The Balancing Act

I was recently at a recruiting event and a lot of people asked me “What do you do at PwC?” Rather than repeat myself over and over and lose my voice, I figured I would put it down in words. I think it’s also better to tell you about everything I do – not just at PwC – because PwC actually has an impact there too!

At work and in my life I need to stay organized; everyone has their way of doing it, but for me I keep a notebook with a giant sticker on the front that says, “TO DO”. Cheesy, I know, but it works! It’s also interesting to show you the different things that PwC has to offer its employees.

Christine in Ottawa

Hello to all those blog-reading accountants out there! My name is Christine and I am a Senior Associate in the Audit and Assurance Group here in the Ottawa office. Most people assume that means all I do is audit financial statements. Currently, however, my focus has me more focused on the “assurance” services provided by PwC, rather than audit. The client base here in audit is a unique blend of public, private and government clientele.

Women in senior management

Though a large part of my time over the past few months has been consumed by busy season, I find it enjoyable and helpful in my job to make time every day to scan the headlines and delve deeper into business articles that interest me.  One of the latest to really strike a chord with me was this March 3, 2011 piece from the Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/women-still-scarce-in-top-ranks-at-canadas-biggest-companies/article1927418/

A shadowing experience to remember

It's the middle of June just this summer past.  The summer months are typically a chance for Audit to take a bit of a breather; many people take vacation, get caught up on administrative tasks in the office, or get started on some interim work for our bigger audit clients.  I see an email pop up in my inbox, addressed directly to me from Gord Ashe, one of the Ottawa AAG Partners.  Instantly, my thought is: "This could either be very bad or very good."

A day in the life - this side of the recruiting table

It looks like my fellow bloggers are doing an absolutely fantastic job of ensuring you guys have interview tips and sufficient information about the UFE process support at PwC, so I thought I would switch things up a little  and blog about A Day in the Life of an Auditor During Recruiting.  Let me start with a disclaimer: there are very few "typical" days, as each client engagement is unique.  My days will vary wildly depending on whether I'm in the office or out at a client's.  In the interest of scientific randomness, I will blog about my day today.

This job has perks!

Yesterday, I was telling a friend about my job.  After I had explained the extra days off, the rewards system, and the social events, it dawned on me that the “perks” at PwC are really very unique and special.  Most people will likely never see anything like these fringe benefits at their workplaces!

The Recruiting Game

As many of you are no doubt discovering in these couple weeks, Recruiting can seem like one big, huge game.  In many ways, it is; however, I think it's extremely important not to lose yourself in the gameplay -- as they say, don't lose sight of the forest for the trees.  From experience on both sides of the playing board, I understand how easy it is to get swept up in the action.  Therefore, here are a few considerations for you mull over to ensure that (a) you're getting the most out of your recruiting experience; and (b) you're showing recruiters who you really are.

First days at PwC

This week at the Ottawa office brings the start date of another round of new hires, which got me thinking about my first days at PwC as a New Associate.

Volunteering

When I attended UFE Convocation this year, one of the speakers emphasised the importance of recognising the positions of leadership and advantage that we will (hopefully!) one day enjoy.  With that privilege comes the opportunity to really give back to your community in a meaningful way.  Flash back to the present: I feel that we are already in a fantastic position to volunteer... if for no other reason than it kills the proverbial two birds with one stone: it gives back to the community, plus it is just a ton of fun!

Cool clients

Some of my most interesting clients have fieldwork that happens during the summer months.  This morning I got to thinking about three of my most interesting engagements, and realized that one thing I love about my job is that three of my most interesting clients are in completely different industries with very different teams.  Never a dull moment!  I'll focus on my most unique and interesting client in this post.