Assurance associate Review

Assisting with the statutory audits of the financial statements on all stages: planning, testing and completion. The role involved preparing audit documentation, selecting samples for testing, the testing itself and drawing conclusions on the results, following the PwC guidance and methodology. A big part of the work was teamwork and client communication.

I have learnt to apply the accounting knowledge gained at university and use it in real life situations. I have worked towards the ICAEW ACA qualification, with the training and materials provided by PwC. In addition, there was always coaching within the teams on the specific jobs, guiding through the methodology and testing approach.

I decided not to continue with training offered after graduation, as I found the workload and expectations a little excessive for my personal circumstances. This programme is a great kick start of the career in accounting / assurance, however I found another calling and will not be pursuing it any longer.

The programme follows the ICAEW ACA qualification curriculum and is very well structured, allowing time for training, independent learning and examinations. Part of the training was delivered as part of the undergraduate degree, while the final part is completed with Kaplan post graduation after we become the full time employees.

There are dedicated team members, whose role is to look after the programme and the trainees, who I think do a really good job ensuring everything runs smoothly. They are always available to offer help if needed and are accommodating to different life events and circumstances. Overall, a great support network.

This is similar to above. As the majority of training is conducted as part of the undergraduate degree, the university delegates a team to support. As above, they are always helpful and there to ensure the experience is manageable. I have been assigned a personal tutor in year 1, whom I could address in case of any issues or problems.

The two are intertwined, what I have learnt during the training at university was immediately applicable once I was out on placement and working full time. The extent of the training is quite vast but the ongoing coaching once in the workplace compliments that to ensure putting theory into practice and filling any gaps.

There are a number of initiatives for all tastes, such as social events, LGBT network, sports and charity events. However, I had very little chance to get involved due to the heavy workload and the fact that the placements have been only three to four months long at a time. I took part in the office-wide events if they fell at the time I was with the firm.

Yes

It is a good graduate job for someone straight out of university wanting to gain an accounting qualification or for someone interested in accounting choosing the sponsored degree to fast track into the qualification. However, the workload can be heavy and the exams are not the easiest, so only for the most ambitious.

Make sure you do your research and come prepared - I had no idea what assurance meant before I started working (hint - it means audit but there are different types). Also, make sure you are ok with the long hours, especially in the so called 'busy season' starting in January and lasting through to spring.