Flying Start Degree programme - Intern/Trainee - Watford Review

My role at PwC during my placement was working as a junior auditor. This involved working on year-end external audits of clients from a range of industries. I would often be assigned to test areas of the client such as Cash and Cash equivalents, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Payroll.

Whilst on placement I have significantly improved my knowledge of Excel functions and shortcuts that have enabled me to complete my work quicker and also to a higher standard. I also completed various internal online training courses to help further develop my understanding of Audit and Assurance and assist me in my studies.

I like this programme because it enables me to experience life at university and study for a degree whilst also gaining valuable work experience at PwC during busy season. Working during this period presents many challenges which I hope will have prepared me for when I graduate from university and join full-time.

The course is very well structured by ensuring that it is tailored towards achieving the ultimate goal which is to become an ACA Chartered Accountant. The degree is structured around achieving this as efficiently as possible. This involves completing exams at University to gain accreditation from the ICAEW as well as getting in work experience at PwC to help contribute towards the required working hours for chartership.

During placement I was provided with plenty of support from PwC. This included a number of support groups/people such as Career Coach, Career Buddy, Flying Start Champions, Programme Manager and University contacts. It was always possible to reach out to any of these people during my time on placement.

The PwC Flying Start programme is tailored towards achieving the ACA qualification as efficiently as possible. The modules taken at university are in line with ICAEW guidance and result in the exams being accredited by the ICAEW meaning. The lecturers are also aware of this and provide a great advice on working towards chartership.

Having now completed placement I feel that I'm now able to better understand my modules at university as I've put some of the theory I have learnt into practice. I also have a much better understanding of the Audit and Assurance industry itself and I'm now aware of what the daily activities of an auditor are.

Due to COVID-19 I spent the entire placement working remotely. Due to restrictions it was not possible for PwC to arrange any activities or events in person. PwC did however do their best to make the most out of the situation by arranging several virtual events. They also encouraged us to take part in daily team activities when on audits.

Yes

I would strongly recommend this course to someone who is looking to become a Chartered Accountant. Working at a big company such as PwC is opens up so many career opportunities and pathways. This course is ideal for someone who wants to go to university but also wants gain some work experience in industry.

For this particular course the recruitment process involves both an interview and an assessment day. In terms of the application process, my predicted grades were below what was needed and I still received an offer as long I met the entry requirements so do not let them put you off. Do as much research on the course and the company before the interview. For the assessment day, try attending or completing some practice sessions if you have no prior experience of Assessment days.