AGN Shipleys Application Process

Applying to AGN Shipleys

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Graduate Jobs

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Graduate vacancies at ABN Shipleys are hard to come by. Applicants should apply as early as possible in the final year of their degree course, even if they are contemplating a gap year.

To apply for a training contract at Shipleys applicants should post their CV to:

Graham Baxter

Shipleys LLP

10 Orange Street

Haymarke

London

WC2H 7DQ

Note: It is important to state clearly which office you would like to train in within your covering letter: London, Godalming or Saffron Walden.

Application Requirements

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To apply to AGN Shipleys you should be anticipating a minimum second class honours degree (usually a 2.1) but this need not be in accountancy or any other business related subject.

Armstrong Watson Graduate Careers

Armstrong Watson Graduate Careers

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Schemes Available

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Armstrong Watson are looking for graduates for:

• Financial Planning
• Tax
• Management

Application Requirements

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Graduate level applicants are expected to have a minimum of second class degree from university (2.1 preferred) and a high level of numeracy.

They offer £16,000 per year for A Level recruits

BDO Graduate Schemes

Graduate Schemes Available

(see also BDO Stoy Hayward interview questions)

BDO Stoy Hayward hire approximately 220 graduates for the following positions each year:

• Business Assurance
• General Business Tax
• Forensic Services
• Forensic Computing
• Business Restructuring
• Management Consulting
• Risk Assurance Services - Technology Risk.

Application Requirements

A good 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) is required by BDO Stoy Hayward for all graduate schemes. All degree disciplines are considered, except for Forensic Computing; candidates must have a computer-related degree.

Training

Most graduates at BDO Stoy Hayward study for the ACA qualfication. Graduate trainees can also follow the CTA Tax Training programme, to learn how to be a tax adviser. In addition to the CTA qualification, you can also obtain an accounting qualification (awarded by the ICAEW) and the Professional Skills Certificate (awarded by City University).

These programmes run for a period of approximately three years. Their aim is for you to learn and develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that are essential for passing the exams, and also necessary to develop a successful career in accounting or tax at BDO Stoy Hayward.

Now see - BDO Stoy Hayward Interview Questions

BDO Interview Questions

(see also BDO Stoy Hayward - application to offer and BDO Stoy Hayward working culture)

Application Process

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The application process for BDO Stoy Hayward consists of:

• Online application form
• Online GTIOS psychometric test
  • Verbal Reasoning test
  • Numerical test
• First interview
• Online personality test
• Assessment centre

Online Application Form

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The BDO Stoy Hayward application form consists of three 250 word extended answer questions. Spend time considering your answers; do not use any flowery language or filler, spell check and re-draft as necessary and make sure your answers are direct, intelligent and most important of all, actually answer the questions.

Ask others to check your work. It is worth putting a lot of effort into your application. Even a small mistake at this stage could result in a rejection.

Online Tests

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The online test is the GTIOS psychometric test. The test is by SHL and involves a numerical reasoning test and a verbal reasoning test.

Verbal Reasoning

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All the passages in the test are business related. There are 30 questions which you have 15 minutes to answer. You will need to work fast to complete the test and you should aim to finish within your allocated time.

Numerical Reasoning

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The numerical test consists of 21 questions with 21 minutes available. The difficulty of each question varies. The tests are not negatively marked; if you're running out of time it is worth guessing answers to questions you have not completed.

There will be several currency conversion questions within the numerical test. Make sure you prepare for currency conversion, before attempting the test.

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

First Interview

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The first interview will then take place. It will last approximately 45 minutes and be with a manager from the line of service to which you have applied. It will begin by informally discussing your application form and any accomplishments and interests you have mentioned.

The second part of the interview will consists of competency based questions. They ask 4.

The competency based questions you are likely to be asked at interview are:

• Tell me about a time when you took a risk.
• Tell me about a time when you delegated.
• Tell me about a time when you compiled a report/project for someone else to look at.
• Tell me about a time you have had to work in a team.
• Tell me about a time you have had negative criticism.

You will also be asked:

• Why BDO Stoy Hayward?
• Why the service line to which you have applied.

