Brilliant Futures

Your Career: Technical Excellence

Build the knowledge and skills you need

Jessica, Senior Associate

“A network of support”

In university you had professors who taught you academic theory and concepts. At PwC, your learning continues but it’s a different type of environment – one where you’ll work with colleagues who are mentors and coaches who share their technical knowledge and expertise with you every day, as you learn on the job.

We know the transition from school to work can seem like a big one, but through our focus on your ongoing learning and development, we’ll help you master the technical skills you need, while beginning to develop crucial relationship skills as well. Build on what you learned in school through our comprehensive programs and courses.

UFE Preparation Program

As a new employee and CA student at PwC, your preparation for the UFE begins soon after arriving at the firm. Led by highly-trained instructors, the program includes practical training, workshops and practice sessions with questions from actual exams and other reference materials. We provide you with extensive study leave and we even cover all UFE-related exam fees. For more details on the UFE Preparation Program, please check with your local office.

The UFE is a rite of passage that every chartered accountant must go through, but rest assured that when you come to work at PwC you won't have to go through it alone.

Audit and Assurance Group

Assurance 1

Assurance 1 is an eight-month program to get you ready for your new role as full time new associate in our Audit and Assurance Group with PwC. This program helps you prepare for your job through e-learning, working in small groups as well as classroom-based coaching.

You’ll learn how PwC completes audits and how we document an audit file using the latest technology to complete this documentation.

The program allows you to go through every stage of the audit process, from initial engagement briefings to performing diagnostics. This is where you test your skills and receive valuable feedback from your instructor and "clients" before you head out to your first "real" engagement.

The training doesn’t end there. Once you have had some audit experience, you’ll meet periodically with your development team, a group of up to eight of your peers led by senior associates and managers with extensive training and audit experience. Your team members and team manager will become invaluable resources for ongoing support and advice. We’re confident that Assurance 1 will provide you with the skills and support you need to succeed and feel confident in your first year with the firm.

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

The transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is one of the biggest changes that the Canadian accounting profession has ever experienced. As a new accounting professional entering the workforce, you’ll be impacted by IFRS. While you may have already begun your journey to become “IFRS literate” through your university studies, PwC has many tools to assist you, both in preparing you to be successful in the UFE and to be able to serve clients effectively.

In addition to the UFE program, you’ll participate in the Canadian Accounting curriculum on an ongoing basis to help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to effectively serve clients in a multi-GAAP environment. The firm aligns learning initiatives with business goals and acknowledges the importance of sharing knowledge gained on the job, as well as through formal learning opportunities.

Tax

Some of our offices now offer a Tax CA program that lets you obtain your CA designation while working within our Tax practice. You’ll be offered a range of courses, with some that are specific to Tax and others where you’ll have the opportunity to meet with other associates and senior associates from our Audit & Assurance Group. Depending on your location, your training could include:
  • Training in small groups on a variety of tax concepts, supported by real-life and real-time examples
  • A National Tax Conference in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you’ll have a chance to network with other new hires across PwC’s Tax practice
  • Interactive presentations to educate and update you on technical concepts outside of your immediate practice area
Beyond the classroom, you’ll work in a variety of industries, and have direct interaction with staff and partners, who’ll provide you with the mentoring you need. Through all of our support, you’ll get your designation in the same amount of time it takes to get it through the more traditional Audit route. Our training will also include the CICA In-Depth Tax Course, allowing you to further specialize in tax and take your career to new heights.

Consulting & Deals (new this year!)

Our Consulting & Deals practice now offers a program that lets you obtain your CA designation. You can join our Deals team and attain the same designation as those in our traditional audit stream. This program allows you to rotate through four of our deals groups: transaction services, corporate finance, valuations and corporate restructuring.

As part of your development, you’ll be invited to our C&D University, an annual training event covering topics like report writing and sector-specific programs. With nearly 50% of our C&D practice attending, it’s a great way to network with colleagues across the country.

Within our C&D program, you’ll get a combination of on-the-job and classroom training and coaching. You’ll get the support you need to incorporate both your short- and long-term career goals.

Talk to one of our recruiters about our opportunities and find out how you can begin your career as a consultant!