Flying Start Degree programme - Flying Start 3 - Leeds Review

I work within core assurance at PwC, carrying out statutory external audits of clients. On a day to day basis this involves going out on client sites in the Leeds area, as part of an audit team, and performing over their finances in order to determine whether or not the financial accounts represent a true and fair view of the client.

Key skills developed in this kind of work involve team work and communication. As part of being in core assurance we are always working as part of a team, and have to work together to get each job done. From day 1 you are also talking to clients, and from doing so you learn to communicate confidently and clearly with people on a professional level.

This program entails a lot of hard work, but overall it is rewarding and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience. You get to know people across all levels of seniority within the workplace and perks such as socials outside of work make the hard work worth it. As well as this, the variety of the work you are given means there is always new opportunities and you are never bored.

The flying start program is structured so that you spend part of the year at work and part of the year studying. This is an ideal structure as you get the university experience and get a taster of what working life is like. It also means that whilst you are at university you can focus entirely on your studies, and then apply this to your practical work experience.

Both at university and at PwC there is support available in terms of people to contact if you have any kind of issue. At university you get allocated a personal tutor who supports you and offers advice throughout. At PwC you also have a career coach who helps make sure you get the most out of your experience on placement.

As we do our qualifications at university we get regular support from our lecturers. They are happy to answer any questions outside of the contact time in lectures, and will often run drop in help sessions which you can go to if you are struggling. You are also receive support from the ICAEW where needed.

The technical accounting knowledge picked up in our studies is essential for development as an auditor as we need to have the knowledge to decide whether or not the accounting treatment used by a client is correct. Therefore I would say the qualification definitely helps you perform the role better.

There are many extra-curricular activities. For example, at the end of busy season we have a social whereby everyone is allocated in teams and have to complete tasks at various different bars. Other examples include a PwC Leeds football team, and cinema socials for the office. There is also plenty of opportunity to get involved with LCASS.

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Within PwC there is fantastic career opportunities that not every firm can offer. Examples include going on secondment overseas or in different lines of service. The work on offer is completely varied and there is always career progression. You also always feel as though you are supported if you are struggling.

Make sure to do their research and practice. Consider what the PwC values are and how you have demonstrated them in your previous experiences, so that you can share these in your interview. Show that you are a team player and you are willing to work hard at your potential job.