Associate 1 Review

Being an Flying Start 1, my role involves auditing the annual reports for the client. Various stages of audit requires preparation of EGAs (Evidence Gathering Activity) for the purpose of our testing which is prepared and tested by the engagement team. Each member of the team is assigned various FSLI and testing areas which needs to be completed before the due date. On an everyday basis, Aura gives an update on the EGAs that needs to be completed and this is what the work will regard to on that particular day.

The most important skill that I have learnt is that of time management. This placement has also enhanced my team working and communication skills. My skills on excel and documentation has improved drastically over this placement. Absorbing people with different cultures and understanding them is also a major skill learnt. Discussing and expressing your points in the correct way is of utmost importance which I have learnt during this placement. Using aura and sparkpad, PwC internal systems , is something new that I have gained knowledge on.

This programme is an interesting one as it enhances both the academic skills and the skills required in the workplace. This programme enables every student to use their academic knowledge in real world situations. It also provides a platform to meet new people, with different cultures and backgrounds. It has helped me analyse the thoughts and opinions of different people and learn from them in different ways. On the technical aspect, preparation of EGA requires strong understanding and knowledge on different areas of audit and accounting. This programme has given me an opportunity to learn and enhance my knowledge beyond the textbooks.

The course has been structured quite well in terms of the time period for the placement and the academic aspect. Students also get sufficient time to study for the exams due to the well structured placement dates. The university devotes sufficient hours on revision and contact with the professors which enables better and stronger understanding of the relevant subject. There is sufficient support available for all the students and the university tutors and professors are well involved with the students even when they are on their placement.

PwC has created various internal systems that can be used to solve various issues on a timely basis. From my past experience, the support staff has been very helpful, efficient and polite in their dealings where the issues are resolved on a speedy basis. The employees of the firm have helped me throughout my placement and coached and guided me constantly. PwC is also quite flexible with the work timings and follows systematic approach to all the procedures which makes it easier to understanding. After discussions with some of my seniors, I understand that PwC also provides support to the students who are giving their ACCA exams which would be helpful in my near future. I look forward to working with PwC as a permanent employee.

PwC sponsors the ICAEW books for all the Flying starts from universities around UK. The University exams gives 12 exemptions from the ICAEW papers. The remaining three papers would have to be completed after graduation while working with PwC provided the marks requirement for the exams. I understand from my seniors that PwC provides support and flexibles working hours for graduates completing their final 3 papers. There are also rooms that the graduates can book and study which could be quite helpful.

The understanding on various areas covered in the qualification helps to enhance the quality of work performed. Better understanding and strong knowledge in the specific areas can help build good points to argue and discuss. It enables you to think beyond the box which is an essential part of an auditor.

I had been to the Banking and Capital Market christmas party which was a great networking event and a good opportunity to interact with people outside the workplace. However I have heard about the various activities and events where the Flying starts are involved. I look forward to participating in one of them in the future placements.

Yes

PwC is definitely a highly recommendable job. The support and flexibility it provides is a big advantage. The work environment is very lively and encouraging. The employees are very helpful, polite and friendly. There is a mix of cultures and each culture is highly respected and appreciated. The infrastructure and equipments provided are of high quality. I look forward to working with PwC in the near future after my graduation.

PwC is more audit and assurance focused entity, although they have various other departments. The most important thing that I would ask them to consider would be their passion and understanding towards audit. Sometimes PwC might not be the right place for some people interested in a completely different field. It might also be quite hectic to work and study to pass the ACCA exams. I would suggest applying only if that person is confident of managing work as PwC is highly competitive and requires sufficient effort and work to be put in.