Don't make the same mistakes I did at PwC....
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มี.ค. 2021
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My Experience at PwC
• My Experience Working ...
key points summarise:
1. ask questions
2. just ignore the attitude and keep your patient to find the answers
3. improve the communication with people
4. finding something you really like in your work then you will get the recognitions
Great summary
Thanks!
thank you
Man you just vocalized what I've been feeling working in public accounting the past year. Feeling like you're an idiot because why would they give you this task if you couldn't do it, feeling like you're annoying people by asking questions, etc. Makes me feel so much better knowing I'm not alone in these feelings.
Definitely not the only one because I feel the same way!
@@sjohnny8221 I left my previous job in operations and the feedback I got was asking questions. This feels much better knowing that I was cautious and finding out more instead of keeping silent and assuming things.
The 1 dislike is the manager from his first story
I’ve been working for a long time and mentoring many people. One of my top rules is to raise problems and questions as soon as possible. It doesn’t get better ... it gets worse the longer you wait... no matter what it is.
True thing!
Very true communication is key
@kam.26 I need a mentor. Can you be my mentor?
It's the PwC, top 4 accounting firm's way...they recruit far more people than they need...then put them through the meat grinder (stick junior people in front of senior people at clients, without any real guidance or hand holding...yes, they send you on long formal glossy courses which are stiff, boring, technical information overloads but which don't explain things in plain speak..and if you magically manage to work out for yourself what PwC are really looking for and your 'face fits' then you get fast tracked for promotion...and end up as the prime sausages.. whilst the others fall by the way side as meat by-products, stuck in dead end roles doing the same thing year after year until they realise this and leave of their own accord or are 'guided out of the firm''). Then they trawl the top universities again the next year, like a whale scooping up plankton, for the next horde of hapless recruits.
if you are unable to do your job or task! It's not because you are stupid, but it is the person in charge who hasn't communicated the task/strategy properly....
This video was class, these are the sort of insights that it is difficult to find online
One thing I learned from my internship is that you have to ask questions. It does not matter how other people think about you or how they feel. Cause I reach to the point if I do not ask, I can not get my things done. Also because of this, I get more comfortable ask stupid questions. Then at the end, those questions you asked may not seem stupid any more, cause they helped my get things done.
In big4 everyone who is in their first to third year knows nothing and they just do what they’re told to produce half ass jobs. Ask all questions the moment you join and don’t feel bad for it because the first two years are really your only chance to ask questions without looking like a moron.
Great video Paul! I had exact mistakes at my previous job, but thanks to this video I now know how to handle these mistakes better.
This is great. I've experienced similar things in my previous employment. I am starting in a new industry soon and it was important for me to be reminded of this.
This video is so true from the start till the end, I’m working for one of the big 4 as an auditor and your experience is so relevant. Thanks for sharing!
Great video quality and insightful information, thank you for this!
You are a very likable and believable person. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you so much for sharing. I m so sorry you had to go through that, I am also happy that you have learned a lot from this experience and again thank you for your advice. I also think that I can relate ,I hate when people communicate with attitude AT WORK,it just indicates their unprofessionalism.
One should strike a balance. Figure out the things you can find out yourself, especially if it takes more than a yes/no question; you’ll grow this way. If you take the easy route and keep getting others to do your job, people will take note of that even if on the surface they seem very willing to help.
Thank for sharing your knowledge!
That was excellent content! Just what I needed. Thanks so much x
Enjoyed watching that from start to finish. Like your sense of humour as well was in giggles along the way, I think you very cool man. I think all somewhat introverted people have the same problem you highlighted particularly communication aspects.
Nice video Paul starting work at big 4 in October always interesting to hear from you. Very real guy
Man, I'm not even half into the video, and it's SO RELATABLE. Noone knows what they're doing, but they're pretending to. The result is a complete and utter mess, and the stress you mentioned.
I guess it's a trait of this company all across the globe (or the plain, depending which version you believe in ;)))) ). Thanks for this video!
Great initiative brother... Being in similar industry could relate to all that you days... Things you talked about really felt untouched till now....
Tha ks for the insight 💯
this is a great video thank you so much. a lot of the videos giving advice on audit, finance, accounting, etc generally say the same things but i loved how you gave personal and unique tips
Ds
Hi Paul, all you are saying is true because I'm facing the same issues at PwC in the U.S. PwC must find a better way to get newly hired Associates to get good Seniors to help them. Because PwC bombarding new Associates with a lot of assignments and asking them to work 10-14 hrs for 6 days, including Saturdays for that scanty annual salary is inhuman, atrocious, and insane.
This was very insightful, thanks for sharing.