Assessment Centre

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The BDO Stoy Hayward assessment centre starts at 10am and finishes at about 5pm. There will be between six and twelve people at the assessment centre and your day will consist of:

• Warm-up exercise
• Group exercise
• SHL fast track exercise
• Lunch
• Individual presentation
• Partner interview (from the division you applied for).

Warm-Up Exercise

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The day begins with a quick ice-breaker session; all you have to do is talk to one other person in your group and find out their name, what uni they are studying at or studied at, what they are studying/studied, their "claim to fame" and their most embarrassing moment.

Then you have to stand up in front of the group and introduce the person you were speaking to. This is not assessed, but you do need to be confident and articulate. This will be the moment when you create the important first impression to everyone in the group, including your assessors.

Group Exercise

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After the introductions you will be split into two groups. One group will do the group exercise whilst the other does the SHL fast-track exercise.

The same case study is used regardless of area you applying for. A company (a well known high-street cafe chain) is 'failing'; you will be given information about the company and must form a strategy as a team.

There are two different proposals of how to expand/take the business forward and you have to decide on the advantages/disadvantages of each option, make a recommendation and say how BDO could help the client in doing all of this. Make sure you find out about the services BDO offers so you can talk effectively about this.

You will get 10 minutes at the start of the group exercise to read through the information pack yourself and make notes. You then have 50 minutes to discuss things as a group. Make sure you contribute to the discussion and be prepared to back up your opinions and defend your suggestions, if others at first disagree with them. Try to be confident and try to be the candidates in charge of your group's discussion.

SHL Fast Track Exercise

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This test involves six sets of cards. The first set is used as a practice that your assessor will guide you through. Each set is comprised of approximately 10 - 20 cards, each with information on them about different topics. For example the practice set of cards is about insurance groups for motor vehicles. For this set of cards, each individual card has the following details on it: person name, grade, milage, licence type, type of car.

In each set of cards, some cards will have spaces left blank on them and by using the information on the other cards you will have to deduce what the missing information/value is.

You are given 30 - 35 minutes to complete this exercise, but don't expect to finish all of it. As you progress the difficulty of each set of cards test gradually increases. The first test may be relatively straight forward, but later tests may prove difficult.

There is almost nothing you can do to prepare for this kind of aptitude/psychometric test although you can try similar practice SHL tests online.

Lunch

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Following the group exercise and SHL test you will be given an hour for lunch. You will be given the opportunity to meet with and talk to several current trainees. Be sure to ask them any questions you may have. They will not be assessing you and will be able to provide a much more realistic account of working life at BDO than your assessors and HR. Be sure to ask them about what they do on a day-to-day basis. You will be able to use this information during your face-to-face interviews later on in the afternoon.

Individual Presentation

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After lunch you will be asked to prepare a presentation relating to the group exercise you undertook in the morning. You will have an hour to do this. The information you were given in the morning will be given back to you, including any notes you made, to help you prepare. You will also be given a flip chart to write down your key points; make sure you use this, as it is very helpful. Split your time between preparing enough notes to make your presentation (60% of your time) and writing on the flip chart (40% of your time).

After your preparation hour you will give a one-on-one presentation to an assessor from the morning group exercise. You are given 30 minutes to give your presentation, although most people finish far sooner. Aim to speak for around 15 minutes. You will then be asked some general questions by the assessor and then finally for your assessment of how the group exercise went in the morning and what you would do differently if you were to do it again. Remember be constructive; don't criticise anyone directly.

Partner Interview

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The partner interview lasts for around 50 minutes. The style of your interview will depend on your specific interviewer, and can vary from relaxed and laid back, to high pressured and interrogational.

You will be asked about eight competency questions, and questions about why you want to work for BDO Stoy Hayward and why you want to be an accountant.

Your interviewer may ask you to justify yourself and your life choices. If this happens, stay calm and remain confident. Be prepared to defend yourself and your opinions, even if it your interviewer appears dismissive. It may be that you are being tested on your strength of character, determination and ability to argue your opinions convincingly.

Towards the end of the interview you will be given the chance to ask your own questions about BDO Stoy Hayward. You should aim to ask two to three interesting questions, if possible relating to subject matter discussed during your interview.

Now see - BDO Stoy Hayward Working Culture.

