Associate Review

Going into client businesses and auditing the financial statements. Interacting with clients, the audit team and ensuring that the financial statements are true and fair. The work we do includes the planning stage of the audit, the execution where the actual audit work is performed and then the completion procedures.

Whilst working at pwc i have developed many technical skills such as excel skills which help improve the efficiency of the work we perform. My placement has also improved my communication skills - predominately when interacting with the client and talking through complex business issues and when interacting with the audit team as well.

The flying start programme is a very enjoyable and rewarding programme, whilst it is very challenging at times and we are fast tracked through pwc, the programme has a very good social aspect and we are able to build a network with not just people in our year but from all the years on the programme.

The course is very well organised, the lecturers through the use of the newcastle university system blackboard always upload our lecture slides and revision materials well in advance. I also like the structure of the course where we are able to have the first semester at university and then go on placement and then back to uni .

At pwc we are always very supported not just in work but outside of work as well. I have experience a few personal issues whilst i have been on placement and they have been very accommodating and supportive towards me during these times. There is a mental health programme at pwc as well which although i havent used i know is there if needed.

Whilst we are at uni the lecturers are very helpful and run extra sessions if students feel we need them which is really helpful. The lecturers also set progress tests and mock exams that are optional but most students chose to take them as they put you in good stead for the actual exam.

The qualification we get definitely helps during our role as we are able to put the theory of accounting and auditing into practise in real life situations. For example, when talking to client about any complex business issues it has been really helpful to have the accounting knowledge behind me to ensure i actually know what i am talking about.

There are a lot of extra curricular activities that we are able to get involved with at pwc. These range from socials put on to welcome new joiners, celebrate end of busy season, Christmas parties ect. Pwc are also involved in other activities such as sponsored half marathon in April, trek to Everest base camp.

Yes

I would recommend pwc to a friend as it is a really good environment to work in, there are a lot of young professionals in the same mindset which makes for a positive working atmosphere. There is also social events which sets pwc apart from other employers and helps to boost staff morale.

When you are applying for a job at pwc you should ensure that you have a significant amount of background knowledge of pwc and that you know the pwc competencies and key values such as whole leadership, business acumen, global acumen, relationships. You should also ensure you have real life examples of how you have fulfilled these categories.