Assurance

Here, you’ll be part of the team that audits the greatest number of FTSE 100 companies, as well as thousands of smaller organisations. You’ll get to grips with every aspect of clients’ activities, understanding what it is they do and identifying ways in which we can add value without compromising on quality. Then we work out what risks they face, if those risks are being addressed and the impact on the accounts. It’s critical work that underpins investor confidence, makes our clients more competitive and develops the market economy.

Work with our prestigious client list and you’ll develop the business skills, knowledge and relationships you need to do well in a career that’s about so much more than numbers. You’ll go beyond the obvious and develop real insights into a client’s markets, technology, people and management, as well as its finances. Your curiosity is key – as is your ability to take on new challenges with flexibility, agility and intelligence. These qualities, plus the fact we’re passionate about making a difference to our clients, set us apart.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Assurance
• View summer Internship vacancies in Assurance
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You'll spend the first stage of your career focusing on audit, learning about our business and developing key skills. You’ll devote over 35% of your first year and 15% of the second to formal development - building your business, personal and technical skills and studying to become a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) or the Chartered Accounts of Ireland (CAI).

Studying can be tough - but we’ll be right behind you with full financial support and access to first-class tuition. What’s more, you’ll continually apply what you learn at college to your work - reinforcing your know-how and gaining an edge in the exam hall.

After your initial training, you'll have the chance to broaden your experience. You might decide to investigate other areas of Assurance, different clients, project work or even another part of the firm.

Whatever you do, you’ll take on more responsibility - maybe supervising team members of your own. There’s a good chance that by then, you'll also be in the final stages of your professional qualification - so study will still feature. When you qualify, you'll be a well-rounded business adviser, enjoying a real career head start.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Assurance
• View summer Internship vacancies in Assurance
• View work placements vacancies in Assurance

So what does it take to cut it in audit? Well, you'll need to be committed to delivering outstanding results for our clients, good with detail and highly numerate. Shrewd judgement, and people and teamwork skills are crucial too.

Your curiosity is also key – as is your ability to take on new challenges with flexibility, agility and intelligence. These qualities, plus the fact we’re passionate about making a difference to our clients, set us apart.

• A 2:1 or above in any degree discipline
• A UCAS tariff of at least 300 (or equivalent)

Your intellect, willingness to learn, ability to build relationships, to put yourself in others’ shoes , while always making a positive impact with our clients and each other.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Assurance
• View summer Internship vacancies in Assurance
• View work placements vacancies in Assurance

We get to grips with every aspect of clients’ activities, then advise them on whether what they’re doing is sustainable, profitable and legal. It’s critical work that underpins investor confidence, adds real value to our clients’ businesses and develops the market economy.

Investment Funds and Pensions Audit is a specialised group based in London and around 80 people strong. Our clients include a range of different investment funds, pension schemes and hedge funds.

We get to know the fund, what it plans to do and how to plans to do it. Then we work out what risks the fund faces, if those risks are being addressed and the impact on the accounts. So we need to be just as good at interviewing and strategic thinking as we are with numbers.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Pensions Assurance

You’ll have hands-on work straightaway. Joining a team working at a client site you’ll interview key contacts, check that data is accurate, and highlight and question any differences you find. Then you’ll check investments against third-party documents, looking at what’s been invested, what’s been paid out and what kind of income the fund has generated.

It’s investigative work that often involves one-to-one meetings with financial controllers and finance directors, and you’ll need to tenacious and resilient to do it well.

The more experience you get, the more responsibility you’ll take on – for planning and carrying out your own audits as well as for coaching junior colleagues.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Pensions Assurance

Work with our prestigious client list and you’ll develop the business skills, knowledge and relationships you need to do well in a career that’s about so much more than numbers.

You'll spend the first stage of your career focusing on audit, learning about our business and developing key skills. You’ll devote over 35% of your first year and 15% of the second to formal development - building your business, personal and technical skills and studying to become a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) or the Chartered Accounts of Ireland (CAI).

Studying can be tough - but we'll be right behind you with full financial support and access to first-class tuition. What’s more, you'll continually apply what you learn at college to your work - reinforcing your know-how and gaining an edge in the exam hall.

After your initial training, you'll have the chance to broaden your experience. You might decide to investigate other areas of Insurance and Investment Management, Assurance, different clients, project work or even another part of the firm.

