Flying Start Degree programme - audit associate at Bristol office Review
at PwC
Degree Apprenticeship
Accounting
Bristol
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.7 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
As an audit associate, we are expected to apply the knowledge learnt from university in our audits on various clients.
On the audit we are expected to take ownership over less-complex areas of the audit, have regular communication with the clients and provide coaching where applicable. We are expected to maintain independence and a professional attitude throughout
On the audit we are expected to take ownership over less-complex areas of the audit, have regular communication with the clients and provide coaching where applicable. We are expected to maintain independence and a professional attitude throughout
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Overall, the placement has been thoroughly enjoyable with Bristol proving to be one of the most social offices always trying to provide an opportunity to have a laugh, with monthly socials organized.
Working in a top 4 firm in audit, provides such a learning experience in which you never stop learning
However, make sure if you're going to join a top 4 firm, you're prepared to work the hours that comes with it!
Working in a top 4 firm in audit, provides such a learning experience in which you never stop learning
However, make sure if you're going to join a top 4 firm, you're prepared to work the hours that comes with it!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Out knowledge of audit and accounting processes used by the client has dramatically improved throughout my 2nd placement, which is complimented by the learning provided by university.
Our communication and presentation skills has further progressed throughout placement, regularly having to communicate with senior members of the client and also senior PwC members
Our communication and presentation skills has further progressed throughout placement, regularly having to communicate with senior members of the client and also senior PwC members
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well structured, with the course structure, placements and university courses to be taken are laid out clearly before you even start!
The whole aim of the course is to provide a 'flying start' to becoming a chartered accountant therefore exams are tailored to taking ones which provide a professional ICAEW exemption ( need to pass 15 exams to be chartered accountant - once you finish the 4 year course you only need to pass the final 3)!
The whole aim of the course is to provide a 'flying start' to becoming a chartered accountant therefore exams are tailored to taking ones which provide a professional ICAEW exemption ( need to pass 15 exams to be chartered accountant - once you finish the 4 year course you only need to pass the final 3)!
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
When on placement, PwC provide a very good support network. This includes your career coach ( a manager designated to you to aim any questions or queries with placement).
However, anyone on the course will tell you that the flying starts in the years above always look after anyone coming through and make sure to arrange a lot of fun events and nights out!
However, anyone on the course will tell you that the flying starts in the years above always look after anyone coming through and make sure to arrange a lot of fun events and nights out!
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
When on placement, you do receive a few emails from Reading university ensuring they are there if you are struggling. This is complimented with a call that you have to perform in placement to make sure you are doing well.
As there is a broad network at PwC, less emphasis is put on Reading university to provide support
As there is a broad network at PwC, less emphasis is put on Reading university to provide support
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
As mentioned, all exams that are taken to qualify for being a chartered accountant and therefore provide direct knowledge to help with your placement. The exams taking include audit and assurance and financial accounting reporting which evidently aid with your knowledge on placement and visa versa the placement definitely helps to pass these exams
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Bristol office is a very social office providing a whole range of socials and activities ( unfortunately covid-19 has impacted this). However, normally monthly office drinks and also another monthly activity is organised e.g. bowling or escape rooms. There are sports activities also: football, rugby, hockey, running and strava challenges etc
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because it's the quickest way to become a chartered accountant while also getting the university experience. Working for a top 4 is invaluable and there's not a better placement/job to build your knowledge in audit and accounting to be able to progress to any accounting job after if you desire
It's a great stepping stone and employers love a PwC employee!
It's a great stepping stone and employers love a PwC employee!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
Make sure to do your homework for the interview and group task - it is highly competitive but doing your research means it's very achievable if you look for what attributes PwC are looking for ( hardworking, knowledgeable and a team player).
Make sure you're passionate about business and accounting as this is a more intense course than most so be prepared to work a bit harder than your friends!
Make sure you're passionate about business and accounting as this is a more intense course than most so be prepared to work a bit harder than your friends!
