Flying Start Degree programme - FS3 Nottingham Review

While on placement I worked within the northern audit section of the pwc Manchester, working on the year end audits of many different companies and while at uni we completed the necessary accounting exams as well as other optional business and other schools modules to complete the degree as a whole.

I have learnt many new and developed existing skills including management accounting, financial accounting, audit testing skills, excel skills, communication skills, business acumen, time management, examination and studying skills. How to present, how to work in a team, how to work with clients, how to write essays, tax calculations, and many more

I overall have enjoyed my programme, I think the mixture of uni and work works well and gives you a proper taste of audit before you join full time while also allowing time for in depth study of the subject and the overall uni experience, my only complaints are with hours at work and some of the universities exam policies and decisions

It is well organised and structured, at the beginning of each year we have a meeting in which the year ahead of us is laid out, what modules we need to take, when we need to sit exams and when we will be at work. the potential of a full time job also helps structure life after uni

There is a lot of support available for example staff at uni, careech coaches, managers, Flying start champions, buddies, your own cohort, the other uni cohorts, flying start team etc, however I haven't had any major issues so I am unsure about the effectiveness of these stems in all circumstances

The ICAEW provide helpful textbooks and question banks and direct the university on what should be taught but I mostly interact with the uni itself and its own staff, they are available to contact when at work and while at uni are usually helpful if any questions are had day to day

Without the technical training provided by the uni and ICAEW i would struggle to understand much of the financial info we encounter at work, there is also important ethical considerations within audit and professional scepticism cannot be performed correctly without full understanding of what you are looking at and why. Thought alot is learned through actual work rather than just theory

There are social events arranged frequently, the location of the office is good as its right in the city centre with so much to do and see around it. There also also volunteering opportunities at work to raise money for charity or arrange social events. there is also an internal group cup competition

Yes

I appreciate the company culture, people are happy to help and always learning, I would however have to warn them about the overtime culture that is also exists however i hope this can be improved in the future with resourcing decisions. I also appreciate the opportunity to work from home and the flexible hours

I did not have the standard application process like a normal grad job as we apply to university rather than to pwc themselves but I would recommend practicing your interview technique as i found that very nerve wracking and to write about as much practical experience as possible within their personal statement