Audit Associate Review

During this placement, I gained an enhanced understanding in aura and excel as well as using the wider google applications. I felt comfortable editing FSLI/EGAs (evidence gathering activities) and primarily working on cash and equity EGAs. Other work I performed included EGAs within other operating expenses and other income. Completing testing and the associated templates, note tie outs and building a relationship with the client to request information were all areas that I felt confident in

During this placement, I worked professionally and stayed accountable for my work if anything had to be amended. For example I worked on broken links in the engagement review – I ensured I completed the task correctly by quickly rectifying when other links needed to be edited. I also took charge of my personal development by asking relevant questions and proactively learning a variety of technical skills such as asking about how I should approach testing methodologies and how to utilise vlookup in my work. I learnt excel skills and time management as well as using PwC accounting software

I enjoyed the work experience a lot and was able to work in other sectors and areas as well which was great. the best part was the diversity of clients I worked on including entertainment, charities, drilling , pharmacies and media. I also tried working on the media insight team which was non audit which was great.

The work experience was well organised by PwC and ICAEW. I had a career coach to guide me through and there were monthly and weekly socials as well. I found the staff and seniors very friendly and organized there too and they managed to help with any questions I had

ICAEW has a student website that provides a lot of exam materials and wider help on a range of accounting areas as well as magazines too. There is a live chat there to ask actual ICAEW employees who may have been on the same path for specific help and experience as well

We receive a lot of training support such as a full range of past papers for last 5 years and a training bank of questions for modules within the ACA that is really useful. We also get updates on industry news that helps us understand the wider implications of our studies

The qualification of the ACA will help me understand accounting to a higher level and I will be able to apply this deep understanding to better help my clients and perform more efficiently on engagements. By having a wide scope of expertise over many areas I will be able to grasp new concepts and markets more quickly to evaluate them.

yes there were many sport and networking opportunities. Even just in the office there were numerous senior level staff and partner level employees you could interact with on a daily basis. Additionally the socials allowed us to network with other co workers from a large variety of accounting streams and specialist backgrounds which was really eye opening, there are sports such as badminton and dodgeball and football

Yes

PwC really takes care of its employees and provides an amazing opportunity for first hand experience in the business world. It connects you to some very top clients some in the FTSE100 and opens many doors in the business world especially if you study for the ACA alongside which many co workers did

In the application it is important to ensure you use the PwC competencies and learn about the company and what their values are. You must make sure you have a interest in the business world and how accounting policies may impact the work you do as well as the wider economic considerations of this field.