Flying Start Degree programme - 4th Year - Bradford Review

I am a supervisor within PwC's competency centre, which forms part of audit at PwC and the distributed delivery model. Day-to-day I give coaching to the more junior members of the team and review workpapers. I specifically work on AR/AP. My role involves remote working from the core on-site audit team.

Team management - coaching trainee associates and checking in on the team to see who needs help and who has capacity. Portfolio management - being in charge of multiple jobs at a time and checking that all are running to plan. Communication - good communication is needed with the on-site audit team to ensure that their expectations are managed and the work is performed efficiently.

I enjoy my programme as the work placements are mixed in with gaining technical knowledge at university, so there is a good mix. Also, the course allows me to get a head-start on becoming a chartered accountant and gaining valuable skills at work before graduating. The placements are also delivered well given that so much support is given to the flying starts.

The programme is well structured as there is clear separation between being at work and university, allowing me to focus my development at each relevant time. There are also clear support networks available from both PwC and Reading University, in terms of where any extra help is needed or additional opportunities which may be available.

There is a good culture within PwC of providing support, with each individual having a career coach who is available for any questions to be asked to them. Given that this person is usually a manager in the same office, this support is also easily accessible. PwC also assign a buddy to each person who checks-in.

The university make themselves available during the placement in case we need to ask any questions. There is an open attitude to questions from both the module convenor and academic tutors. On this placement the university made themselves available for any help on our dissertations which was really helpful given the distance between university and placement.

The qualifications we are working towards at university can clearly be applied during placement, particularly in modules centered around financial accounting and auditing. Modules such as ethics are also helpful in looking at the overall planning of an audit. It is also good to have other modules involved including tax as it can offer an alternative to audit should we wish to move around in accounting in the future.

Yes there are extra curricular activities to get involved in at work. This year I attended the LCASS dinner for accountants in West Yorkshire. Also, our office organise social events such as a Christmas formal, end of busy season social, and Friday drinks. Due to our placements being during busy season there is not so much of an opportunity to get involved in sports teams, however.

Yes

The programme is really worthwhile for a person who is looking to become a chartered accountant as it is such a fast way to qualify. Also, having both PwC and the University of Reading involved in the programme means that there is a lot of support available during the course of the programme.

My advice would be to do some research before applying about the day-to-day job of being in audit and PwC for after graduating, as well as the opportunities during the degree. I would also advise that others do some research around business and relevant news in the industry before the assessment day, which will allow the interviewer to see that you are interested in business and audit.