Audit Associate Review

The responsibilities of an AS1 in the Audit LoS include studying for the ACA professional qualification, helping to plan and execute audits and communicate with clients. Daily tasks involve processing and testing client account records, scheduling meetings and checking financial statements for errors or misstatements.

I have developed data processing and analytic skills and become highly proficient in Excel. I have gained a vast amount of knowledge about accounting and finance through studying for the sponsored ACA qualification. My interpersonal skills have greatly improved through interacting with numerous clients from a range of industries and working with multiple teams on a range of projects.

Working for PwC has been challenging but enjoyable. The firm offers a range of opportunities to get involved in numerous projects not necessarily specific to audit. Team members are warm, welcoming and the firm has an open and inclusive culture. Guidance and support is readily available. Only drawback is daily tasks can get repetitive and you will be expected to work long hours during busy season (Jan-Mar).

When you first join PwC, your first few months will be spent on training courses, learning and studying about industry specific information which will help you perform your job in line with firm and regulatory standards. The remaining time you have will be used on client work as well as your ACA qualification. Additional training is interspersed between client work and in general, the programme is well organised.

Each placement student is assigned a Career Coach who is at Manager level within the firm. Your Career Coach will oversee your entire programme, guiding you through the ACA qualification and collating feedback on your projects. Guidance and support on engagements is always given if requested. An external education provider (Kaplan) is deployed to help teach and prepare you for the ACA exams.

Kaplan is a fantastic training provider with ample learning resources, support and experienced mentors. It has an interactive online learning platform which I found very useful when studying and preparing for my exams.

The information gained through studying for the ACA qualification is essential for audit. I have used it daily and frequently refer to my study notes when dealing with complex accounting or new standards.

There are many societies and internal organisations you can join such as the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Balance Committee, Recognition Committee etc. Office social events aim to happen once a month and can include anything from Bowling to Go-Karting. The firm also has a generous volunteering scheme for anyone wanting to get involved in charity work.

Yes

Endless opportunities for growth and development. You can explore a range of interests and put your skills to good use.

In order to succeed and make the most of your role within PwC you need a high work ethic and feel comfortable in embracing new people and environments. Good people skills are essential and being able to demonstrate this is key. If you are adaptable, analytical and have good awareness you should do well in your role.