Whatever you do, you'll take on more responsibility - maybe supervising team members of your own. There's a good chance that by then, you'll also be in the final stages of your professional qualification - so study will still feature. When you qualify, you'll be a well-rounded business adviser, enjoying a real career head start.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Pensions Assurance

So what does it take to cut it Pensions Audit? Well, you'll need to be committed to delivering outstanding results for our clients, good with detail and highly numerate. Shrewd judgement, and people and teamwork skills are crucial too.

Your curiosity is also key – as is your ability to take on new challenges with flexibility, agility and intelligence. These qualities, plus the fact we’re passionate about making a difference to our clients, set us apart.

You'll also need a 2.1 in any subject plus at least 300 UCAS tariff or equivalent.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Pensions Assurance

A huge diversity of clients. The chance to scrutinise how successful businesses work. They’re reasons enough to work in Investment Funds and Pensions Audit. But it's the team element that really makes a difference - and which convinces so many people to make audit their 'home'.

Your input will be valued – and, in return, you’ll help us deliver the quality of service that means clients use us again and again.

And there's also the fact that we simply enjoy what we do and enjoy doing it well.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Pensions Assurance

Work with clients ranging from hospitals to universities, charities to local councils, central government to housing associations. Come up with the innovative ideas and practical solutions that help them rise to the challenge of the current economy. And make a real difference to the services we all rely on.

You’ll use your analytical skills to get maximum value out of taxpayers’ money. We believe it makes for a terrifically rewarding career. And as our services range from external and internal audit to compliance, and from risk management to value-for-money reviews, our work is as varied as the clients themselves. We also publish newsletters and articles, and give tailored advice and training to clients to keep them up to speed with the latest developments in accounting and corporate governance

There’s no doubt the public sector faces tough times. Budgets are being slashed yet demand for services is higher than ever. What’s more, changing demographics mean this demand will only increase. So it’s not surprising that the work of our Government and Public Services team is particularly challenging. But equally, it’s extremely rewarding. And as our services range from external and internal audit to compliance, and from risk management to value-for-money reviews, the projects are as varied as the clients themselves.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Public Services Assurance
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• View all work placement vacancies in Public Services Assurance

The sheer variety is what attracts many people to Public Services Assurance.

You’ll work mainly at client locations and occasionally away from home. You could be part of a large audit team, helping to check that a client’s accounts are true and fair or reviewing the operation of key control systems. At times you might take sole responsibility for seeing a job through from planning and execution to the final written report. It’ll be challenging. But we’ll be right behind you and we’re confident you’ll find it both rewarding and career-enhancing.

You could also build your consulting skills and technical know-how by tackling ad hoc projects. And once you complete your professional qualification you’ll have the chance to pick up international experience through overseas secondments to our offices or those of our clients. Whatever you do, you’ll enjoy the broadest possible variety of work. And, as a result, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the relationships we share with our clients, and why these are often based on so much more than a straightforward audit.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Public Services Assurance
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As well as excellent professional training to become a Chartered Accountant, you’ll benefit from regular, quality, on-the-job development opportunities. You’ll have a people manager to help you identify your development needs and a partner or director who’ll act as your mentor, bringing you up to speed with the Government and Public Services practice and our overall culture.

Although you'll have a tailored development plan, you’ll still need to take charge of your own development. That means recognising if you need to boost things like your time management, project planning or report-writing skills, and investigating what resources we have to help you.

After your initial training, you'll have the chance to work in different teams in Assurance. You’ll see how different types of organisations operate and get involved in the issues we help them tackle. It will all make you a more rounded assurance professional and give you a better idea of where you’d like your career to take you.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Public Services Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Public Services Assurance
• View all work placement vacancies in Public Services Assurance

You’ll need a keen interest in the government and public sectors, plus a real motivation to work for the good of public services organisations. And the kind of work we do means you must also have the highest ethical standards and levels of professionalism.

Understanding what good client service is all about and delivering it consistently is vital too – even when juggling lots of different priorities. While shrewd judgement, a flair for detail, a positive attitude and plenty of ambition will really help you make your mark. And the more flexible you are about the work you do and where you do it, the more successful you’ll be.

You’ll also need excellent interpersonal skills – and that means more than expressing yourself clearly and being a good listener. Your success will hinge on how well you can build and maintain strong relationships, work in a team and influence others. 

