Audit Associate (Intern/Trainee) Review

by PwC

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Performing audit work in the pensions section of PwC. Checking the pension schemes' accounts for misstatements and whether or not they are preparing them in accordance with the relevant accounting bodies. I am an initial preparer of some of the work papers we complete that then get reviewed by seniors.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed a lot of new skills at PwC. My communication, leadership and project managements skills are my the skills that have benefited from my time at the workplace. In general, my IT skills and Excel knowledge has also improved allowing me to learn more about Excel's functions.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The integrated degree programme as a whole is definitely one of the best programmes I could've asked for. The workload is a bit steep but there is plenty of support and it's nice to get a bursary during our time at uni and paid work experience at PwC.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme as a whole is pretty well organised and the placement sections are integrated well with university. It allows us to get client hours that go towards our qualification and also sit the ICAEW exams in university. It is slightly disorganised at UoM: Other programmes are more established.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Plenty of support. When we are away at university we have regular catch-ups with our colleagues and support sessions are offered. At placement, I have felt that I could always reach out for help and have had some great advice off of my colleagues about how to tackle university exams.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I received a lot of support whilst at university from PwC colleagues and after placement I now have a plethora of contacts to go to if I am having any trouble or have a query. PwC and the ICAEW provide resources for the exams that are ICAEW Qualifications

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The exams are very relevant to the work I perform on placement and they help me progress to becoming a fully qualified accountant with the ICAEW. Some exams are very applicable and I have benefited from taking them. Others are too theoretical without considering the real life applications of teaching.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There is a social budget and the colleagues at work also go out amongst themselves quite a bit. I've been on a few trips out with my colleagues an example was 15 of us went to Chester Races. Overall, very friendly environment with plenty of extra-curricular activities happening.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend PwC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Great workplace. It is one of the Big 4 Accountancy firms and really values their employees. They invest in their people a lot and have helped me immensely with my initial ICAEW exams. Friendly working environment and a lot of genuinely nice people work here.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?

Have a basic understanding of the whole company and what others in the firm do. Understand what accounting and audit is and the differences. During the recruitment process be as genuine as possible and do you research on who PwC are and where you would like to work within PwC