Auditor Review

Gather samples for testing, then evidence to support those samples tends to be the general idea. On top of this there is admin work to be done behind the scenes; such as gaining access to client systems, gathering engagement documents and waiting for evidence requests to be addressed. Overall a day to day is either really busy as the client has been responsive and given you what you need their deadline, or it can be slow due to wrong evidence being sent, no access to required documents or other factors. When this happens I tend to ask for more work on other clients to fill in this downtime and keep me busy

New skills that have been learnt is how to multitask and how to approach clients with professionalism. Having been put on multiple clients to do various tasks, I have had to learn how to multitask efficiently to maximise my productivity to keep the workflow going. This was done by making a checklist of which tasks I had put as my main priority and which ones could be put off for a bit. My ability to work within a team has also been developed during the 3 months to enable me to to build a really strong relationship with the rest of the PwC teams that I have worked with. I have also developed my independence over this placement, as I began to lead conversations with the client and speak to the client without the help of others from PwC.

I have really enjoyed the programme so far! I have been able to be exposed to so many different aspects of Auditing from behind the scenes, to being out on client site talking to them as well as gather evidence, to completing a client/entity. At no point did I feel like I was wasting time, I was constantly given work to do and if I had any questions my colleagues where there at all times. I felt like I could make mistakes but learn from them in the best way possible which to me is the best way to learn as I believe that failure is the best teacher.

My programme is well structured during placement as we are briefed a full week before we are put into our offices on what and what not to do. However, prior to placement I would say isn't the best structure but it can not be helped. We had 3 weeks at university, first 2 weeks of straight 09:00-17:00 lectures and 1 week following for pre placement training. If you had resits in summer, you would not find out if you would be going on placement until the 2nd week of lectures, which means that people could possibly be wasting their time attending the first week of lectures if they failed resits. Apart from that the structure is sound as we have monthly catch ups with our career coaches, university lectures and our office 'buddy'

I feel like I had a lot of support from PwC as they have been the ones to provide me with so many things that help me in academics as well as practicality. The laptop's provided can be used for personal as well which helps as I could be doing work and then switch to revision with ease, Work phones were provided which allowed me to hotspot myself when I needed too and also acted as a second phone for when my personal died.

I have received support from the years above me as well as other associate 1s in PwC as they have or are doing the more recent exams as myself. I have also received a lot of advice on how to do the last 3 ICAEW exams and how I should approach them from the Senior Associate 2s in the firm. Overall being able to work in an environment which hosts a wide variety of abilities has helped me gain a broad perspective of how the 15 exams are done.

I haven't got much to say on this topic as I am only 2nd year at university, but from first year I had to take 8ish exams, 4 of which where ICAEW compulsory to get a 50% to get to 2nd year. These 4 exams have helped me to gain a better understanding of my role compared to someone fresh from university without a business background.

I have not been made aware of any of the sport societies provided by PwC despite me asking my career coach as well as my buddy. I was put in a social group which are essentially 'houses', but we aren't introduced to the group which makes it feel as if the group doesn't exists apart from social events. However whenever these events occur, people tend to not respond or ignore it as they dont feel a sense of community within the group.

Yes

I mean why not, PwC have very high standards and is part of the big 4. PwC takes pride in the work they do and push you to be the best version of yourself. Your limits are tested but when you feel like you can't handle situations, there is always someone to help. Whether it being a professional matter or personal matter.

To be honest, just be yourself really. I can't really give tips or advice as I did my interview for my course in January of 2018. You're either the right person PwC is looking for or not. Showing the willingness to learn and keep an open mind would definitely help as well as a positive attitude. I hadn't heard of PwC before applying for this course and 2 days before my interview I still had no clue. But I was able to apply myself to the 5 things that PwC value which are: 1 - Act with Integrity 2 - Make a Difference 3 - Care 4 - Work Together 5 - Reimagine the possible So my best advice that I could give is to find experiences that you have done or can do that address those 5 values to make yourself stand out.