Audit Placement Student Review

Audit work involves being allocated a financial statement line item (eg cash, payables, fixed assets) and performing work to ensure the amounts documented by the client are accurate and complete. It involves a combination of mathematical work eg using softwares and excel, and having discussions with the client and your team. I also completed exams towards the ACA qualification during the year. This involved a mixture of in-person college and self-managed learning.

I have completed 8 out of the 15 exams as part of the ACA qualification. I now know how to use a variety of new software and believe I am more proficient on excel. My team working skills have enhanced, as well as my confidence to communicate in a professional setting. My time management has also improved, having to juggle the responsibilities of day-to-day work with studying for exams.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at PwC. The team work and social aspect exceeded my expectations. There are various social events throughout the year and the fact that I joined with other graduates meant we could all support each other through exams and form friendships. You are allocated a buddy and career coach upon joining which aids the transition into the firm.

A clear mentor system is in place with a buddy and career coach being allocated to you upon arrival to support you throughout the year with any issues and concerns. The programme is extremely well organised, with training and studying at the start of the programme to give a base knowledge before the work begins.

My career coach was a major contact throughout my placement year. They support you with your progression at PwC, the jobs you are allocated to and decide whether you will be offered a graduate position at the end of the placement. My buddy offered general support and guidance on matters such as a exams, company procedures etc.

We studied at Kaplan where you have a tutor for in-person teaching and who you can contact with questions during study period. A lot of the study is self-managed however, with a lot of independent study expected to enable you to be best prepared for the exams. I enjoyed the in-person studying, as you have the opportunity to ask your peers, and the tutor, questions more easily

Provided a base accounting and business knowledge that was essential to know the basics of audit work and areas allocated to you. The theory learnt is put into practice on a day-to-day basis throughout the audit work you complete. It provides general knowledge for people who have completed a degree within a different field.

There are lots of networks to get involved with eg those related to LGBTQ+, climate change. There are regular networking events such as office drinks, where everyone is encouraged to meet after work and take the opportunity to network. Regular socials and away days take place throughout the year, in addition to voluntary initiatives such as 'One firm One day'.

Yes

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at PwC. I believe I have learnt a lot, via the exams and working towards my professional qualification, but also in the day-to-day work. The social aspect has exceeded my expectations, with regular events and the team spirit culture of the firm was extremely welcoming.

Connect with people who work for the firm on LinkedIn, this is really useful to give an insight into the recruitment process and whether the firm is right for you! Research into PwC and its values - attempt to highlight during the recruitment process how these values relate to you, providing relevant support.