Flying Start Degree Programme - FS3 Birmingham Review

Day to day role involves coaching junior associates, communicating with clients and senior team members regarding audit progress and performing testing. Testing usually involves test of details, substantive analytics etc. on FSLIs such as financial investments and revenue. Aura progress is tracked with google sheet documents and the Aura dashboard. We test that the accounts have been prepared in accordance with the relevant standards and controls in place are operating effectively.

During my placement, a lot of the role is to do with working independently through a large work-load, prioritising testing and making sure deadlines are met. This part of the role has improved my organisation and independence. This year I have had a more senior role within the team, meaning I have been coaching junior associates, improving my knowledge of the client and my communication skills. Technical areas of the audit have also improved my knowledge of the standards.

The programme is set up to provide a good variety and combination of university life and working life. Placement enjoyment very much depends on the client and team, I was lucky to be put on a good client with a supportive team, although I do not enjoy the work life balance during busy season hours, however this is part of the job and teaches you a lot.

The programme is well structured with lectures first term, placement second term (slightly longer in the third placement) and exams in the third term. Placement is very structured, as our lectures and revision lectures. This year the poorest structure has been the dissertation part of our degree, which has been difficult to manage with placement and a lack of contact.

The employer provides a significant amount of support with a buddy system, a career coach system, strong team structures and other senior members within the firm such as the first five years partner. A number of well being teams also exist within the firm and business unit support groups to assist development and support individuals in their career.

Whilst we have tutors at university this is a very weak support system. However, we do have a good network of support from our lecturers, programme director, PwC administrator and our peer group. There is always someone to turn to when needed, however I feel the tutor support should be worked on so you feel comfortable going to them as a first contact.

The qualifications/accredited modules covered on the university part of our course really help us perform well in our professional roles whilst on placement. The training provides us with a base knowledge of accounting and the areas of testing we tend to work on whilst at work. I feel our knowledge of standards could be improved however this is difficult given the time frame and little time we spend at university.

There is a large number of extra curricular activities at work including social groups within business units and offices, sports teams such as netball, football and yoga, theatre groups, singing groups, community projects, volunteering groups etc. All of these are available to sign up to, in the Birmingham office this year there was also a number of company events supporting well being, diversity, dealing with stress and many more.

Yes

PwC is the number one firm in the industry, the training provided is second to none, you are challenged and there are always opportunities to develop personally and professionally. Everybody in the PwC network is very supportive and a training contract here provides you with everything you need to pass your exams and develop into a more senior role.

Research the company - decide why you are a good fit for the firm and why you think the firm will be a good fit for you. Gain an awareness of the industry, areas of change, areas that interest you and challenges you would like to get experience in. Another key focus should be the values PwC aims to meet, be able to give examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your life.