Flying Start Degree programme - FS1, Manchester Review
at PwC
Degree Apprenticeship
Accounting
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Audit of pensions. I work as a performer on EGAs for many clients. This varies day to day but is mainly around checking the contributions, benefits and investments held in pension schemes.
A lot of work I have done has been around the investments held in investment managers in schemes, such as confirming securities.
A lot of work I have done has been around the investments held in investment managers in schemes, such as confirming securities.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I've really enjoyed meeting new people and gaining a greater depth of knowledge. Sometimes it's frustrating when there are new areas that I don't understand yet and so have to ask a lot of questions. I know that with more experience this will reduce as my understanding improves.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since this has been my first placement, my knowledge was lacking before I started. Therefore I have developed many skills, such as general knowledge around pensions as well as how to navigate PwC's sites. I now have a deeper understanding of how pensions are audited as opposed to areas of audit I have learnt about at uni such as the sales/ purchases cycle.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The degree programme is extremely well organised, particularly in terms of how many people there are to talk to if there are any issues. The office I think could be improved in terms of resourcing as senior managers and above seem to be working extreme hours, whereas associates have much less to do. Therefore, the work could be distributed more evenly.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The people I have worked with have been extremely supportive, particularly my manager on the jobs. She is always happy to answer questions and willing to help. Emotionally I also received support when my grandad passed so I have been lucky with how my team have been.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
There are many 'e learns' to do during training and these are good in summarising the work which we do over placement. I particularly like the tests at the end of the training as these show which areas of knowledge you are lacking. Since most of my work is around pensions, perhaps more focus could have been put on this as the ones around receivables, PPE and payables hasn't been too significant during my placement.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The assertions of audit such as completeness, existence, cut off etc have been prominent in my placement so learning about this during training has been really helpful. All though I haven't been involved in the planning stages, I have a greater understanding of why I am doing what I'm doing and what my teammates are referring to during calls.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Since this placement is online this has been really tricky as I haven't actually met anyone from the office in person.I get on really well with my team and using Google meets has worked well. However, most of the time the only thing that is discussed is work so I don't know my team too personally. There have been socials and game nights which have been good, but it's difficult to make friends over a call when there are so many people.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Everything is really well organised and they care about your understanding and development as well as just getting the work done. It is a great opportunity to build knowledge about accountancy since everyone is so willing to answer questions. Despite being a low status, I have got to work with many interesting clients, which is an experience hard to come by.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
Don't be worried about asking questions as this is better than not asking and making a mistake. Always go to the socials, even if they're virtual. If not, there seems to only be work and talk about work. When friendships become a part of you work it instantly becomes more enjoyable.
