Flying Start Degree programme, Associate Birmingham Review

My role during my placement at PwC was to be an active part of the engagement team for audit clients, I interacted with my team to work on testing for different clients. I was made responsible for certain FSLI's within the audit file which I had to ensure was completed and reviewed by the internal deadline.

I have developed my communication skills greatly, through communication with my team both in persona and remotely and professional communications with clients. I have learnt new, vital professional skills relating to accounting and audit as well as learning how to use audit specific software. At the beginning of my placement I also completed many internal training courses relating to many current issues.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, it combines a university degree, accreditation to accounting ACA examinations through ICAEW and provides practical work experience. Both PwC and The University of Reading, work in partnership to provide my programme effectively and offer continuous support and guidance throughout the 4 year duration of the course.

Very organised, before beginning placement we received a week long training session at university which familiarised us with key audit matters and process along with setting us up with technology and using PwC software. Upon starting placement we received 2 administrative days where we received an induction to the office, were instructed on how to contact members of our team prior to joining on the engagement.

Support is provided throughout placement and my time at university. We are provided with buddy's along with career coaches. We are also allocated to social groups within PwC. Support is very easy to access and is always provided positively and willingly. We are also encouraged to peer support with other flying start students.

We receive all our core text and exercise books from PwC whilst studying at university, along with guidance from ICAEW.

The qualification is essential to my performance on placement, all my studies are valuable to my day to day activities on placement. The theory learnt provides a background to testing performed to form the audit file.

There are many social groups and activities available whilst on placement, office wide, firm wide and within our flying start network. Additionally there are many town hall events held which gives us the opportunity to network with others within the firm in addition to guest speaks for special events.

Yes

They are excellent employer and the programme is a great stepping stone into the financial sector whilst also gaining an academic degree.

To research and attend open days at Reading University or at Pwc student recruitment days