Trainee Associate Review

I am a member of the assurance aspect of the firm. So day to day I conduct audits which lots of testing over all aspects of a company to ensure that company has prepared its accounts accurately. Each client is different so there's a learning with each job which keeps it interesting!

My main skills I have developed are: Communication - I have a lot of interaction with clients therefore my ability to communicate effectively with has grow a lot. Another would be problem solving, given no audit is the same the method client do things are all different therefore working out how to do my job with what I'm given is problem solving.

I really enjoy what I do, it is exactly what I expected. The different clients bring variety to the job which is keeps it fresh. The people you work with at PWC are really good, excellent at coaching I always know where to turn, you feel very valued which is important,

As well as working PWC pay for you to do the ACA qualification. So most of the time you are working normally, then you'd go off for a few weeks to study for the next exam. Mix in with that you have broad coaching for assurance during induction, then further training is just on the job from people who are more experienced. You also get varios mentors for both your career and study to help guide you through it.

The is a dedicated team for support within PWC which is one method for support. You are also given a mentor for you career who you can ask anything who is specific to the area of the firm you join. Then you get a lot of support from the people you work with day to day.

Depending on the exam we are taking determines whether we have face to face teaching, or something like a Web-ex. They are really good for asking questions in around theory or exam questions you struggling to understand. If you think of a question outside of those, you are often given your tutors email address/phone number, as well as there is a kaplan helpline for if you need some support

They help you tie though all the things you learn on the job to the bigger picture. It helps you understand why you do something and prepares you for more complicated things that come up. All the theory you learn, you use day to day so that is really useful when it comes to revision also.

There's always things you can get involved with. There's quite a few social groups for loads of stuff. There's also quite a few events, for example sports days, volunteering etc (I was even invited to the sports day before I joined!) The ACA qualifications is run by the ICAEW, and they have a lot of networking events for people in a similar position.

Yes

They are just overall a great employer to work for. The people are brilliant to work with and you earn while they pay for you to get the most recognised accountancy qualification in the UK all without going to university. It is a really good way to get into the industry and given they are a big 4 firm they look really good on your CV.

The recruitment process is easy to follow. They will send you all the information you need for each stage, just make sure you nail that and do some additional reading around the industry so you sound like you know what you're talking about. Take every opportunity to get into contact with people you have met at recruitment events afterwards, as then they will remember you when you are applying which gives you an advantage