Flying Start Degree programme - Associate Birmingham Review

During my second placement with PwC, I got experience working on both a financial statement audit and CASS audit at interim. I developed and solidified my understanding of the audit file and work completed. As a FS2 I spent time completing testing for a range of FSLIs. I picked samples and completed both substantive and controls testing. In addition, developed my project management skills by creating project trackers and presentations for weekly status meetings. Throughout the placement I have developed both my client relations and relationships within the teams I have worked with.

I have learnt subject specific skills for controls and substantive testing. As this was my second placement I have developed and solidified these skills and ways of working. Most importantly during this placement I have developed my understanding on how and why we do things in certain ways. I have become more confident, which has enabled me to develop my communication skills with both the internal and external teams. I have seen the importance of organisation to ensure the audit work is effective and efficient.

This programme is a wonderful opportunity to learn in different environments, both university and a workplace. I have learnt very differently in both environments enabling me to learn as much as possible! PwC culture is welcoming and motivated me to dive deeply into the work I am completing and the working world. This programme is an excellent kick start to a successful career. I would recommend this programme to anyone interested in a career in accounting.

The first year of the Flying Start Degree Programme is based on your university campus, living in halls of residence and attending lectures to work towards both ICAEW and business module exams. The second and third year have the same structure. We spend the first semester in placement with PwC and the second back on university campus. In the final year we spend the first semester on campus and the second on placement during busy season. Before we join placement we have a week of training to allow us to understand the basics before we start working. If we have any queries during placement there are many opportunities of support, buddies, champions, career coaches and those on your job team. At university out course conveyor is able to answer any questions we may have and provide support.

If support is needed there are multiple places one can go to. All employees have career coaches to support personal development. In meetings with my career coaches we my goals and how they can be achieved in the near future. We also discuss the feedback I have received from my engagements and encourage me to keep up the good work or make any improvements based on the feedback. The senior associates on the jobs I have worked on have been a very helpful and reliable source of support; they have coached me through my placement, I have learnt alot from them. We also have specific buddies and flying start champions for any other support they can help with (usually admin based).

ICAEW provide us with textbooks and question banks for some modules/exams which help us with content and exam practise. The support provided from university has room for improvement. We are taught a 20 credit module in a week in September before our placement which is then examined in January. This is a very challenging way to work, with not much support provided from University to support staying on track.

Majority of the content taught at university and the exams sat help to perform better in my role as an auditor as I am able to put the theory into practice when on placement. What we have learn in the ICAEW modules helps on a day-to-day basis in my role. However there are some skills which can only be learnt from experience on the job, which is where the importance of the placement lies.

There are monthly socials within the Banking and Capital Markets business unit, which allow you to network and make friends! Debrief lunches with client teams to look at our work over the course of the audit and congratulate each other on our work completed. We have also had a Christmas party which was spectacular!

Yes

PwC it a global dynamic company with an excellent reputation. It is a great place to start a career in accounting, with multiple career paths allowing us to develop a specialist skill set. At PwC there are a wide range of opportunities, working with a range of industries and different size businesses. The environment is welcoming, professional and supportive, this encourages personal growth and development. I feel valued at PwC, my hard work has been recognised and rewarded.

Ensure you are aware of the career path you are applying for to ensure it matches your interest. Work experience will help you understand this. It will also allow you to develop skills which PwC look for in future employees. Research the company to ensure your personal values are the same as theirs. Look into the different services PwC provide, you should apply for the one which interests you the most. Look into the location of the office you are applying for - different offices have different clients.