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Public Services Assurance
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• View all work placement vacancies in Public Services Assurance

We work with our clients to measure, protect and enhance the things that matter most to them. In the public sector, perhaps more than anywhere, we’re committed to helping them get value for money. Your efforts here can lead to better performing, more efficient public services that face fewer risks. And you’ll see the evidence of your work in the public arena, reported in the papers and broadcast on the news.

Because we have such close links with public services, many of our people are actively involved in community affairs projects. You’ll be encouraged to take part too. The chances are you’ll find it not only personally rewarding but also a surprisingly effective way to develop professional skills.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Public Services Assurance
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From the day you join our shared scheme, you’ll be on the front line, working closely with clients to help them reduce their exposure to risk. As you work towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, you’ll also be involved in the Financial Audit of these clients, giving you the chance to really understand and gain insight into their businesses. Alongside Financial Audit, your work may focus on the systems and controls a client has in place to support business processes. You’ll be part of a variety of teams, taking real responsibility for the work you do, whether that’s working with multinationals or governments to define governance models; reviewing new business processes;  or understanding how a control failure affects an audit strategy.

Later on, building on your new business skills, you could be offering expert guidance on sustainability issues or the best way to outsource services; explaining to clients how sound risk awareness can help them meet corporate goals; or advising on the most reliable and transparent ways to get information across to investors, customers and the public.

Whatever projects you work on, one thing’s for sure: you’ll make a real difference to your clients’ success.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Risk Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Risk Assurance
• View all work placement vacancies in Risk Assurance
• Want to find out more? Come to a Risk Assurance & Technology Insight Day

You’ll be one of our future business advisers. So you’ll benefit from the best training around and gain skills that will really set you apart.

You’ll start by spending time in both our core Assurance practice and in Risk Assurance. Working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant, you’ll enjoy the broadest possible exposure as one of our wider Assurance team, picking up valuable experience in both audit and Risk Assurance and building expertise in different industries.

The studies you undertake to become a Chartered Accountant are tough but we’ll be right behind you, providing full financial support and access to first class tuition, in addition to the practical training you will receive. This combined with the development of risk management and business advisory skills will provide a perfect launch pad for your long term career.

If you think Risk Assurance could be the place for you but you don’t want to become a Chartered Accountant, then we do have technology vacancies which don’t call for this qualification.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Risk Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Risk Assurance
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• Want to find out more? Come to a Risk Assurance & Technology Insight Day

You’ll be working closely with clients, so excellent interpersonal skills are a must. You must be able to win people’s confidence and trust and present you ideas in a clear and concise way. You’ll need a keen interest in the wider world of business and an understanding of how our work impacts on business decisions. Key employability skills should include:

• flexibility to handling changing priorities and workloads positively
• curiosity to help you learn, share and innovate
• courage and integrity so you’re always up for a challenge and do the right thing by clients and colleagues
• commercial awareness so you can quickly grasp our clients’ issues and opportunities and be passionate about helping them succeed.
• relationship building so you can work well with colleagues and clients
• great communication skills to listen, persuade and put your point across

We welcome any degree discipline but you should have:

• A 2:1 or above
• A UCAS tariff of at least 300 (or equivalent)

Equally important will be your willingness to learn, ability to build relationships, to put yourself in others’ shoes, while always making a positive impact with our clients and us, while shaping your own future.

Next steps:

• View all graduate vacancies in Risk Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Risk Assurance
• View all work placement vacancies in Risk Assurance
• Want to find out more? Come to a Risk Assurance & Technology Insight Day

How many people work in Risk Assurance?

At the end of December 2012, we had 1,230 active employees in the UK, with around 60 others on a career break or maternity leave. Our London Business Units have over 600 Risk Assurance staff, with the remainder located across our regional offices.

What kind of work will I be doing?

As a new shared scheme graduate, working towards your ACA, for the first 18-24 months you’ll be splitting your work between Financial Audit and Risk Assurance (supporting the controls audit). As you gain more experience in Risk Assurance, you’ll start to do some projects, focused on non audit work, in any of the Risk Assurance solutions. Once qualified, you’ll be a Risk Assurance person and, hopefully, your previous project experience will help you decide which solution you’d like to work in.  

How is joining Risk Assurance better than going into Assurance?

With Risk Assurance, you get a rounded picture of a client’s business and see all the challenges and issues they may have. You’ll work on the financial audit, so will understand the economics of a client, but your Risk Assurance work will give you additional insight into how a company operates, what controls it has in place, what the culture is. You’ll also have the opportunity to do non-audit Risk Assurance work, working on projects and gaining deeper knowledge of other areas that we cover. You’ll build relationships with people in many different areas, at the client and in PwC, all of which will help you develop an exciting and distinctive career.

