Flying Start Degree Programme - FS1 London Review

The role involves working as part of an audit team, working on the audit of clients (companies). Tasks are delegated by more senior members of the team. These involve carrying out and documenting audit testing, including control testing, sampling, agreeing to third party documentation etc. Team members may be allocated individual pieces of testing or whole FSLIs for an audit unit.

I learnt new skills as well as developing existing skills. I learnt how to use software that is key to the audit process, including Aura and Connect. I also learnt how to be use microsoft excel, which made me much more efficient. Other members of the team are always willing to teach you how to perform new skills. I developed personal skills during the placement. I believe my communication and teamwork skills have improved as I gained more experience working with new people from many different countries on a regular basis.

I enjoyed learning many new skills which I think will be useful throughout my career. I also enjoyed working closely with many different people. By having a new team for each client audit, you are able to meet and interact with a large variety of people, especially considering the diversity of the PwC workforce. Whilst the hours are long and sometimes stressful, if you enjoy the work as I did this isn't a significant issue.

The organisation and structure of the programme is very good. The first year and a half involves university teaching which provides many of the fundamental principles of working in accounting and audit. Before placement, there is a week of training which involves IT training and teaching of skills and techniques that are specific to working at PwC, including how to use their software and systems.

The programme has a great support network. Each employee will have support from a career coach and will be assigned a 'buddy'. These are always available to answer and queries you may have. There are also 'Flying Start Champions' who have graduated from the programme, programme managers and university contacts who are also there to help with anything issues you may be having.

Newcastle University provides most of the teaching involved in the programme. This comes in the form of lectures and seminars which prepare students for both the ICAEW exams and the placements with PwC. The university also provides ICAEW textbooks and other learning materials to help with development towards the qualification. University contacts also make themselves available to contact during the placement in case you have any issues.

The knowledge learnt through the qualification provides the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to work in the role. This is mainly relating to how accounting works which, alongside the PwC training week, gives a good basis from which to start working in the role. Though, a lot of practical skills and understanding are learnt after starting working. These are hard to teach in a university environment and come about as and when they are required in the role.

There are regular socials for offices as a whole as well as for audit sectors in the office. These may involve social events outside of work and other social opportunities during the working work, offering a chance to network within the office. There is also opportunity for employee to receive additional training, e.g. in how to use specialist software that may be required in certain situations.

Yes

PwC provides a good environment to learn new skills and gain professional qualifications that will be useful throughout one's career. The work is challenging and, alongside their extensive support network, is good for personal as well as technical development. PwC clearly care about their employees and have created an environment where they can enjoy interacting with a wide variety of people, establishing their own network in the audit/accounting community.

In terms of the application process, it is particularly important to do your research. PwC has a clear focus on several fundamental principles (business acumen, whole leadership etc) for which you will have to provide examples of yourself demonstrating. In the role, I would encourage others to get involved as much as possible. The work becomes much more enjoyable when you consider the people you're working with to be friends, so I would recommend taking part in any social opportunities.