A Career in Accountancy

A Career in accountancy is a highly secure career with a lot more diversity and action than you might think. X-Cel talks to UK Resourcing Leader, Charles Macleod, at PricewaterhouseCoopers - one of the UK’s top graduate recruiters in accountancy . Each year they hire over 3,000 new recruits in accountacy careers and students have consistently voted them number one in The Times/High Flyers survey or graduate recruiters for the last 3 years. With 36 branches across the UK and a starting salary of £25k we find out just why accounts rule the world!

PricewaterhouseCoopers is one of the top UK Graduate Recruiters – why are students drawn to your company in particular?
Firstly, we have a global reputation for excellence and for developing great people. We also spend considerable time taking this message to students at schools and universities.  Training with us can lead to a wide range of opportunities and we encourage people to undertake new cycles of experience throughout their career.
 
Secondly, we understand that one of the most important reasons students choose us is the quality of the people they meet.  There are therefore many opportunities for prospective students to meet PricewaterhouseCoopers people and find out what they think about working with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

 What would you say are the key characteristics of a PricewaterhouseCoopers Employee?
As a business, we sell intellectual capital.  It is the experience and insight of our people that distinguishes us from our competitors.  We therefore look for our students to have high degrees of:

• Intellectual curiosity.
• Analytical skills.
• Communication skills.

They need to be able to learn from their experiences and from the classroom training they will receive.

Our clients and the projects we work on with them are many and varied. We therefore look for diverse backgrounds and see this diversity as a key competitive advantage.

Any top tips on grabbing the attention, in the appropriate way for your company, of a graduate recruiter through a covering letter and or CV?
All of our applications are online and this is clear from our website.  I would expect students to know this and apply online.  This is done via a standard application form which gives the opportunity to show a consistently good academic track record alongside a wider involvement in school and university communities. It also requires that you show commitment to your career choice. Under each of these headings, there is the opportunity to distinguish yourself from the pack.

There is also, however, the opportunity to make unnecessary mistakes. We expect you to take the application as seriously as we do and therefore expect accurate and honest completion of the form.  Do not be tempted to embellish any results – they will be checked!

Are there any definite no-no’s that you look out for when graduates apply?
Sloppiness in the application as mentioned above. Also, poor research which shows in weak answers about choice of, and commitment to, career.

If a graduate has no official work experience what sort of experiences are recognised?
Areas which show evidence of insight, organisation, responsibility, etc.  For example, roles in societies or clubs, organising events, travel or supporting a family. The key is to be able to show what you have learned.

What are the primary sources graduates use to find you and which ones do you find the most effective?
Career specific journals and publications are a ready source and are widely available, particularly via the University Careers Service.  We also advertise on campus as well as organising training and marketing events.

Most students find us via our careers website: http://www.pwc.com/uk/careers

What advice would you offer a graduate who is just starting out?
Work experience is important so start thinking early on where you can get this.
Think about who you know who might provide useful insight to careers – which are the influential adults in your life?  In making your choices, think about the long term, getting quality training with an organisation that will enhance your CV.

Be realistic.  There are many more graduates than graduate jobs available.  Do not be complacent – invest time and research in your career considerations. Get the best degree grade you can but also get involved more widely to show what you can do beyond the academic.

When you choose a career route, ensure that you can explain your decision and demonstrate commitment.Mostly, be yourself.  If you do not, you may get a job that suits someone else.

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