Associate Review

My role was to audit financial statements, which involves trying to verify the balances per the financial statements. For example, to verify the revenue balance was correct, for a sample of transactions you would request invoices from the client, then ensure that the amount per invoice matches the amount per financial statements.

I have built on my communication skills as have had to communicate with the client to request certain information, and communicate with my team. Additionally, have built time management skills as I have had to manage my own workload. Also, I have built on my problem solving skills as have to try understand why differences between financial statements and evidence have occured

I am pleased with the amount of new knowledge I have learnt, both in accounting and the wider business world. I enjoy getting to know my team, and there is a really good sense of community among the other apprentices. I enjoy the added responsibility and occasional opportunities to travel.

The program is very structured. From the first few days you are given a timetable of all your exams and any time you have for college. Additionally, you are given a schedule of client work fairly early on. You get access to a professional qualification team who are always on hand to help and guide you.

Managers are usually very understanding regarding college / studying commitments and allow you to work flexibly to help you study after work. On a day to day basis, managers are often able to help with any work related questions, but can be busy. Additionally, you get a career coach who can help you with career progression

Kaplan are great at providing resources for training courses and provide a high quality level of teaching. They provide student services who you can go to for general queries, and also online tutors who can help with study related questions. The tutors are very helpful and provide useful exam advice

Without the knowledge from my qualification, I would be unable to perform my role. The exams taught me all the fundamentals for accounting and help me understand the background behind auditing, which also helps me coach juniors and interact with the client so I know what im talking about. Secondly, the exams taught me essential background business knowledge.

I am involved in organising socials - such as work drinks, golf, christmas parties. I am also involved within the charity teams which help fundraise / raise awareness for volunteering opportunities within the company. There are several networking events each month There are many sports teams which you can also get involved in (Tennis, rugby, running, netball)

Yes

Fantastic company, with international connections and overwhelming amount of opportunities. There is opportunity to travel abroad, and also move roles within PwC. The company has a good culture, and does focus on work life balance (when there arent deadlines). The staff are all approachable and friendly. Usually career progression timelines are transparent, so you know what you are working towards

The work load can be intense and hours can be long. The apprenticeship does require you to sacrifice your free time to study, however, its worth it as you learn so much and it opens so many doors. By being open about your career goals you are more likely to get there.