Flying Start Accounting

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.

Our assessment centre is a comprehensive evaluation day designed to assess a range of skills relevant to the roles within PwC. 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 1 hour and 40 minutes and is run by our Assessors. During the day you will meet and work with up to five other candidates who have also applied for the Flying Start Accountancy programme. The assessment centre will include a group-based activity designed to reflect real aspects of working at PwC.

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 the group exercise:  

This exercise will 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.

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.

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 conditional places on our Flying Start Accounting Entry Level programme by the end of April. You will need to also meet the conditions set out with the University.  

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.

Our culture is all about our people and we want you to feel supported and part of PwC as soon as your course begins. In the months leading up to your first placement, you’ll be invited to our onboarding portal where you’ll have lots of things you need to do before your first day.  You will also be asked to complete your Right to Work checks, usually on-site at your university prior to your placement, so you will be all set to join on your first day. This process will repeat each year of your university course and one final time if you join PwC as a graduate.

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