Entry level

Entry level programmes 

This is your introduction to an exciting career with PwC. Life here is fast-paced and full of potential. It’s also highly rewarding. Solving complex problems that have a real-world impact, you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most significant organisations and recognisable global brands.  

At PwC, you’ll get an incredible education in the fundamentals of business, and the potential of technology. We offer the clearly defined career paths, supportive culture and continuous learning to accelerate your development from wherever you are now to where you want your career to take you. We bring together highly skilled people from all kinds of backgrounds to deliver for our clients. So as you progress in your career, you’ll be part of a business that offers breadth and depth of expertise and opportunity.  

Consulting sits within our Advisory and Consulting business category. We help organisations of all kinds to think ahead, solve complex problems and deliver on their goals. We combine a deep understanding of how different businesses and industries work with knowledge of the ways in which technology can give organisations an edge over the competition. 

From new markets to new technology, from people policies to sustainability strategies, from management to mergers and macroeconomics, PwC’s consultancy teams provide all kinds of insight and advice. But whichever aspect of consultancy or industry you specialise in, you’ll help clients rethink the way they do things, improving performance, increasing resilience, driving innovation, promoting agility and unlocking potential.  

Throughout, you’ll learn how to provide business leaders with the clarity, data and insight they need to make smarter decisions. And you’ll develop the skills and experience to transform some of the world’s highest profile organisations. 

On this programme, you’ll get valuable exposure to a wide range of clients and projects. Our projects are resourced nationally, so you could be part of a team ranging from two to 200 members, working either in the office, remotely, or at a client's location. 

Operate sits within our Advisory and Consulting business category. Operational delivery is often the toughest challenge facing our clients. Every large organisation has vital functions like Finance or Human Resources that help them run smoothly. Within those functions there are complex processes to deliver. Whether the client is a bank, a supermarket or a town council, they are not experts in that kind of delivery. Fortunately, we are. 

At Operate, we work with clients to improve processes, transform operations and manage whole business functions. Identifying client needs and matching them to the right people, tech and solutions, you’ll learn how to manage projects that drive efficiency and deliver real-world results. 

Your journey will begin in our Finance Managed Solutions business, where we support our clients in operating various critical finance functions, including Financial Control - Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and General Ledger. While you’re learning on the job, you’ll also be studying towards your Accounting Technician qualification from Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) – a nationally recognised qualification combining professional exams and work experience.

The qualification is structured as a CCEA Level 5 Diploma and requires completion of eight modules across 2 years. 

It is divided into two parts, each a qualification in its own right: the CCEA Level 4 Certificate for Accounting Technicians (Year one) and the CCEA Level 5 Diploma for Accounting Technicians (Year two). Upon successful completion of the CCEA Level 4 Certificate, you can progress to the CCEA Level 5 Diploma. 

The modules include Taxation, Business Law, Financial Accounting, Business Management (Year 1), and Advanced Financial Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Management Accounting, and Financial Data Management (Year 2). The qualification is awarded after successfully completing all modules and demonstrating 2 years of relevant work experience with PwC.   

After successfully completing your ATI qualification, you may have the option to study towards further qualifications, including the Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) qualification.

Tax sits within our Audit, Accounting, Finance and Tax business category. We advise clients on tax planning and strategy, helping them to meet their obligations, maximise their profitability, and drive growth by navigating tax regulations effectively. It’s a unique perspective on the financial workings behind all kinds of organisations. 

This programme will help you gain a breadth of experience across our core tax specialisms. It will also prepare you for your future as an innovative, agile tax professional. The tax landscape is constantly changing and the future of the tax professional lies in data. Your analysis and insight will help high-profile organisations, entrepreneurs and family businesses to understand complex rules and make informed decisions on personal and corporate tax issues. 

While you gain vital real-world experience, you’ll also be working towards the Association of Tax Technicians qualification (ATT). The ATT is the leading professional body for qualified taxation technicians who specialise in complying with UK tax obligations, compliance services and related activities. The ATT qualification provides a solid foundation from which to build a future career in taxation or related fields. 

To meet the ATT examination requirements you'll need to pass the two compulsory written papers, the three Computer Based Exams (CBEs) and one option written paper depending on the area of tax you've decided to specialise in. 

