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From the Eyes of a New Associate: Why Stephanie Chose PwC and How Her First Month is Going

 This week, I decided to ask one of our new starts about why they chose PwC and how their experience has been so far.  Stephanie is now going into her fourth week with the firm and here’s what she had to say: 

 

Starting as a New Associate

A couple of weeks ago, a group of New Associates started with our office in Vancouver. Meeting them reminded me of my first days as a full time employee with PwC. I remember really enjoying my first day as a New Associate!

 

Culture of Coaching

The first couple of audits you go on at PwC can be stressful and nerve-racking. You always have tons of questions and you are always slightly in the dark about what you’re doing. Thankfully, PwC has a great coaching environment to help you.

Who knew?

It's been a pretty tough week already - lots of practice cases and lots of technical study, but something that really surprised me this week was how much I actually referred back to some of my past engagements and auditing experience to get me through some of my study days!

Being an auditor, you come across lots of different challenges. Working through busy season (which often times has some long hours), being assigned on special engagements (forcing you to think outside of the box), and working with lots of different people (learning how to work with unique individuals), gives you a diversity of different skills and experiences. Also, PwC has a variety of different clients - from large public companies to small private clients, from companies that are just starting up, to those that have been around for many years. Each client and engagement offers a unique learning experience and it’s those experiences that help you grow and develop as an accountant and as an aspiring CA. Despite the challenge of these situations and scenarios, it will definitely help you and I get through the CA process.

Adjusting to life as a Senior Associate…..

One of my first memories at PwC was when I was scheduled to go to my first audit engagement as a New Associate; I was so nervous! Although I had just come out of training the firm provides to all new starts, I was still a little uncertain as to how I would apply the knowledge and skills I had learned. And although I found training to be very helpful, practical hands on experience goes way beyond what any textbook can ever teach you, which I’m sure most current students would agree!

Reminiscing about the Beginning

1 week down! 3 more to go!

While I was studying this week, I couldn’t help but think back about how I got to where I am today. So, instead of reading about my study week, I thought I would tell you a little about the recruiting process and how I came to decide that PwC was the right firm for me.

For most universities, the recruiting process starts a few weeks after classes begin in September. There’s definitely a lot to process during recruiting, but it’s a great opportunity to take in all the different things that each firm has to offer.

Don’t forget your passport

This week I was on a client out of town.  I was on a team of 5 working near upstate New York.  My favorite part of working out of town is that you get the chance to get to know your co-workers and how cool they are.

  

Ontario Family Day Long Weekend

As the Ontario Family Day holiday falls in the middle of busy season, a lot of us are required to work. However, it’s not as bad as it seems!

Helping Each Other Out

Although once busy season rolls around it’s a very hectic time, it’s always nice to know that you have help and support around you. In my case, I have help and support just a few doors down – literally!

Planning

As promised, I thought I would let everyone know what some of my first experiences as “senior” associate have been like!. Everyone at the firm says that this is a big year, with a steep learning curve, so I guess I should buckle up and (try) to enjoy the ride!