Flying Start Degree Programme - FS1 - Manchester CoE Review

I worked in the audit of tax section of the CoE as a associate. My job was to audit entities tax notes by reconciling adjustments and checking for deferred and current tax through many procedures. This was to ensure that the correct tax was stated in the financial statements to give a true and fair representation.

My communication skills were massively developed due to working on a team and working for a manager. Being able to communicate my progress on a job and any problems I had was key to getting those problems sorted and moving the job on efficiently. My project management skills were also developed as I had to allocate time wisely when working on multiple jobs to make sure the right jobs were prioritised.

The programme was a lot more enjoyable than I expected. Due to the current climate, I thought working from home might have meant that the work I would've been allocated would be more trivial. However, this was not the case and it made the experience better knowing I was part of the team and was being relied upon. working with the people on the job made it better too.

My experience was very structured and organised. The senior associates I worked with took good care and provided a lot of support for me. I found my working days very structured and always managed to work around client calls and meetings. This meant I was very rarely looking for work as there was always a next thing for me to move on to.

My employer provided lots of support. I was checked up on more or less every day and was asked questions in regards to the work I've been allocated and how I was feeling about the work as in was it too hard or was it too much. This support was very appreciated as it relieved the pressure knowing I was working with another person.

My training provider was very supportive in updating me weekly on the new modules that were ready for the qualification. As well as posting modules, She was always available for answering questions as she made good use fo answer forums where she would post peoples questions about the module and answer them for all to see.

Learning for the qualifications obviously does help as you learn the details of the work you are doing but i find for myself that learning first hand by doing the job is better for me. Being told the work to do and steadily repeating it over jobs for me works best as i found out quicker what i was doing and why i was doing it.

There wasn't many but considering the climate i didn't expect any at all. There were always virtual calls i could attend such as lunch and learns and there was virtual drinks trolley too. There was also a big xmas quiz for the coe. I found these entertaining and a bit of a get away from the work. I understand that it was hard for everyone and hard to set these activities up.

Yes

Pwc has a very friendly and professional climate. i found that as long as you do your best everyone will be understandable and respect you. Being able to enjoy your work and be comfortable is the main aspect for me and the people i worked with at pwc definitely made me feel this.

During interview stages, do not be robotic. The job does require skill but also the people need to be approachable to the colleagues and the clients. Being confident in yourself and being able to talk is vital for this. Revise your skills over accounting and business, update yourself on commercial awareness and the ongoings of the business world, talk about your own interests and opinions and do it all calmly.