You can find out more about the syllabus and structure of the qualification on the ATT website.

After successfully completing your ATT qualification, you may have the option to study towards further qualifications, including the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification.

We’ll complement your professional qualifications pathway with our market-leading internal training, designed to give you the technical and commercial skills to get involved on live client projects early in your career. Across the programme, you’ll develop a broad understanding of finance and technology, as well as specialist knowledge on the way different businesses and client sectors work. You’ll also build valuable skills in relationship management and data analysis.

Online assessments

The first stage of the assessment and selection process is a series of online assessments that measure your cognitive skills, behaviours, natural preferences and reasoning abilities. The test is hosted in the SHL platform.

Expected duration

One hour inclusive of preparation time. Please give yourself additional time to get into the platform, test your technology, and logout afterwards.

What to expect

The online assessment consists of two parts: a behavioural test, followed by a cognitive assessment. A behavioural profile test asks about your natural behavioural preferences in a work setting. A cognitive assessment is an ability test including numerical, inductive and deductive reasoning. The behavioural test is not timed, but the cognitive assessment will be.

How to prepare

  • Do the practice questions provided in your online assessment link before starting.
  • Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
  • Check your internet connection in advance.
  • Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
  • SHL is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
  • SHL also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview

How long will it take to receive my outcome?

You’ll be contacted within 48 hours of completing your online assessment with the outcome, if you’ve met the scores required, you’ll automatically be sent details of the next stage.

Video interview

The next stage of our assessment and selection process is an on-demand video interview which will be conducted virtually via the SHL platform. You will receive your login details and instructions in advance and will have one week to complete the video interview.

Expected duration

One hour. Please give yourself additional time to get into the platform, test your tech, and logout afterwards.

What to expect

You will be presented with a series of questions on the screen on how you typically approach your work and asked to describe your experience. Instead of having an interviewer, your answers will be recorded and reviewed afterwards by a member of the recruitment team.

How to prepare

  • Think about recent experiences or challenges you have faced in your education, work, or extra-curricular activities that you can draw on as examples.

  • Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.

  • Check your internet connection, webcam, and audio in advance.

  • Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.

  • SHL is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.

  • SHL also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview.

How long will it take to receive my outcome?

The next stage of our assessment and selection process is the assessment centre, these are typically conducted throughout November to April so you may not be invited to attend the assessment centre straight away, but don’t worry we’ll be in regular contact with you once you have completed the interview.

Assessment centre

The final stage of our assessment and selection process is our assessment centre which is a comprehensive evaluation day designed to assess a range of skills relevant to the roles within PwC. Unlike a single interview, it involves a variety of exercises that simulate aspects of the work you would do here. It's an opportunity for us to see your potential in action and for you to experience a bit of what it's like to work at PwC.

What is the purpose of the assessment centre?

The primary purpose of the assessment centre is to gain a holistic understanding of your skills and suitability for a role with us. While your initial application and earlier assessment stages give us a good sense of your academic achievements, experiences and some skills, the assessment centre allows us to delve deeper and observe your problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, communication style, and how you approach challenges in a practical setting. It's also an excellent chance for you to demonstrate your strengths beyond what has been captured during the first two assessment stages. This is as much an opportunity for you to find out if our firm aligns with your career aspirations as it is for us to assess your human and technical skills.

What to expect

The assessment centre will be approximately 4.5 hours and is run by the PwC assessment team. During the day you will meet and work with up to five other candidates who have also applied for a range of programmes at PwC. The day will include a mix of individual and group-based activities designed to reflect real aspects of working at PwC.

These include

  • A group exercise to explore how you work with others in a practical scenario.
  • An individual exercise to assess how you approach tasks independently.
  • An individual interview to learn more about you.

How to prepare

Learn about PwC:

Thoroughly research our firm and familiarise yourself with our services, values, and what makes us unique. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

Think about how to approach each exercise:

  • Group exercise: These assess your teamwork, communication, and ability to contribute constructively in a team setting. Think about how you can listen actively, share your ideas clearly, and support others.

