials for example pizza making or bowling. I also partake in a 5 a side football team which PwC organises for us. Finally at the end of busy season they always put on a party to celebrate our hard work (and it finishing !!!)

Yes

It's a reputable firm - probably the best of the Big 4 which is fantastic for your CV. We work with great clients and you work with a lot of great colleagues. You also regularly switch between jobs meaning your teams are constantly changing which allows you to work with a lot of people and resultantly learn a lot more than if you were working with the same people all the time.

- Read up about the company, what it does, why it's different to the rest of the big 4, the clients that it has that interests you etc - Make sure your clued up on the ACA and what it entails - Read about the competencies which PwC want you to demonstrate in your application - Be and sociable and smiley person at assessment days/ interviews