Associate 2 Review

As a second year Associate, my principal role is to help my engagement teams progress audits and deliver high quality in-sights to clients. My day-to-day activities involve: Completing various tests over the clients financial data, concluding on this data and subsequently reporting back to my engagement team on my findings.

I have learnt several new skills, as well as developing existing ones too. Firstly, the firm ensures to keep us up to date with new developments within the industry, and provides us with various electronic learning materials over such areas. For example, I have completed training courses in relation to managing client risk and maintaining integrity at all times Further to this, I have developed a range of new technical skills regarding my area of work. I have experienced some great coaching from senior team members, who really took the time to explain matters in detail.

Overall, I have had a great experience on my programme. I feel the blend of both studying towards professional exams, as well as being able to complete real-world work at the same time has been very insightful. This is due to the fact that when working, subsequent to sitting an exam, you can more easily make the link between how the theory works in real-life scenarios. I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing individuals at PwC who have provided me with some great coaching and key points for development.

The programme is structured very well, there is an even split between University activities and placement related work. Prior to the start of each University semester or work placement, there are always inductions from the programme leaders, to help explain what is upcoming. Whilst, completing this programme, there are many individuals to reach out to on both sides (PwC and the University), in case you have queries or are struggling with any aspect of your studies/work.

PwC provide a large number of support networks to help you progress over placement and answer any questions that you may have. These include your Career Coach, a manager that you can reach out to and catch-up with if you have any concerns about both work and non-work related issues. HR and Resourcing are also available and can help with any specific issues over client bookings, etc. In addition to this, there is the Flying Start Champion, someone who has been in your shoes and that you can reach out to about absolutely anything. Everyone is always more than happy to help, and also very timely with their responses!

The University, similarly to PwC have a number of people you can reach out to if you require any support when it comes to working towards your professional exams. Firstly, there is the Course Director, who oversees the entire course and can help inform you about anything regarding the structure, exam dates, how to prepare for the start of a University semester and so on. As well as this, all individuals have a personal tutor who you can reach to you and talk to about more personal issues or circumstances that may be affecting your studies. Overall, the course team are happy to help and available whenever you need.

As mentioned previously, firstly the structure of the course whereby you can complete a semester learning academic theory, then the next semester be working and applying this theory in real-life is great. In my opinion much more advantageous and useful than completing a traditional three year degree course, then applying your knowledge in a subsequent graduate job. I have most definitely applied various theoretical concepts learnt in my studies, whilst on placement at PwC. It is great to be able to talk to seniors and have thoughtful discussions about different accounting treatments and gain their point of view on such matters.

PwC have numerous social events that you can attend throughout the year, and that can be a welcome distraction from your work. Please note, as a result of COVID-19 these have been limited in number. However, PwC have still completed a number of online activities where possible such as livestreams and quizzes.

Yes

There are many reasons I would recommend PwC. Firstly, the culture, everyone at PwC is extremely helpful and always keen to help answer your questions and queries. I have been lucky enough to experience some great coaching and gained invaluable insights over several areas. Secondly, the exposure, as a Big 4 Accounting Firm PwC has a number of larger client engagements where you can really develop your skills at a great pace.

My first tip would be, to show a positive attitude and an enthusiasm towards wanting to work for PwC. Develop and explain genuine reasons why would like to get the job and subsequently what you are looking to get out of it. In addition to this, explain what you can offer in return. Everyone at PwC is committed to helping you progress and develop the skills you need, however, this can only be done well if you are willing to put the same commitment in!