Associate 2 Review

My job title is associate. So therefore, I do the day to day tasks an assoicate at my grade would do. I work with my audit team and my audit client (changes depending on what client I am on) to test and perform audit procedures. I interact daily with Area Controllers and FC's. I also interact with senior associates, managers, senior managers, directors and occasionally partners (when out on site). I am wholly responsible for completing my areas that have been assigned to me. I am coached through areas I have not tested before and will coach other people through areas I have completed. When I am at university and not placement (above) I am going to lectures (no module choices) in order to get my 12 ICAEW exam exemptions over the 4 years. When I graduate all I have to complete is TI and Case in the November following my graduation.

I have developed on my problem solving and communication skills. I have nearly gained my full ICAEW qualification whilst at university and gaining a degree. I have also developed my excel skills and my personal skills. By this I mean dealing with difficult clients but also learning to work with different types of people

I enjoy the "family" feel on my course. Everyone is on placement at the same time and some people are in the same offices and we are all in the same situation revising for the same exams. The company culture is great. They encourage you to better yourself and push yourself further.

I feel very valued and I feel that the hard work I put is rewarded. Managers will go out of their way as well as senior associates to tell you how well you have done. If you ask then you can work on higher risk areas and clients.

Everything about the programme is organised down to the nth degree. There is a dedicated programme team whose job it is to organise the course both from a university and PwC perspective. Clear focus on what needs to be done and always well informed.

We receive an enourmous amount support whilst at university and on placement. We are enocuraged to go speak to lecturers and they provide 1-1 if needs be. They want you to pass your exams as they are all ex PwC and have ICAEW qualification

People manager is in contact on a regular basis as well as my buddy (someone in the year above). Always willing to help and go that extra mile.

Whilst on placement all accomodation is paid for (inc bills). You are treated like a normal employee so cost of going to office has to be funded by yourself. However, the normal expenses policy applies. I.e. if costs more to get to client can claim back difference. If on away job hotel paid and £40 a night for food and drink. If working abroad (this happens quite regularly) even more.

Yes. In my office encourage work life balance and this is pushed from management downwards.

Yes

Great company who look after their employees.

Assessment days are tough but well worth preparing for properly and be yourself. Enjoy the experience and absorb all the information. Work as a team, bring people into conversations. Accept their ideas, challenge in a constructive way