  • Written exercise: Think about how you can structure your thoughts in writing, identify key issues, and present logical recommendations.

  • Individual interview: Be ready to discuss your experiences and how your skills align with the work you are interested in doing.

Logistics: 

  • Technology: The assessment centre will be run on the TopScore platform. This is a web-based platform, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend checking your WiFi connection and using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience. TopScore also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience.
  • Note taking: Have a notepad and pen nearby to take any important notes during the assessment centre. 
  • Dress code: At PwC, we dress for our day. This means that depending where you’re working, and what you’re working on, you’re empowered to choose what’s most appropriate.
  • Rest and refreshment: Get a good night's sleep before the day. Have water and any necessary snacks nearby to keep your energy levels up during breaks.

Be yourself and engage

While preparation is important, remember to let your personality shine through. Be open to learning, ask questions when appropriate, and engage positively with everyone you meet. We're looking for individuals who will thrive in our collaborative environment.

About the group exercise

What is the purpose of the group exercise?

The group exercise is designed to provide you with a glimpse into how our teams at PwC collaborate on client challenges. It's an opportunity for us to see your teamwork in action, observing how you contribute, listen to others, and work towards a solution. We're keen to understand your natural approach to problem-solving in a group setting and how you build on ideas to achieve an outcome.

What skills will be assessed during the group exercise?

In this exercise, you will be assessed on your collaboration skills, verbal communication, influence and relationship building.

What will I be asked to do during the group exercise?

In the group exercise, you'll tackle a challenge similar to the real-world problems our PwC teams help clients solve every day. 

How long is the group exercise?

The Group Exercise will last for one hour.

About the individual interview

What is the purpose of the individual interview?

The purpose of the individual interview is to understand how you typically behave and approach your work, as well as give you the opportunity to reflect on how you and your team performed in the group exercise. 

What skills will be assessed during the individual interview?

In this interview we’ll assess your self-awareness, growth mindset, and how you approach self-development and working with others. These are some of our core PwC Professional behaviours (Evolve, Champion, and Deliver) which you can learn more about here. We'll also be observing your verbal communication skills throughout our conversation.

How long is the individual interview?

The individual interview will last for one hour. 

About the written exercise

What is the purpose of the written exercise?

An important part of any role at PwC is problem solving, and often we need to communicate our problem solving for clients in writing. The written exercise provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate these skills, whilst responding to a challenge that is typical of the problems that we solve for our clients. 

What skills will be assessed during the written exercise?

In this exercise you’ll be assessed on your ability to analyse and interpret information, think critically, provide recommendations, and communicate in writing.

What will I be asked to do during the written exercise?

You will be provided with a written brief containing a scenario, and clear questions to answer. You will be asked to review all of the information provided and respond to the questions asked. 

How long is the written exercise?

The written exercise will last one hour.

On the day:

  • Find a quiet, distraction-free space for the session.
  • Check your internet connection, webcam, and audio in advance.
  • Have a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
  • TopScore is web-based, so you won't need to download any special software, but we recommend using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for the best experience.
  • TopScore also offers a range of accessibility options, including an integrated accessibility toolbar with features like text-to-speech and reading aids. We encourage you to explore these tools on the platform to personalise your experience and ensure you're as comfortable as possible during your interview

How long will it take to receive my outcome?

We confirm places on our Entry Level programmes by the end of April.

Your offer

A member of the Early Careers Recruitment team will contact you with feedback and will let you know if you’ve been successful in your application.

Pre-employment screening 

Part of our onboarding process includes checking your grades and job history, so please make sure everything is correct on your application form. We’re known for accuracy, so carrying out checks like this protects our reputation. 

What’s next? 

Our culture is all about our people and we want you to feel supported and part of PwC as soon as you decide to join us. You’ll be invited to our onboarding portal where you’ll have lots of things you need to do before your first day. Before your start date, you’ll also be invited to attend a pre-joining event. Here you can meet fellow new joiners and learn more information about the team you’ll be joining and your forthcoming induction. You will also be asked to complete your Right to Work checks at the event so you will be all set to join on your first day. 

You can expect to hear from us regularly as we prepare you for your career with us.