Last updated on November 21, 2017
Think you might be interested in a career in Accounting? Check out this interview with PwC North Texas Sourcing Leader Amy Kraft to learn more about what you can expect.
PricewaterhouseCoopers is a multinational company headquartered in London. It is the largest professional services firm in the world, with a focus on audit and assurance and tax and consulting services. In the US, PwC concentrates on 16 key industries and provides targeted services that include – but are not limited to – human resources, deals, forensics and consulting services. Recently we sat down with PwC North Texas Sourcing Leader Amy Kraft — here’s what she had to say.
What degrees/certificates/skills are in highest demand?
“While the majority of our positions are for students majoring in accounting, we do have a variety of opportunities for people in other areas of study. We are particularly interested in students with knowledge of data analytics and other STEM majors.”
How many new employees do you foresee hiring in the next five years?
“PwC hires 11,000 people off [college] campuses each year. That’s a combination of interns and full-time employees. This fiscal year, our North Texas market hired approximately 500 students off of campuses and we anticipate our hiring numbers will continue to grow.”
What are some common misconceptions about working in Accounting?
“One common misconception is that you would be working independently, in isolation from colleagues. That could not be farther from the truth as you are regularly working with a PwC team in serving clients.
“[Another is] boring/routine work — the world is changing and the needs of our clients are changing; it could not be a more exciting time to join the profession to solve problems and shape the future of business.”
Are there opportunities for advancement as an entry-level employee?
“You will have an opportunity to shape your career from day one at PwC. Through training, coaching and on-the-job experience, you can navigate a compelling, engaging career path in a place where others will work to ensure your success. You quickly take on a coaching role with your teams, reviewing work and providing feedback and guidance. There are few professions where you are exposed to such opportunity and responsibility so early in your career.
“While the typical course to promotion from associate to senior associate takes three years, there is opportunity to advance more quickly if you are performance ready. PwC offers mid-year promotions to those individuals who have demonstrated they are prepared to undertake a new role.”
What does that path look like?
“Every career path is different. That’s why we help you design your own journey. We are committed to developing leaders at all levels. You will develop your whole leadership, relationships, technical capabilities, business acumen and global acumen — all skill sets we feel are instrumental to a professional’s success. Starting your career with us, you can expect a learning culture where teamwork and collaboration are encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is valued and respected.
“We are a firm that presents the career paths of our employees in an open and transparent way. We have prepared a model of competencies which an employee should possess at particular stages of professional development. If you fulfill all of the criteria described to the given level, it means you are ready to enter the next level. You are in control of your own career!”
According to Kraft, a typical career at PwC follows this path:
- Associate
- Senior Associate
- Manager
- Senior Manager
- Director
- Partner
Other DCCCD Resources
- Still looking for scholarship opportunities? Visit the Scholarships page of our website for more resources.
- Check out DCCCD’s other Finance degrees and certificates, or take a look at our Management and Business Administration programs.