Audit Associate Review
at PwC
Degree Apprenticeship
Accounting
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
I complete audit work on a number of clients. This involves testing each line on the financial statements by gathering evidence and comparing this with the underlying accounting records. I am always working in a team. Alongside the audit work, I sit exams with ICAEW which progress towards completion of the ACA qualification.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really enjoy what I do for work, however it can be a struggle to get the right work/life balance. I find this especially challenging in exam periods, when I am juggling revision and audit work. However, I do still find myself feeling fulfilled with my life.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I am constantly learning and developing in the role. I develop both technical and soft skills. Focusing on the soft skills, I have found that my communication skills have massively improved - I can now communicate in a more clear and concise manner. I also feel that I have developed my leadership skills, I spend a portion of my day coaching junior team members and so have experience leading and developing others.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme has a clear structure to it in terms of ICAEW exams and other parts of the ACA qualification (e.g. End Point Assessment). I also have a well structured internal training programme which helps me to develop both my technical on the job skills and soft skills for around the workplace.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I have found that there are multiple avenues in PwC which I can access support. These include my peer group, audit teams, committees, mental health first aiders and Kaplan tutors just to name a few. I have felt that PwC have made sure that there is an avenue of support available to everyone.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The tutors at Kaplan and the support team are always encouraging open conversations. I have found that there are a number of seminars and training sessions held by Kaplan over lunch breaks to encourage students to discuss important topics such as stress, mental health, work/life balance. I have found that everyone at Kaplan is extremely understanding of the stresses in completing the pathway and do all that they can to simplify things.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I wouldn't be able to do the work I am doing without the understanding of accounting and finance I have learnt through my professional qualification. In addition, I have also found that as I have progressed through the exams the soft skills I am practicing are also relevant to my work e.g. analytical reviews.
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
Yes, I have been involved with the netball team at PwC and participated in a few games. I have also got involved with the wellbeing committee, where I have been able to get involved with organising office wide events to encourage people to share their experiences and strategies for improving their wellbeing.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PwC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel valued and empowered as an employee. Things such as the Deal make me feel impowered to work flexibly to accommodate other aspects of my life. I also enjoy working with the people, I have found that everyone I have worked with to date to be like-minded individuals. This has made my working life all the more enjoyable,
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PwC?
Be yourself and if you are suited to the role I am sure you will be successful in your application. Also be brave and speak proudly of your accomplishments, your application is not the time to be humble. I would also recommend really reading up on the professional qualification you will be completing and assessing whether it is really something you would like to complete as it is a challenging 3 years and without the true desire I could imagine it to be even harder.
