Audit Associate Review

I am on the Flying Start Degree Programme at Newcastle University, in collaboration with the ICAEW and PwC. This review is of my second placement with PwC. On placement we join the audit department, and work as associate auditors - helping to complete statutory external audits for a wide range of clients. Day-to-day I generally perform testing over a wide range of financial statement areas, such as revenue, accruals, debtors, creditors, operating expenses, etc. The testing work typically involves obtaining transaction listings from clients, tie-ing these listings to the client's trial balance and financial statements, then selecting samples from these listings in order to gain comfort over TB balances. For example, if I was working on testing revenue, for my sample items I would look to obtain sales invoices to verify the sale details, and would look to see the amount then being received through the client's bank statement.

You develop rapidly at PwC and are given a lot of responsibility early on. You develop your financial accouting and audit knowledge, as well as your soft-skills, such as client interaction and teamworking capabilities.

It can be very challenging at times, but it is definitely worthwhile if you are wanting to start a career in accountancy.

You feel very valued and are given a lot of support.

The course is very well organised and implemented. It has been running for 10+ years, so all the rough edges have now been ironed out.

You are expected to be as independent as possible and to take responsibility, but help and support is always there if you need it.

You are expected to be as independent as possible and to take responsibility, but help and support is always there if you need it.

Placement accomodation is provided and the salary reasonable - you will be well off financially compared to most other students.

The university and PwC run a range of social events that students can get involved in.

Yes

Excellent development and training, a great name to put on your CV and an opportunity to work with some fantastic people.

Be youself when at interview/assessment centres. Let them know that you can be trusted in-front of clients.