Hello Paul, I came across your video and this is amazing content! This is exactly how I felt too, especially, your last point about working long hours as long as you get recognized somehow! keep up the good work and looking forward to watching your contents more.
Also work in PwC in HK, useful tips! Thank you!
I got a good glimpse of audit and assurance through your video
Why are managers and seniors so unapproachable ? Not only are they supposed to be teaching you, but that would also save valuable time if they took just 5 minutes of their own time to guide juniors.
One thing I will pride myself in is that I had an open door policy for my juniors, and no question was too stupid.
Well done
I swear to god, when I was a junior a manager basically told me to Fuck off when I asked her a question WTF 🤯.
We are forgetting that management in public accounting did not become managers because they have good people skills. They’re accountants who became managers. I can count on my hands the amount of managers/partners I loved working with and had the exceptional ability to both inspire/lead people and be brilliant at their job. Unfortunately it’s rare in the accounting world.
@@SummeRain783 this!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Because you then learn how to ask right questions
This was literally me learning financial statement audits! He's so right.
So clear and hepful!
Thanks
I can relate to the first point. Great tips thanks!
Crazy how much this aligns with my experience. Literally exactly what I am currently going through.
Hey, Paul, it's a very informational video. Thanks
Thank you for your Honesty
This is video is much more personal and useful than the other finance videos. Keep it up.
Yes quiet relevant to what we all go through at the start of our jobs at the big 4
I started applying the process to PwC and I found your first video about the experience in the company. I was so afraid, but I continued and passed \o/ I really don't know WHY, but they choose me! This second video is going to be so helpful to me during this new experience in my life, so thank you so much! (I'm sorry about my English haha) I realize that communication is so important at my internship experience, I was so proud of me that I didn't ask for help, but with the time I learned that asking help for everyone that you can is the best thing to do. So, now I feel more prepared to PwC ^^
Hope it’s going well so far!
Brasileira?
as an auditor in big4, I can totally relate with what he's saying.
Do you work at EY?
@@theoneandonly34 hey i used to work at EY
@@casiecase12 hi
How was working there like?
Story of my life now😂😂😂.Thank you for this video!!!!
Love you videos Paul, question from me, what are your chances being an FD/CFO if haven't got big 4 audit experience? Also best roles to take if you don't have big 4 experience to becoming FD/CFO?
Really enjoyed your insight, thanks for making the video! I'm in my second year at one of the Big 4 working in audit and definitely found myself relating to both of the scenarios you discussed.
Do you have any advice particularly on moving into an in-charge role for the first time?
Thx q so much sir for this good information!! Have a nice day!!
I work in KPMG lighthouse, I felt the same thing there is no definite process that I needed to follow or training program they assumed I knew what I was supposed to do.
But when I went for the audit there was a team there and I was were to observe and learn so that helped me to learn how to audit a client.
His experience sounds just like mines when I interned at Bank of America I’m glad I learned from my mistakes early I just got hired by PwC straight out of college after hearing this video I think I will be just fine in the firm thank you for this video
Thanks for sharing, This so resonates with me
Hi,
Very good point you made. From the start of the job, they did give you any training or guideline on what to do or they just say here is the project and you figure out on your own.
‘Sorry you don’t want to help can I speak to your manager’ *saves for next passive aggressive confrontation* 😂 gréât video mate new sub 🤝
Im exactly the same as u, go with the flow during this peak. Good point there bro!
I'm not even from audit but from tax PwC and I feel you man. Exact same thing happened to me. However though if I kept asking questions I would feel or be made feel dumb.
Thanks for all the feedback and comments! Lots of people asked me questions... so i made this video as a response th-cam.com/video/whzFn7d8tVg/w-d-xo.html
Keep letting me know your questions and i could make a regular video each week answering them!
i have encountered very bad experience during recruitment process do PWC value integrity very seriously
hi. i really wanted to work in one of the big4s, you are really inspirational! thank you for all your vids.
I can relate. Thanks for sharing
Will be starting soon at EY, and really enjoying your video! Thanks :)
Me too, where are you located and what will you be doing?
@@stanislavadam102 I’m located in Milan, Italy and working in Financial Advisory. What about you?
Wow! Thanks for making this video!! 👏🏻
1000% me when you were talking about everything that you did on controls. thanks for opening up and normalizing the experience for those who felt like it was just us being stupid
This is so me in the first example ! Always so lost as a first year associate. I kinda miss PwC.
thank you for this!
Thanks for the advice:)
This was a great video Paul.
A few thought provoking things for me to think about.
Question: Can you pick and choose the clients you want to work with? Can you pick and choose the industries you want to audit?
