Assurance Associate Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I work in Assurance, helping to carry out external audits on a variety of clients from the health industry to the tourism industry. My day to day tasks involve communicating with clients to complete testing, as well as communicating with my team to ensure everyone is aware of the tasks I am completing and the progress of the audit as a whole

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt lots of skills for example my use of excel is far improved now compared to previously, as well as this I have improved my confidence in communication as this is an essential part of the job. I am also working towards my ICAEW ACA qualification through working at the firm.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the programme most of the time, at uni I have a great group of course mates and we get on very well. As well as this the office I work in has a very friendly atmosphere which helps to make work enjoyable. It meets my expectations as the hours are tough but that is what is to be expected

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Well organised as the uni are very on the ball with teaching and the average exam scores reflect this more often than not. PwC are also organised and provide clear training before we start work and two induction days to help us settle in. We are assigned a career coach to help guide us through the placement

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have given a 7/10 because in places the firm are great for support however in others the support felt non-existent. The Flying start "Champion" in my office has been absolutely amazing for me during the placement in terms of supporting me, as has my career coach despite being busy. However, the course manager at PwC, who works centrally in London has not offered out support at any stage despite me being told by my tutor at uni that he would do so. This was a matter of grave concern to me as I was struggling and assured he would reach out for me. If I could split my mark between colleagues in the office and the manager of the course I would give my office colleagues a 10 and the manager a 2 or 3.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

My personal tutor at uni has been amazing for me and spent lots of time talking about areas I was struggling in, to help me understand both how to do my job from a technical aspect as well as from an emotional aspect. The dedication she showed despite me being away from uni was unparalleled and really made a huge difference.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

N/A

5/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

There is a job for anyone, and the culture in Uxbridge is very relaxed and welcoming even when the work is busy

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

Prepare for the interviews and don't be scared of working long hours