Associate Review

Part of the year is spent at university studying for the ACA exams and part of the year is spent working for PwC as an assurance associate. Daily tasks involve visiting client sites and testing internal controls they have in place or performing audit procedures over the year end accounts.

I have completed 12 of the 15 professional exams and gained time qualification towards becoming chartered. On a day to day basis I have developed effective communication skills which are required to coach more junior members of the audit team and to communicate issues found to the client.

The main advantage of the programme is that you gain work experience with a reputable company whilst completing your degree without having to juggle finding this experience and completing your studies as with other degrees. You also get to work with a good mix of people are hear about a range of experiences.

There are many recognition schemes within PwC where you can be nominated by your peers of managers you work for. This is an opportunity for acknowledgement of great work you have done, commitment you have shown to get a job done or any other trait that is felt deserves special recognition. These are collated over the year and a presentation takes place at the end of the year where your recognition will be presented within your group and you will be rewarded with a gift voucher. End of busy season and Christmas social events also contribute to feeling valued.

The course is well structured and you receive a lot of support from Uni and PwC.

At university, you are assigned a personal tutor who is your first point of contact and happy to answer any questions whether you're on placement or at university. The programme manager at PwC is also available to contact for any issues on the PwC side e.g pay, holiday entitlement, requirements for evidence you need to take back to university.

You have a good support network within PwC as you are assigned a people manager, you have a year group and there are flying starts of all other grades to support you.

The salary is in line with other firms. As a flying start you also get an additional weekly allowance to contribute to the costs of living at home.

There are many networking events that take place that allow you to meet young professionals from other firms e.g consulting and legal firms. There are also many opportunites to get involved in local community activities. For example PwC has a network with local high schools where you can be an interviewer to enable the students to gain experience in what an interview would be like.

Yes

It's a great place to work, you have a good support network and the flying start degree is a good opportunity.

Be yourself in the interview as they are really interested in what personal qualities you can bring to the firm. Make sure you do your reseach and make sure it is right for you.