Omg! I am about start my job at BDO as assistant auditor and this really helps
Very Helpful thanks!
Precious! So much anxiety is projected inwards when really, it's the environment that doesn't set you up for success. They owe you the training!!!
Great content again Paul. Could you do a video rating qualifications that compliment chartered accountants?
I have decided to do a q&a vid next sunday based on the questions in this comment section, stay tuned and i will give my feedback then
This is so accurate 👌🏾
amazing. bless you
Thanks for this!!!
I gave my 2 weeks notice from PwC.I had anxiety not sleeping for a week.Felt overwhelmed with even the smallest of stuff.
Great video, really helpful fir my future
Very useful content. Please make more videos like this.
I’m from big4 for 1.5 years. Hehe I can relate to everything you say. I don’t feel so alone now :)
I can’t believe I came back to this video to see for myself how truly bad the “bad hair day” was, from your response to the comments video 😂
Have to say I didn’t even realise it the first time i watched this video.
Anyway, an ex PwC auditor here! You pretty much spoke my mind!
Everyone who is starting out in a career needs to watch this. Great vid.
Thats what happens in Cooperate. either you swim with the sharks or "drown".💯
Great video Paul! I share many aspects of your experience during my time at PwC audit also. What was the reaction from management like when you handed your notice in? Sorry you had to experience that feedback despite the long hours and effort, it definitely happens more often than thought and as someone who isn't as keen on 'bigging my self up' I found sometimes the 'person with the loudest voice' is the one who gets heard, leaving the quieter but hard working ones behind...
I have decided to do a q&a vid next sunday based on the questions in this comment section, stay tuned and i will give my feedback then
Great video! Would love to know your opinion on the best way to progress from newly ACA qualified to CFO/Partner?
As someone who is nearly designated in Canada, I would say try to gut it out in audit at one of the big 4 for as long as you can. That’s the best way to get a more senior finance role when you leave.
I am planning to make a separate vid on this, so will answer properly soon
true the same st Brazil for 4 years! EY, this is very hard mode job, resolve and solve anything anytime, and make the impossible happens yestaday all the time!!!
3:30 I remember feeling the same way. I left the audit agency to get more experience in Accounting and Internal Controls. Now I’m confident but I can’t get the job back with the audit agency so I could show em what I learned. ❤❤❤❤❤
I can relate a lot as an associate 1. Looking back at the several months in the company and summarising the points you mentioned in the video, there are a lot I find my self can work on!
What he said is very true. If you will join public accounting, ask around of which managers/partners are very vocal in the meetings. Make sure not to piss them off. Even though auditors are supposed to be "outspoken," "good presenters," and "comfortable in their skin," (BS) the reality is that most managers will stay quite during the talent review and you will be the prey of those talking shit of you. Make sure that you get along with those that are outspoken during these meeting and you will get to manager in no time (sometimes, some just became their pets). The opposite is true: you can kill yourself working 80 hours a week, if the manager you worked for stays silent during the talent review, your work will never be known by others and your career will be stall (until you quit).
I had something “similar”, if I can say this way...when the company required me to assume a project with previous 10 years of execution, with a previous project manager with a profile completely different them me. In a kind of project scope that I don’t wanted be involved anymore....In my case I accepted also in order to not lose the job at that specific moment of my life...As everything in life, it had benefits, but I should have negotiated it. PS: The project was a complete mess!!! I should have investigate more about the project health and negotiate an increase of salary!
Hi,
Also,
Did you have to work in team on a project and if your partner does not finish the for you move on then YOU have finish their work to move forward. I appreciate
Have a question for the Q&A, find the vids very helpful! As someone who has 3 ACA exams left (work in practice not at a big firm though), what advice would you give in terms of finding a job in industry? and have you personally regretted making the move? Thanks a lot!
Hello mate, I’m starting in September as an audit assistant studying the ACA, I have no accounting or finance background and was wondering what textbooks are good, or any other materials that will help me get a head start before September
@@tommymom100 hiya mate, honestly would say you dont need to start before your role/courses start. I never did and have passed every exam first time so far and also was a district prize winner across all professional level exams.
I would say however once your course starts keep on top of everything from the first day and not to leave it to close to exam date to learn/revise. I am with Kaplan and find their resources to be good enough to learn within the time given!
Hope that helps
@@mrps8541 well done mate that’s very impressive, did you have any previous accounting and finance learning and qualifications though, considering I did a degree in politics I feel I may lack some basic knowledge that is required
@@tommymom100 I did accounting at A Levels, but that was quite basic didn't even touch on audit/income tax/financial management topics etc so didn't give an advantage.
