Flying start programme - FS3 Review

Working on various different clients encountering different problem solving tasks everyday. The job provides a lot of variety and keeps you academically challenged. Jobs include financial statement work to planning. The work is very rewarding and requires good communication skills and having efficient organisation to ensure you complete the work on time

I have learnt new skills as I have taken on different areas of the audit file. This includes more complex audit work such as Inventory and accruals. It is motivating as managers are happy to discuss and allow you to work on more specific areas that you have an interest in

The programme is academically challenging and provides many ups and downs throughout the course. In my opinion you have to be very committed to proceed onto the flying start course because of the high intensity and rapid acceleration between University and joining PwC as an experienced senior associate 1 full time.

The programme is well structured, although there could be a better structure. This is because the tax exams in which there are two to sit. Being Business planning taxation and tax compliance are not sat together at University, despite having significant overlap. The structure therefore could be improved to benefit student progression.

The support from the employer is constant. Upon joining you get a careers coach who is the go to person for all queries, whether that be audit related or on private matters. They are very supportive and always happy to help when required. Different jobs have different levels of support depending on the size of the team.

The support from the training provider is mixed. At university there is a definite gap in the quality of lecturing that needs bridging. The pass rates of the ACA exams at University are mixed. There has been an improvement with regard to additional support and teaching but there is a significant improvement required.

The qualification is important to do the job. The qualification is very relevant in order to do the day to day job because of the accounting modules and exams which are sat. The qualification is very demanding and challenging, however it goes a long way to help cement accounting knowledge.

Yes, there are many extra curricular activities to do at work. These range from sports to debates and all other activities depending on interests and beliefs. There are always opportunities at PwC to explore different activities and this is a major benefit of working at PwC which I would recommend.

Yes

PwC is an inclusive and challenging place to work. There are so many opportunities to develop personally and academically. I would say that the work whilst it can be long hours and extremely stressful, it is rewarding and you do learn rapidly about accounting and have the availability to relocate.

If anyone was applying to work at pwc I would recommend that they fully look into the programme in thorough detail and decide if they want to and importantly have the commitment to do it. The days at University at times are not those of a traditional student and this needs taking into consideration.