Associate 3 Review

Work as an associate in audit- working with teams to complete testing, review data provided by clients, interact with clients and, through the use of aura- finalise results and sign off audits/give a qualified or unqualified opinion based on our findings- which conclude whether we have gained clearance and assurance over their figures.

Have extended by technology skills- am now a lot more confident in using excel and am happy to follow/replicate formulas in sheets which pull through calculations and numbers from other sheets and tabs. New skills include the testing of revenue- something I had not previously been solely responsible for.

I really enjoy my programme- I think its a great course, which gives us all the ability to experience work life alongside university life. We are able to complete our accounting exams at university to speed up the process of qualifying and the experience gained whilst on placement is both highly valuable and useful to our studies, but also just a great experience- interacting with people a lot more senior than ourselves. The fact that the course is also quite small means that everyone knows everyone- so allows for a great course relationship with our peers- something you wouldn't get on larger courses.

Quite well organised. The split between university and placement has been very well organised. The only negative in the courses structure is the format/timing of certain exams. Many of our exams fall very late into the summer because we still have teaching after placement. This can prove stressful because we are expected to learn a lot in a short amount of time/not necessarily enough time to take everything in.

Whilst at university we don't get any support from PwC- however this is to be expected becasue we are completing university work, which is not always closely related to the work we do for PwC. When on placement we receive some support- provided with people managers- who act as a coach/guiding us through placement. Alongside this, we are provided with accommodation- which in itself is an incredible addition- support from the employer which really adds to the attractiveness of this course.

We are given lots of books and access to the ICAEW website. Alongside this, we are also given talks once or twice a year by a representative at the company- to give us a greater insight into the current goings on within the qualification, alongside what it is we're working towards/why etc.

Really helpful- means that when we're completing work for PwC we are aware of how to go about this and why we are doing it. A basic underlying understanding of the job/profession makes completing the role a lot easier, and also allows for greater independence- giving us the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in challenging roles at PwC because we can.

Yes- at the Birmingham/Fulcrum office there is weekly team sports such as Netball and Football. Alongside this, we are assigned a social group, and within these we are invited to social events/parties/meals etc which allows colleagues to network on a more social level. There are also regular talks- which allow for greater professional networking events.

Yes

Offers great work experience, alongside support for completing your qualifying exams. They are a large firm with a big intake of university graduates/placement students- so have a lot of support for us at the more junior levels, needing support at work, alongside allowing us to take time out for study leave and attending college.

Attempt to show an active interest in the finance/accounting sector, and your willingness to learn more about the profession. Also need to show your commitment to studying and working at the same time- your ability could be indicated by strong time management, flexibility and a positive attitude and confidence.