I did a Mathematics degree so not really any accounting topics there either, I have met people from wide range of backgrounds e.g. Geography and Chemistry degrees who are doing well in the exams!
I'd say don't worry too much, but once you start learning keep practicing and going over it and you'll be fine pal, main thing is to have the commitment and dedicate time to it
I didn’t have any guidance at my first week intern at Deloitte. I also was too nervous to ask questions and I feel lots of pressure on my tasks. They gave me the feedback about my communication skill is not good enough and that makes me fail to secure a graduate offer at Deloitte. Now I have to apply jobs again and go through those long recruiting process..
Come and work for our company instead. We have grads that stayed with us so long they became senior directors and higher. We're very pleased at how we do our on-boarding and retain our talent. One of the often heard phrases around our company is "there's no such a thing as a stupid question".
What company do you work for? I work in Marketing and I’m looking for something new 😊
Im going to start a grad scheme at pwc soon. In my current IT position im always encouraged to ask questions, and I ask like 100 questions. The managers at pwc are gonna hate me loool.
I really enjoyed this video :)
Attitude that we can face is maaad but gotta stand up for yourself - a lot of it comes to communication but also defo takes 2 to tango hah
excuse me paul have you got any valuable advice for the virtual assessment centre as graduate audit
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:00 🗣️ *Introduction to the video's topic*
- Paul Harris introduces the theme of the video: discussing key experiences at PwC.
- He aims to provide insights for those considering a career in finance or at a professional firm.
00:58 🏃♂️ *"Run Before You Can Walk" Scenario in Audit*
- Harris describes a challenging audit task early in his career.
- He emphasizes the difficulty of tasks requiring detailed knowledge and process adherence.
- Discusses the stress and management issues faced due to lack of training and guidance.
06:40 🗨️ *Key Lessons and Advice*
- Importance of asking questions, regardless of task progress.
- Dealing with uncooperative or dismissive colleagues.
- Emphasizes the value of effective communication in overcoming workplace challenges.
11:11 💼 *Finding Enjoyable Work*
- Harris reflects on a positive experience at the end of his PwC tenure.
- Describes a high-pressure but rewarding audit project.
- Stresses the importance of finding meaningful work and proactive career management.
16:58 🚪 *Concluding Thoughts and Career Insights*
- Harris shares his decision to leave PwC after feeling undervalued.
- Encourages viewers to seek fulfilling roles and advocate for themselves.
- Emphasizes the importance of communication in achieving career satisfaction.
Made with HARPA AI
Hi there I work in pwc too. Personal experience I think as a junior team member you could be more proactive where update manager on your progress rather than trying to solve every problems yourself cause you are new, it is normal to be dunno what to do. For the senior and manager aspect they might have lots of jobs or overload with work and you just can't expect them to baby sitting new member for all the time :)
Hi Paul, I’m starting as an audit assistant in September and will be studying the ACA. I have no accounting or finance educational background, and was wondering if you could advise me on any textbooks or other materials that will help me get a head start before September. Thanks
How’s your journey been so far man?
@@Chris24_ I’m part qualified now having passed them all first time. Only got the 3 advanced level left now
@tommymom100 I’m so happy for you man 👊🏻
If you started off your Graduate Program in Assurance, were you able to shift service lines (say Advisory for example) if you didn't enjoy auditing as much? And if yes, after how much time is it easier to shift?
Yes indeed, a significant number of Assurance staff do transfer to Deals
You'd be talking about 4-5 years in the firm at senior level usually. I note it's not easy to transfer internally.
Wish I could get in on the big 4 but I have not had the chance
I agree
this is so accurate
so true hahah if you are 120% sure what the testing is for and what you are doing, it is difficult to ask a question.
Very informative video.
lol, i am on my 2 out of 3 client and have been getting attitude and no response. getting yelled at for not knowing how to do something and when i ask for coaching, they tell me to try it on my own and after i try it and do it wrong, i get spammed with the things i did wrong and that i need to be better. this video will hopefully help me understand ways to respond.
I qualified as an accountant in a tiny firm and then went through an insanely rigorous process to get a job at EY. I remember being so happy when I got the offer. It was the most depressing, soul destroying, life sucking, anxiety provoking, insulting, cliquey, confidence destroying, hierarchical, political and quite densely pointless experience of my entire life
Audit ? Tax ?
@@Wockenstein audit. People say having EY on your CV paves the way for greater things, which is partly true: greater stress and meaninglessness. I guess being able to pay the mortgage is soemthing
I also worked for PwC in Germany but at the end it was just a fckin scam for me. You work like a finance department leader for a minimum wage per hour. Of course it looks fine in your CV but don't miss the point to take exit. That's what happened to a lot of people.