Audit Associate Review

I complete audit work on a number of clients. This involves testing each line on the financial statements by gathering evidence and comparing this with the underlying accounting records. I am always working in a team. Alongside the audit work, I sit exams with ICAEW which progress towards completion of the ACA qualification.

I am constantly learning and developing in the role. I develop both technical and soft skills. Focusing on the soft skills, I have found that my communication skills have massively improved - I can now communicate in a more clear and concise manner. I also feel that I have developed my leadership skills, I spend a portion of my day coaching junior team members and so have experience leading and developing others.

I really enjoy what I do for work, however it can be a struggle to get the right work/life balance. I find this especially challenging in exam periods, when I am juggling revision and audit work. However, I do still find myself feeling fulfilled with my life.

My programme has a clear structure to it in terms of ICAEW exams and other parts of the ACA qualification (e.g. End Point Assessment). I also have a well structured internal training programme which helps me to develop both my technical on the job skills and soft skills for around the workplace.

I have found that there are multiple avenues in PwC which I can access support. These include my peer group, audit teams, committees, mental health first aiders and Kaplan tutors just to name a few. I have felt that PwC have made sure that there is an avenue of support available to everyone.

The tutors at Kaplan and the support team are always encouraging open conversations. I have found that there are a number of seminars and training sessions held by Kaplan over lunch breaks to encourage students to discuss important topics such as stress, mental health, work/life balance. I have found that everyone at Kaplan is extremely understanding of the stresses in completing the pathway and do all that they can to simplify things.

I wouldn't be able to do the work I am doing without the understanding of accounting and finance I have learnt through my professional qualification. In addition, I have also found that as I have progressed through the exams the soft skills I am practicing are also relevant to my work e.g. analytical reviews.

Yes, I have been involved with the netball team at PwC and participated in a few games. I have also got involved with the wellbeing committee, where I have been able to get involved with organising office wide events to encourage people to share their experiences and strategies for improving their wellbeing.

Yes

I feel valued and empowered as an employee. Things such as the Deal make me feel impowered to work flexibly to accommodate other aspects of my life. I also enjoy working with the people, I have found that everyone I have worked with to date to be like-minded individuals. This has made my working life all the more enjoyable,

Be yourself and if you are suited to the role I am sure you will be successful in your application. Also be brave and speak proudly of your accomplishments, your application is not the time to be humble. I would also recommend really reading up on the professional qualification you will be completing and assessing whether it is really something you would like to complete as it is a challenging 3 years and without the true desire I could imagine it to be even harder.