BDO Work Placements, Internships and Open Days

BDO Stoy Hayward

	Your assistance is required to complete this section. Please help others by adding information. Click the 'Edit' button at the top to do so.

BDO Working Culture

Working at BDO Stoy Hayward

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Salary

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Graduates typically work a 35 hour week at BDO. Unlike many other firms, overtime is paid for. However, overtime is frowned upon by partners within the firm and seen as 'unnecessary' and excessive.

Changing Departments

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Throughout the graduate scheme BDO run a SEAT programme that allows graduates to work in different areas of the business for about a month at a time. This allows them to find out about different areas of the business, that they may eventually prefer to move to work within. However, this process of transferring has been more difficult recently as a result of the economic downturn.

International Recruitment

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BDO welcomes graduate applications from Non EU candidates who require a work permit. Work permits issued will be employer specific and will allow the candidate to work for BDO in the UK for five years. The firm's immigration lawyers will pursue a work permit application on the candidates behalf should they meet the criteria of every stage of our selection process.

Secondments

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Many of BDO's clients are based abroad. As a consequence, there may be opportunities to travel during the graduate scheme. Upon graduation from the scheme, you will also have the opportunity to take a secondment to one of the firm's foreign offices.

Baker Tilly Application Process

Applying to Baker Tilly

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All applications to Baker Tilly should be made on the firm's website.

Candidates are allowed to make multiple applications, to more than one location.

Following a rejection, candidates are not allowed to re-apply for 12 months.

Application deadlines

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Graduate assessment centres take place as soon as the firm has received sufficient applications from suitably qualified candidates. Once vacancies are filled, they are removed from the website and cannot be applied for.

There is no deadline as such for Baker Tilly graduate jobs although the firm does recommended that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

Baker Tilly Graduate Schemes

Graduate Schemes at Baker Tilly

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Baker Tilly hire approximately 100 graduates each year. Assessment centres and interviews run throughout the year, as and when vacancies become available.

Graduate Schemes Available

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Graduates can choose from six career paths at the firm:

• Audit
• Business services
• Restructuring and recovery
• Corporate finance
• Public sector audit
• Taxation services

Application Requirements

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Studying towards a professional qualification with Baker Tilly requires strong academic ability. All candidates must have (or be expecting) a minimum of a 2:1 degree (or an ordinary degree if studying at or obtained from a Scottish university), at least 280 UCAS points (excluding General Studies) and a B or above in GCSE Maths (or Scottish or other equivalent, eg O’ level) in order to apply.

Training

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At Baker Tilly graduates take a three-year course to qualify as chartered accountants. The firm pay for all study and revision courses at your first attempt only and support you through courses and exam leave.

Graduates can choose to study for any of the following qualififcations:

• Certified Accounting (ACCA)
• Accounting Technician (AAT)
• Public Finance Accounting (CIPFA)
• Chartered Institute of Taxation (ATII/CTA)
• Restructuring and Recovery (JIEB and CPI)
• Marketing (CIM)
• Human Resources (CIPD)
• IT qualifications

The three-year training programme includes in-house tuition in commercial awareness and business skills, audit and tax, management development, business development and personal skills.

Secondments

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Secondments are available at Baker Tilly offices, or with the firm's clients across the UK. Graduates can also work overseas within the Baker Tilly International network.

Qualification

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Once graduates have completed the Baker Tilly training programme they can follow one of two routes:

• Executive Development Programme (EDP)
• Transition

Both routes aim to develop potential Partners, Managers and Senior Managers for the future of the firm.

Baker Tilly Interview Questions

Baker Tilly Graduate Interview Process

The application process for Baker Tilly is as follows:

• Online application
• Assessment day
• Interview day

Assessment Day

The Baker Tilly assessment day consists of:

• Company presentation
• Verbal reasoning test
• Numeracy test
• Group exercise
• Lunch with current associates and candidates
• Interview

Following a successful assessment day, you will receive a call to organise a second stage interview within 72 hours.

Verbal & Numerical reasoning tests

The verbal reasoning test will last 30 minutes. The numerical reasoning test is 20 minutes.

