Flying Start Degree Programme Intern Birmingham Review

During my first placement with PwC, I got experience working on both a financial statement audit and CASS audit at interim. As a FS1 I spent lots of time attending walkthroughs to take notes on the client's processes and controls, this allows us to decide what areas to test. Following on from the walkthrough, I picked samples and completed both substantive and controls testing. In addition I created project update presentations for weekly status meetings. Throughout the placement I have developed both my client relations and relationships within the teams I have worked with. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first placement and look forward to coming back next year!

I have learnt subject specific skills for controls and substantive testing. These skills and ways of working would be difficult to learn in a classroom, however in the workplace it has been easy to understand how and why we do things in certain ways. I have developed my communication skills with all audiences, both teams I have worked with and the different clients I have worked for. I have seen the importance of organisation to ensure the audit work is effective and efficient. I have been praised for this as I have developed a routine way of working, this has motivated me and ensures all tasks are completed promptly and to a high standard. Majority of the feedback I have received has referred to the growth in my confidence throughout the placement. The development of the skills I have discussed are reason for this.

The Flying Start Degree Programme is an amazing opportunity to learn in both a university environment and a workplace, offering you the best of both worlds. It has met my expectations of a balanced university work lifestyle. PwC company culture has welcomed, motivated and boosted me to ensure I have had great self development. This programme is an excellent kick start to a successful career. I would recommend this programme to anyone interested in a career in accounting.

The first year of the Flying Start Degree Programme is based on your university campus, living in halls of residence and attending lectures to work towards both ICAEW and business module exams. The second and third year have the same structure. We spend the first semester in placement with PwC and the second back on university campus. In the final year we spend the first semester on campus and the second on placement during busy season. Before we join placement we have a week of training to allow us to understand the basics before we start working. In a virtual world the training days have sometimes been difficult to learn from as we are unable to do any practical work however if we have any queries during placement there are many opportunities of support, buddies, champions, career coaches and those on your job team. At university out course conveyor is able to answer any questions we may have and provide support.

If support is needed there are multiple places one can go to. All employees have career coaches to support personal development. In meeting with my career coaches we have discuss the feedback I have received from my engagements and encourage me to keep up the good work or make any improvements based on the feedback. The associates and senior associates on the jobs I have worked on have been a very helpful and reliable source of support for both subject/job specific tasks and personal support if needed. they have coached me through my placement, I have learnt alot from them. We also have buddies and champions for any other support they can help with.

ICAEW provide us with textbooks and question banks for some modules/exams which help us with content and exam practise. In university our tutors are able to provide personal support for development or any issues which have arisen. The lecturers are usually able to provide support during their office hours for any questions you may have regarding the lecture content. Seminars help to reinforce the content we have learnt and how to implement it in exams. Due to COVID 19 it has been difficult to complete modules pre placement as lecture content has been released later than expected.

I believe that majority of the content taught at university and the exams sat help to perform better in my role as an auditor as I am able to put the theory into practice. At university we do both ICAEW modules and Business modules. What we have learn in the ICAEW modules helps on a day-to-day basis in my role. However the business modules are not usually relevant, but they are interesting and allow us to explore other business related interest, e.g economics.

Due to COVID 19 social events have been postponed or moved online. There are optional lunch time learning sessions allowing us to develop our understanding of certain fields; festive socials to network and get know different team members at PwC and DI sessions within our teams to get to know each other better, work aside. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic the social event have not been as accessible as I expected. I look forward to my placement next year to get involved with more extra-curricular activities.

Yes

PwC it a global dynamic company with an excellent reputation. It is a great place to start a career in accounting, with multiple career paths allowing us to develop a specialist skill set. At PwC there are a wide range of opportunities, working with a range of industries and different size businesses. The environment is welcoming, professional and supportive, this encourages personal growth and development. I feel valued at PwC, my hard work has been recognised and rewarded.

Get relevant work experience to ensure you are interested in this career path. Work experience will also allow you to develop skills which PwC look for in future employees. Research the company to ensure your personal values are the same as theirs. Look into the different services PwC provide, you should apply for the one which interests you the most. Look into the location of the office you are applying for - different offices have different clients.