Auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Chelsea studied at Franklin College for A levels in Business, Finance, Accounts and Mathematics.

"After much research into different universities and applying through UCAS, I decided that a degree just wasn't for me - especially as I already knew I wanted to be an accountant.

With this in mind I attended an INS1GHT Day at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Leeds office. The day was really great, and I came away knowing that PwC was the firm for me! I joined the firm in September 2008 on the HEADstart programme; this is the scheme for school and college leavers like me who have decided that getting straight into work is best for them. The HEADstart programme allows you to train to be an auditor, I am working in Assurance studying my ACCA qualification and should hopefully be a qualified accountant by 2011.

What I do on a day-to-day basis... One of the big things I love about my job is the variation and meeting and working with different clients. As a trainee auditor I will attend the client's site just after the year end for the audit. A job will usually last between one and two weeks, maybe longer for larger jobs. After that it is onto a new client. In our role a lot of our time is spent with the client contacts themselves, discussing things and understanding their business and how things work. People always imagine a job like this to be sat at a desk all day typing but this is certainly not the case! The work we do is always challenging and a lot of understanding is required about what we are testing and the reasons why. This comes with time and practice.

Work life balance... The work life balance at PwC is good, people are always happy to facilitate your needs when it comes to hobbies and personal interests. Obviously working in a firm like PwC, a couple of hour's overtime is expected when the job requires it. When college is ongoing it can be challenging having the perfect work life balance however studying for a professional qualification is never easy.

The little extras! Since working for the firm I have really developed my self confidence - working for PwC encourages you into becoming a more independent person which is very motivating. I have attended college events and discussed with students and parents who are leaving college what they plan to do next and if they would consider a career in Accountancy. Attending these events on my own is not something I would have had the confidence to do prior to joining the firm.

There is a great social life at PwC and the work events which are organised by our social clubs are always good fun! I have met some great friends since joining and I look forward to progressing with such a great firm, and getting qualified!"