Flying Start Degree programme - Placement 1, Leeds BCM Review

I spend 4 years at university, the first year is entirely university based and the final three years integrate work placements with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. This is my second year of the degree and my first work placement where I worked in the Leeds office from January to March. This is known as busy season in the auditing industry as there are reporting deadlines and lots of of work to be done for the end of the financial year.

I have learnt so much about the work of auditors; I have been involved in planning, controls testing, substantive procedures and even completion. I have gained technical skills in terms of completing audit recalculations, using software and documenting work. I have also gained confidence in client discussions and developed a good rapport with the people I work with.

I really enjoy the mix of university and work, the independence I feel when on placement is probably my favourite part. But also studying at university enables me to take my accounting exams and get closer to be chartered. I have found that both at uni and in the PwC office people are friendly and there are good communities to get involved with.

University has been very organised and the programme layout is set out clearly. The work aspect involves you having more initiative to organize yourself and take the reigns in arranging your own time. Both uni and work have structured requirements but there is flexibility and you are empowered to work in ways that best fit you.

PwC have a very structured system of support. I had a buddy who is an older year student that I can ask general questions and advice, this really helped with settling in. We also receive a career coach who help us set our goals and review our performance. Then in each office there is a flying start champion who is a leader for all flying starts to chat to and get advice from.

The university organise the completion of our ICEAW standard exams meaning that upon graduation we will have exemptions from 12/15 of the exams. We then finish the final 3 exams with the support of PwC when we go to work there full time. The ICEAW provide lots of resources and the university arrange teaching of the content. The final 3 exam contents are taught at a college on release from work.

The content taught at university is essential for the job role, without knowledge of auditing, financial reporting, ethics and law, the job would be very difficult. Although on the job learning is very useful, it is crucial to have the pre-knowledge which we are taught at university. The mix of study and in-practice learning is great.

I was involved in the social activities for my engagement team we ran quizzes, reward milestones, team lunches and activities. These are so important during busy season to keep everyone sane. The Leeds office also has a netball team, football team and regular socials arranged in each business unit.

Yes

PwC is a friendly firm with a strong culture of work-life balance and everyone is empowered to work flexibly as long as they meet the minimum requirements of 2/3days in the office. Most of the audit team are quite young so there is a fun social side to working with like-minded people. Everyone in the firm is respectful of each other and there is always people to help.

Get involved in their open day events, summer schools, women in business talks and then you can use this knowledge to show you have an interest in the firm. There are recruitment events for school-leavers, graduates and experienced hires, you can find out about them by signing up on the website.