How would you describe the culture of Risk Assurance?

We pride ourselves on being an innovative practice, listening to our clients and ensuring that we respond to their issues and provide them with value and insight. We work with them, not for them. We align closely with colleagues in all Lines of Service, bringing relevant expertise to our clients as it's needed. We come from a diverse range of backgrounds, so have no single point of view, except that of doing a job we enjoy and having fun while we do it.

What do you offer in terms of training and will I progress?

By joining us on the Risk Assurance shared scheme, you’ll be studying for the ACA and will follow the normal training path for that, in line with your Assurance peers. In your first 3 years, there is also some specific Risk Assurance training, on both technical and relationship building skills. In addition, there are ‘lunch & learn’ sessions, to discuss particular topics, plus ongoing coaching from your team colleagues. Progression through from Associate to Senior Associate is built into the training path.  

Do I need to specialise?

We don’t expect you to specialise until you're nearing the end of your ACA training, although there are exceptions if you express a desire for a particular area, e.g. you may want to understand more about the technology that your clients use and deepen your knowledge, to assist you in your work. Once qualified, you can decide which area of Risk Assurance is the one that you’d like to work in and relevant training and coaching will be provided to help you to further develop your skills.

What are the hours like?

We encourage a sustainable work-life balance. This means that we give our clients the best service possible while working efficiently and effectively, leaving us time for hobbies, friends, family, and time in our communities. That said, many clients have a December year end and, as a shared schemer, you'll find that between September and March it’s quite full on and hours may get longer as you approach year end.

Are there other options if I’m interested in Risk Assurance but don’t want to do the ACA?

Yes, Technology Assurance (sometimes called Risk Assurance direct entry) is an area within Risk Assurance which focuses on more technical areas and doesn’t require you to study for the ACA.  We currently take people directly into three areas:

• IT Risk & Information and Cyber Security,
• Business Systems Control (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft AX Dynamics)
• Data Assurance

If you think this may be a better route for you, please click here, for further information

How long does the application process take?

If you’re applying as a graduate you’ll need to take some online tests first, but you should get the results of these within 48 hours. Do well and you’ll be invited to complete an online application form that includes competency questions. Next step is the first interview, which can be conducted either by telephone or face to face. This is followed by an assessment day, with various competency tests and a group exercise. The final stage is a face to face interview with a partner or director from the area to which you have applied. The interview process will be conducted as efficiently as possible - the overall lapse time will depend on availability of applicants and assessors

Some of your competitors don't require me to undergo psychometric tests or group assessments. Why do you?

All of our work requires a certain level of numerical and mathematical literacy. Psychometric tests early in the recruitment process allow us to establish your quantitive abilities, so that the remainder of the application process can focus on the more diverse set of skills that you'll need in PwC.

Similarly, teamwork and collaboration are a necessity in our work. We're a diverse group of people, each bringing different skills and approaches and working across a range of clients, all varied in size, industry etc. Group assessments allow us to get a sense of how you work with others, which is critical given we work together in teams and with client teams.

• View all graduate vacancies in Risk Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Risk Assurance
• View all work placement vacancies in Risk Assurance
• Want to find out more? Come to a Risk Assurance & Technology Insight Day

Recent news headlines show how important it's for organisations to understand and manage their technology risk effectively. In Technology Assurance, part of our wider Assurance practice, we help clients plan how they do this, turning risks into opportunities across every aspect of their IT systems, from the people to the processes and technologies they employ.

Broadly speaking, our work falls into three key areas:

• IT Risk & Information and Cyber Security
• Business Systems Control
• Data Assurance

In IT Risk & Information and Cyber Security we deal with some of the most urgent issues facing businesses and governments today: for example, how to operate securely in the cyber environment or to ensure technology investments are adequately protected.

As organisations seek to provide more efficient services to customers and the use of online services increases, so does the scale and sophistication of cyber attacks. We help clients understand the nature of these attacks and the impact on their business, identifying their security risks and planning practical and effective ways to address these. Similarly, as expenditure on technology increases, we help organization understand the risks associated with this investment and work with them to identify the right controls to mitigate these and deliver a successful outcome.

