Associate Review
at PwC
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
London
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
My role was to audit financial statements, which involves trying to verify the balances per the financial statements. For example, to verify the revenue balance was correct, for a sample of transactions you would request invoices from the client, then ensure that the amount per invoice matches the amount per financial statements.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I am pleased with the amount of new knowledge I have learnt, both in accounting and the wider business world. I enjoy getting to know my team, and there is a really good sense of community among the other apprentices. I enjoy the added responsibility and occasional opportunities to travel.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have built on my communication skills as have had to communicate with the client to request certain information, and communicate with my team. Additionally, have built time management skills as I have had to manage my own workload. Also, I have built on my problem solving skills as have to try understand why differences between financial statements and evidence have occured
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The program is very structured. From the first few days you are given a timetable of all your exams and any time you have for college. Additionally, you are given a schedule of client work fairly early on. You get access to a professional qualification team who are always on hand to help and guide you.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Managers are usually very understanding regarding college / studying commitments and allow you to work flexibly to help you study after work.
On a day to day basis, managers are often able to help with any work related questions, but can be busy. Additionally, you get a career coach who can help you with career progression
On a day to day basis, managers are often able to help with any work related questions, but can be busy. Additionally, you get a career coach who can help you with career progression
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Kaplan are great at providing resources for training courses and provide a high quality level of teaching. They provide student services who you can go to for general queries, and also online tutors who can help with study related questions. The tutors are very helpful and provide useful exam advice
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Without the knowledge from my qualification, I would be unable to perform my role. The exams taught me all the fundamentals for accounting and help me understand the background behind auditing, which also helps me coach juniors and interact with the client so I know what im talking about. Secondly, the exams taught me essential background business knowledge.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
I am involved in organising socials - such as work drinks, golf, christmas parties.
I am also involved within the charity teams which help fundraise / raise awareness for volunteering opportunities within the company.
There are several networking events each month
There are many sports teams which you can also get involved in (Tennis, rugby, running, netball)
I am also involved within the charity teams which help fundraise / raise awareness for volunteering opportunities within the company.
There are several networking events each month
There are many sports teams which you can also get involved in (Tennis, rugby, running, netball)
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Fantastic company, with international connections and overwhelming amount of opportunities. There is opportunity to travel abroad, and also move roles within PwC. The company has a good culture, and does focus on work life balance (when there arent deadlines). The staff are all approachable and friendly. Usually career progression timelines are transparent, so you know what you are working towards
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
The work load can be intense and hours can be long. The apprenticeship does require you to sacrifice your free time to study, however, its worth it as you learn so much and it opens so many doors.
By being open about your career goals you are more likely to get there.
By being open about your career goals you are more likely to get there.
