Audit Associate Review

Me and my team test different areas of financial statements in different ways, ensuring they are accurate and relatively free from error. I contact the client, asking for specific documentation, and inspect, test, and recalculate their numbers. At the end of the audit we discuss significant errors found with the client and provide suggestions. We also challenge the client on areas we believe are problematic, hearing the clients explanations to understand their reasoning and if it alines with accounting regulations.

I study at university for three months before doing my placement at PwC for three months. The accounting and audit knowledge developed over my placement has put me in good stead for my ACA exams this April and May, which have been reinforced everyday as I apply my knowledge on each audit. My excel skills have also been completely transformed, as I barely used it before placement. Now I can navigate it smoothly and carry out a range of tasks efficiently and effectively, which can be transferred to any client / role in the future.

My programme means my first year is exclusively at university, getting the uni lifestyle whilst studying for my first ACA exams. My second and third year have three months of studying, followed by three months of placement, then exams in the summer term. My fourth year will comprise of a five month placement and my dissertation. I have thoroughly enjoyed my programme as before university I didn't want to go, and would have preferred an apprenticeship; this hybrid programme gives the best of both worlds, as I can enjoy university and paid work. This combination is challenging but rewarding, and executed well. As someone who did not want to go to university, I recommend this programme to anyone looking at either apprenticeships or university!

The programme is run effectively and structured well. My first year was just university, and had six exams. It was a good intro to university and accounting as a whole. I am in my second year, and the programme has smoothly transitioned us from university studying in the first term to working in the second through check-ups and dedicated support staff at the university, plus Flying Start programme graduates being there to support you through the placement.

We have a programme lead and Flying Start team who have been in touch in the first year and running up to our placement in second year, to answer questions and give details on when we work. PwC provided excellent training to support my work, and have systems in place to ensure there is always somebody there for me to rely on when at work.

The University of Reading provides my lectures in my first term, and provides revision lectures and ACA exams in the third term. I have well qualified lecturers who deliver content effectively and provide year-round support. They are all invested in our potential and want us to excel, supporting us all through the intensive revision periods. There have been a very limited number of times where any issues have arisen regarding our training / studies.

I will be a qualified chartered accountant soon after graduating, with a BA degree in Accounting and Business. I will have sat exams in accounting, audit, tax, business and more. As such, I feel I have great knowledge of auditing already, despite only having been on placement for 12 weeks. My degree will reflect my vast knowledge in these areas, putting me in a beneficial position when I start work full time.

PwC host monthly socials that span all lines of service for people to join, ranging from drinks to meals to activities. They host additional activities, such as running the three peaks challenge, which staff put together and is offered to anyone that wants to take part.

Yes

Working here is a great opportunity to develop key skills that is used across many roles in finance. The hours can get longer during busy season, but generally very manageable. I have found doing the longer hours accelerated my learning, putting me in a better position professionally and for exams. The work culture is inclusive as everybody wants to help each other succeed and are very friendly.

Ensure you have researched PwC and know their core values etc, as demonstrating these are key in the office and in interviews. Be yourself and be confident! PwC are looking for driven and motivated individuals, and being confident and sure of yourself in interviews are key to coming across as professional. By being yourself interviewers / staff get to know the real you.