In Business Systems Control, we help clients make the most of enterprise-wide IT systems such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics. This is an area of significant investment and opportunity, and you join us at an exciting time, as we plan for significant growth due to our clients demand for greater assistance with increasingly complex IT risks.

In Data Assurance, you’ll discover the power of information: why data can often be a client’s biggest asset, and how we can help them realise its value and use it to gain a competitive advantage.  We work closely with clients to help them improve the quality of their data, using innovative technologies to collect and analyse this. We then work with colleagues in other parts of PwC to transform that information into practical insights that can help clients make better informed business decisions.

Next steps

• View all graduate vacancies in Technology Assurance
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As a graduate joining this fast-growing practice, you’ll specialise in one of the following areas.

In IT Risk & Information and Cyber Security you’ll be joining an area of significant investment and opportunity. With plans for significant growth as our clients demand greater assistance with increasingly complex cyber related risks and look to protect their technology investments, this is an exciting time to join the team.

You will predominately focus on consulting engagements for clients in the areas of Cyber Security, IT Governance, Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and numerous other IT risk areas. You’ll be working across all industry sectors, at predominantly local clients but with opportunities across the UK.

In Business Systems Control  you’ll specialize in one of the leading enterprise-wide IT systems such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics, helping to support the delivery of our Assurance and Consulting engagements. You’ll be helping clients to select the right systems to manage their operations and build the appropriate governance, security and controls around it, working with them to make sure everyone in their organisation is trained and ready to maximise its use.

In Data Assurance, you'll be joining an area that creates exciting and innovative solutions, addressing the data and management information challenges of our worldwide clients. You'll be working alongside leading professionals in their field learning and developing the specialist skills in a high impact area of business, building a solid foundation for a long-term career. You’ll learn how to:

• Understand business issues and the importance of data
• Build your skills in the tools and methods used to analyse a business through its data and determine solutions
• Design complex data models and analyses to support financial transactions and audit assignments
• Assist in data migration and data quality assignments, helping clients migrate or improve data within their systems
• Build your professional skills to become a trusted advisor

You'll be exposed to clients in a wide range of industries including Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing and Telecoms. We operate as a national team and while many of us work within our region, you’ll get opportunities to work across the UK and even abroad.

Next steps

• View all graduate vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all work placements in Technology Assurance

You’ll learn and develop the specialist skills our clients look for and value most. After a while, you’ll have the option to look for new challenges, perhaps in other areas of the firm, to deepen your knowledge, or you could chose to stay put – whichever suits you best. It’s your choice.

Regardless of which area you specialise in, for the first 7 weeks with PwC, you'll follow the same path as your colleagues studying for ACA. This will ensure that you have a good understanding of the basics and the terminology that underpins much of our work. After that, your training will be tailored to your specialism, as outlined below.

IT Risk & Information and Cyber Security

Training and certifications will be provided with numerous opportunities for both personal and professional development. The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a recognised qualification in this field and you will be eligible for consideration for this after 2/3 years.

Business Systems Control

We will provide you with a tailored training programme in PwC's Assurance and Consulting methodologies and how we apply this to our clients' challenges. Specific ERP training will depend on which system you focus on, eg:

SAP: Training on the functional and technical aspects of SAP as well as PwC's own SAP tools and methodologies, including configurable controls in core SAP financial modules, SAP BASIS Security and SAP Governance, Risk and Compliance products.

Oracle: Training on the functional and technical aspects of Oracle as well as PwC's own Oracle tools and methodologies, including configurable controls in the core Oracle financial modules, Oracle Application and Database Security and Oracle Governance, Risk and Compliance products.

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a recognised qualification in this field and you'll be eligible for consideration for this after 2/3 years.

Data Assurance
The majority of Data Assurance training and development happens on the job. Very early on, you'll find yourself working with a variety of clients across multiple industries. Your experienced colleagues will provide all of the guidance and training necessary to enable you to deliver to our clients but it doesn't end there.

You'll receive technical training in the data analysis tools that we use. If you wish, you can also pursue a professional certification like ACDA (the Industry Benchmark for practitioners using ACL).

The variety of Data Assurance assignments will provide you with opportunities to develop a wide range of technical, business and soft skills, and the fast pace, yet supportive and inclusive, environment will help you develop your career and personally.

Next steps

• View all graduate vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all work placements in Technology Assurance

• A 2:1 or above in any degree discipline
• A UCAS tariff of at least 260 (or equivalent)

Equally important will be your ability to build relationships, to put yourself in others’ shoes and make a positive impact on our clients and us, while shaping your own future.