Group exercise

You will be separated into groups of around four candidates and asked to decide the best way to invest some money, from three options given to you. Your group must come to a unanimous decision.

Make sure you both speak and allow others to speak. If you can, subtedly lead the conversation. If you do lead the conversation, it helps to get your points across early in the discussion. Make sure you reach a decision in the time allocated.

Interview

In your assessment day interview you will be asked questions about your education, experiences and motivation for a career in accountancy. Typical questions you may be asked include:

• Tell me about your education (and grades)
• Tell me about your degree
  • Why did you choose this subject?
  • Why did you get a 'your grade'?
• Are you satisfied with your academic achievements?
• Name a time you have had to give a presentation
  • Did it go well?
• How has accountancy changed over the last ten years? (Sarbanes-Oxley Act amongst others)
• What do you like about accountancy?
• Why Baker Tilly?
  • Where else have you applied?
  • Why do you think you would suit Baker Tilly?
• What can you bring to Baker Tilly?

Interview Day

• Competency based interview
• Case study
• Case study discussion
• Office tour

Competency based interview

Your interview will be two on one. You will be interviewed by a partner and a member of HR.

Case study

You will be required to read through a business case study scenario for 45 minutes. You will then have to prepare a one page executive summary. You will then discuss the case study and your summary report with an interviewer. The questions that will be asked will force you to back up the conclusions you have drawn from the case study. There may also be a few competency based questions.

Questions you may be asked include:

• How would Baker Tilly be involved in the situation? (referring to the case study)
• How would you chair a meeting? (referring to the case study)
• Why would you be an asset to Baker Tilly?

If you have been successful, you should receive an offer within a week of your assessment day.

Barnes Roffe LLP Application Process

Barnes Roffe Graduate Application Requirements

Barnes Roffe LLP require graduates from any discipline with a minimum of 2.1 degree looking for a career in Chartered accountancy.

Graduate Application Process

Each year the firm hire 10 - 15 graduate trainees.

Applications may be made before 31 December in your final year of study using the application form found on the firm's website.

All training contracts commence on 1 October each year with recruitment taking place from January to April.

Barnes Roffe LLP Graduate Careers

Training

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The firm offer a three-year structured contract leading to qualification as an Associate of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ACA). Practical training covers financial accounting, auditing, taxation and management accounting.

Graduates are usually paid between £22,000 - £24,000 per annum during training, plus full study support with the top professional training college.

For more information about life as a Barnes Roffe graduate, visit the Graduate Case Studies section of the website.

Barnes Roffe LLP Internships

Internships at Barnes Roffe LLP

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No set internship scheme exists at Barnes Roffe LLP, although applications from students and graduates are considered.

Take a look at the Barnes Roffe Graduate recruitment page for more information.

Barnes Roffe LLP Interview Questions

You are able to apply for a graduate position through the online application form

Short listed applications will then be asked for a face to face interview.

Chantrey Vellacott DFK Application Process

Applying to Chantry Vellacott DFK

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The firm's minimum application criteria are:

• 24 UCAS points/300 points in three A level subjects
• Attained or be expecting a 2.1 degree

If you meet the firm's minimum requirements you will need to complete the online graduate application form. You may also send a CV and covering letter.

Chantrey Vellacott DFK Graduate Training

Training

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Chantrey Vellacott DFK offer you full financial and study support for your exam training, which is provided by The Financial Training Company, together with regular internal counselling.

You sit the ICAEW exams during a three-year training contract. These exams are:

• Professional Stage: six papers, and you take two papers at each of three sittings
• Advanced Stage: three papers taken at one sitting.

Secondments

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There will be opportunities for secondments to specialist departments during the course of your training contract. Once qualified, you can have the opportunity of transferring into one of the firm's specialist areas.

Chantrey Vellacott DFK Interview Questions

Application and Interview Process Chantrey Vellacott DFK

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The application process is in two stages. The first stage comprises of an interview with a Training Manager and written tests. This first stage takes approximately two and a half hours.

If you are successful after the first stage of the process, you will be invited to attend a second interview with a partner from the office or department you have expressed an interest in. This is the final stage of the recruitment procedure.

