Flying Start Degree programme - FS2 - Manchester Review

My role was an associate auditor and my day to day roles included collecting evidence through attending meetings with clients and asking questions about their internal processes and collecting evidence on different FSLIs. Documenting this evidence on our internal systems and helping prepare for current year audits by transferring information that may be applicable to the current year audit.

By attending and running client meetings i have improved my presentation skills as well as soft skills. I have also developed my excel skills since 99% of the work i perform is done in excel. I have also developed skills such as using sampling tools to automate the sampling procedure when selecting our sample for testing.

I enjoy my programme very much since i get to work with clients before i even finish university, get paid which the majority of internships dont, am gaining hours which contribute to my ICAEW accreditation, get to build my network by meeting new people every day and get to work with great people.

The programme is very well organised and i would put this down to how much PwC invests into this programme, you can see the evidence of this just by the amount of people who contribute to it. You have a variety of different universities who are a part of the programme, across which their are different flying start programme co-ordinaters, each flying start is given a career coach from the day you start, you have flying start champions who are flying start graduates who provide their experience and you also have resourcing who ensure the programme runs smoothly.

My employer supports me tremendously, due to the cost of living crisis our employer provided us with monetary support to get through the crisis, we are provided with constant training and development to us continue learning and developing. PwC also has a great focus of attention on digital upskilling which is very useful.

Whilst at university we get the same university experience with lectures, seminars and the professors are always available to take questions. Over exam periods revision sessions are provided. We also have flying start champions who can provide advice when it comes to the ICAEW exams. The students in general provide a great support network to eachother.

It provides me with the fundamentals of accounting to understand the clients accounts, other topics such as assurance helps me better understand my role as an external auditor in the audit cycle. Modules such as ethics and assurance help me to understand the laws and regulations which surround my role.

PwC have socials on all the time. Whether these are diversity weeks, the christmas party, board games night. The office also has walks around town in our calendars for people who want a 15 minute break from the office just to reset and get some fresh air and catch up.

Yes

The flying start programme provides me with an ICAEW accreditation and a degree at the same time. Once i graduate i will have nearly completed my ICAEW where as other students who have just graduated with me are just beginning their ICAEW journey. The placements are paid and the experience of working at PwC is great.

Look at their values and try to explain how you embody these values. Mention any work experience that you can give examples of where you have showed of these values. For any in person interviews , prepare . prepare and prepare some more. Make sure you are early and network with people.