Next steps

• View all graduate vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all work placements in Technology Assurance

How many people work in Technology Assurance?

Technology Assurance sits within Risk Assurance, which has 1230 staff, and around 30% of these work in one of the Technology Assurance areas.  We started graduate recruitment into Technology Assurance in April 2011, in recognition that many people have an interest in this type of work but don't wish to study for the ACA, as do other graduate entrants into Risk Assurance. Since then, we have recruited 50 graduates, across the UK and across all three areas.

What's the difference between Technology Assurance and Direct Entry?

There isn’t any difference, they are the same!  When we first started, we called it direct entry but soon realised that for graduates wishing to join us, this didn’t mean a thing. It was changed to Technology Assurance, as this seemed to cover the areas into which we were recruiting. However, it has been difficult to get everyone to use this term – you may also hear it referred to as ITRA (IT Risk Assurance). Whatever it's called, it's the scheme for graduates to join Risk Assurance, without having to study for the ACA.

What kind of work will I be doing?

As set out in the other information for Technology Assurance, this will depend on which area you choose to specialise in. Initially, you may be helping your Risk Assurance colleagues on their work supporting the audit but, as you gain more experience in your chosen specialism, you'll get involved in project work.

Why should I join Technology Assurance and not the Risk Assurance shared scheme?

With the Risk Assurance shared scheme, you study to become a chartered accountant (ACA) and work on the financial and controls parts of the audit. We recognise that many people are interested in the areas covered by Technology Assurance but don't want to be an accountant. If that is you, then Technology Assurance is the place for you to pursue your interest in data, systems, information security, etc. in a focused manner. You'll build relationships with people in many different areas, both at clients and within PwC, all of which will help you develop an exciting and distinctive career.

How would you describe the culture of Technology Assurance?

We pride ourselves on being an innovative practice, listening to our clients and ensuring that we respond to their issues and provide them with value and insight. We work with them, not for them. We work closely with colleagues in all Lines of Service, bringing relevant expertise to our clients as it is needed. We come from a diverse range of backgrounds, so have no single point of view, except that of doing a job we enjoy and having fun while we do it.

What do you offer in terms of training and will I progress?

Regardless of which area you wish to specialise in, for the first 7 weeks with PwC you’ll follow the same path as your Risk Assurance colleagues studying for the ACA. This will ensure that you have a good understanding of the basics and the terminology that underpins much of our work. After that, your training will be tailored to your specialism, to enable you to gain the qualifications relevant to your role – for example, CISA (Certified Information Systems Analyst), ACDA (ACL Certified Data Analyst), CISSP (Certified Information Security Systems Professional) are just some of those available. In addition to this training, there'll be ‘lunch & learn’ sessions on particular themes (industries, current hot topics, etc) and ongoing coaching from your team colleagues. Progression through from Associate to Senior Associate is built into the training path and is aligned with your Assurance colleagues who are following the ACA path.

What are the hours like?

We encourage a sustainable work-life balance. This means that we give our clients the best service possible whilst working efficiently and effectively, leaving us time for hobbies, friends, family, and time in our communities. That said, there are often tight deadlines on some projects, which may lead to long hours at times.  

How long does the application process take?

If you’re applying as a graduate you’ll need to take some online tests first, but you should get the results of these within 48 hours. Do well and you’ll be invited to complete an online application form that includes competency questions. Next step is the first interview, which can be conducted either by telephone or face to face. This is followed by an assessment day, with various competency tests and a group exercise. The final stage is a face to face interview with a partner or director from the area to which you have applied. The interview process will be conducted as efficiently as possible - the overall lapse time will depend on availability of applicants and assessors.

Some of your competitors don't require me to undergo psychometric tests or group assessments. Why do you?

All of our work requires a certain level of numerical and mathematical literacy. Psychometric tests early in the recruitment process allow us to establish your quantitive abilities so that the remainder of the application process can focus on the more diverse set of skills that you will need in PwC.

Similarly, teamwork and collaboration are a necessity in our work. We're a diverse group of people, each bringing different skills and approaches and working across a range of clients, all varied in size, industry etc. Group assessments allow us to get a sense of how you work with others, which is critical given we work together in teams and with client teams.

Next steps

• View all graduate vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all summer internship vacancies in Technology Assurance
• View all work placements in Technology Assurance