Dains Interview Questions

Dains Graduate interview process

The Dains graduate assessment procedure is as follows:

• Handwritten application
• Assessment Day partner interview

Application

Dains specify that all applicants must submit a covering letter in their own handwriting, with their online application.

Assessment Day

Starts with written psychometric tests - followed by two short interviews with different managers.

Then lunch is provided - first you are joined by some partners and managers then by some trainees

During this time they mark the tests and discuss - if you do well enough you will have 2 short interviews with partners

This completes the day - you will be informed of the outcome within 5 days

Questions

You will be asked a few competency questions followed by them asking

• Talk about an accounting related news story
• Why do you want to work for Dains

You will also be asked to comment on a newspaper article and will be expected to give your answers in light of how Dains can help those entities that are affected, i.e. what services can Dains offer to assist them

Psychometric Test

As with the majority of employers, Dains use paper-based verbal reasoning and numeracy tests during the assessment day, courtesy of Kenexa.

Deloitte Application Process

Competencies

The Deloitte selection criteria allows the firm to identify the people most likely to thrive in their working environment. Below are some examples of the competencies that you will need to demonstrate in your applications and interviews.

Communication
You will need to be expressive, clear and concise and have the ability to quickly form relationships with others in a variety of situations.

Achievement of goals
You will need to show the persistence and energy required to meet or exceed your objectives and well-defined goals and respond well to pressure.

Commercial awareness
You should have an interest in business and the knowledge of what a career in a professional services firm involves.

Adaptability
You will need to be positive in the face of change and resourceful in responding to major changes.

Problem solving
You will need to show you can analyse, distil and solve practical problems, generate new ideas and make sound judgements in complex situations. You have been successful at motivating others towards a particular course of action.

Organisational skills
You will need to show you can take responsibility for the completion of tasks and ensure that detail is not overlooked when involved in a project. You will also need to be able to show good time management skills and be able to prioritise tasks effectively.

Deloitte Consulting Interview Questions

The recruitment process for consulting differs from other graduate schemes offered by Deloitte. It is estimated that 150 people are recruited onto the Deloitte consulting graduate scheme per annum.

Positions Available

[Edit] The following is an estimate.

• Number of graduate places nationwide: c.150
• Number of applicants: 2,000

Academic Requirements

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The minimum academic requirement is 320 UCAS points at A-level and 2.1 degree.

First Interview

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The first interview is conducted by someone within the Consulting Practice. You will be given some information relating to a business case study, and be permitted 15 minutes to understand and answer questions. This will then be followed by a 60 minute interview. Part of the interview will consist of a discussion around the case study. The remainder will include a competency based interview and an opportunity to ask questions. Competencies you will be quizzed on include communication, teamwork , career commitment, organisation skills and leadership.

Assessment Day

[Edit] The assessment day consists of:

• A Case study
• A Case study interview (presentation on case study & competency based questions)
• Partner interview
• Written exercise
• Group exercise

You will have to do work on the case study in the time between scheduled interviews/exercises, and schedule your time accordingly. It is imperative that you manage your time efficiently.

Case Study

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You will have about an hour to read a case study and prepare a 10 minute presentation to take place in your case study interview. The case study will describe a business scenario which includes a business problem, and you will have to propose your own ideas for a solution, explain your reasoning and defend your solution against inevitable scrutiny. You should also consider any drawbacks of any solutions you propose, to offer a balanced argument.

Case Study Interview

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The case study interview is similar to Deloitte's first interview for consulting applicants, with the exception of an increased complexity of case study and a 10 minute presentation exercise, which forms the beginning of the interview.

The interview will be with a manager/senior manager/partner from Deloitte's consulting division. The interview will last approximately one hour, and will consist of:

• 10 minute presentation on the case study
• 5-10 minutes of questions from interviewer about your presentation
• 35-45 minutes competency based questions.

The interviewer will attempt to scrutinise and challenge your proposed solution to the case study scenario. Ensure that you back up your points sufficiently.

For information about the competency questions, see the information above for other Deloitte graduate schemes.

Partner Interview

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The partner interview is similar to the typical Deloitte partner interview, described above. You may also be asked to discuss points from your case study. You will then be asked some complex commercial awareness questions to test your understanding of wider business issues as well as the standard 'why deloitte' type questions.

