FS3 Review

Auditing firms across the UK, and dealing with clients face to face on a daily basis to perform testing and to understand the business operations. We review financial statements and test material line items, these are material if they are above a certain threshold. We then hold discussions with FD and management to ensure their statements are accurately presented in all material respects.

I have learnt many skills, including improving my confidence in talking to clients and also to the PwC engagement leaders who are Directors or partners in our small office. Having this exposure is critical to my development and helps me to prepare for future senior roles in which I will take on.

I really enjoyed my placement this year, it was very well organised my our flying start champion who graduated last year. She sent us informative emails prior to joining so that we were aware of office changes. Also, our office is full of friendly and helpful faces which has allowed for a great experience.

It was very well structured in that we had a few days training before we started which allowed us to be familiarised with Aura which is the system that PwC use. We then had an introduction with a partner which was good for networking and feeling valued in the office.

We receive a lot of support during placement from both the university and PwC, we have a people manager who keeps in regular contact with us and also the managers on our jobs are keen to make sure we are support during the period of that job. Therefore we are well supported.

We receive textbooks and also question banks to help us in our revision leading up to exams. We also have lecture notes which highlights key areas of difficulty that we need to particularly focus on in the time leading up to exams. This is a great support as there is always a lot of content.

The exams we take a very focused on the practical work that we do therefore it is very helpful. Learning the theory before putting it into practice is helpful for my understanding in the tests that I perform during my placement. They also help qualify for all my ACA exams .

There are many other out of office activities to get involved with in our office, for example there is the corporate social responsibility which helps to organise charity events and advertising when these events are. There are also many socials to get involved in including theatre trips which has helped with networking.

Yes

PwC provides a variety of training possibilities. They have a great reputation and the office is very friendly. Everyone is keen to help with your development. I have thoroughly enjoyed this placement and look forward to taking on more senior roles upon my return. There is an excellent support system.

I would say to be confident in your own work and testing, to understand the reasoning and remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question! also to get involved in as many socials as possible to help with networking which in turn helps to improve your experience in the firm.