Group Exercise

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In the group exercise you will have to sit with other applicants and work together on a particular task. You should aim to ensure that all participants are involved and that you communicate your points effectively.

Deloitte Graduate Schemes

Deloitte Graduate Schemes Available

Graduate schemes are available in all following lines of service, although the numbers recruited are not identical:

• Audit
• Tax
• Management Consulting
• Financial Advisory

Audit is the largest intake.

Graduates are recruited all year round, with the exception of consultancy, where the closing date for applications is 31st January.

Academic Requirements

Degree & A-Level

You need to have at least 2.1 degree from any university and 300 UCAS points at A-level (320 for Consulting). Equivalent foreign qualifications are accepted.

GCSE

All UK applicants must have a strong set of GCSE (or equivalent) results with a minimum of grade B in both Maths and English.

Foreign Applicants

Foregin applicants may be required to sit an English language course and produce a certificate of competency.

Graduate Training

In some careers at Deloitte you will undertake professional qualifications such as ATT, ACA, FIA and CTA. To help graduates succeed with these studies, you are given financial support.

Deloitte Interview Questions

Graduate Scheme Application Process

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This section does not apply to Deloitte consulting, which has a different application process.

Recruitment is in four parts:

• Web based application form
• Online aptitude tests
• Competency based interview
• Final assessment centre

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A printed guide to getting through Assessment Centres is available to all WikiJob users - click here to download your copy now

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Web Based Application Form

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This is a substantial form which requires you to fill in information regarding your education, achievements (academic and other) and motivation for working for Deloitte. There are a large number of free text fields, and you should set aside at least a day to complete this.

The Career Motivation question section asks:

• Please let us know why a career at Deloitte appeals to you compared with other career options? (max 100 words in bullet point format).
• Please let us know why you are particularly interested in joining the service line you have specified? (max 100 words in bullet point format).
• Please let us know what you think you will be doing on a day to day basis as a graduate in your first choice service line including any commitments required for professional qualifications (if applicable) (max 100 words in bullet point format).

These questions have been partially answered in the WikiJob forum. See here for more information about the Deloitte application and interview process.

Online Psychometric Test

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The test is a SHL psychometric test that consists of two parts - numerical and verbal. These tests provides the interviewers with objective, reliable and relevant information that helps them to make a well-informed decision on how you would handle a demanding graduate position.

The two parts of the test assess you on the following:

Verbal Reasoning: Your ability to understand complex verbally presented descriptions, explanations or arguments and to interpret them, grasp shades of meaning and key points and draw conclusions.

Numerical Reasoning: Your ability to analyse quickly numerical/financial data, with computations where appropriate, whether embedded in a narrative or presented in tables. 25 mins for 18 questions

‘’’you can perform better at SHL tests with practice try these SHL simulator questions’’’

You will have one week to complete the test and the questions for each test are different.

Competency Based Interview

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This is a competency based interview (click the link for info).

Your interview at Deloitte will last up to an hour and be with a manager from the line of service to which you have applied. All interviews are standardised; the interviewer will read out prepared questions and record your responses. After your interview, he/she will grade you and return these details to the graduate recruitment team for processing. You should receive feedback on your interview within 3 days.

Take a practice course to prepare for competency based questions in your upcoming job interviews at companies like Deloitte - click here.

All interviewers at Deloitte have been trained to interview graduates by an in-house team. Deloitte operate an interviewer training day, in other words, an opportunity for the managers to train to interview, and for this they require a stream of real graduates to interview. Putting yourself forward for this is an excellent way for graduates like you to get interview practice. The questions will be similar to those at professional interviews, you will gain a good understanding of the interview process from both company and candidate perspective, and you may even be paid. Get in touch with the Deloitte graduate recruitment team if you are interested in participating.

The interview questions you are likely to be asked are:

• Do you have any goals in the past and how did you achieve it. (Achievement of goals)
• Give me an example of when you gave a presentation (presentation skills)
• Give me an example of when you have to make a decision (Decision making)
• Give me an example of when you have had to persuade someone. (Communication)
• Give me an example of when you were involved in team work (Social Interaction)
• Give me an example of when you were involved in a multi-task situation. How did you manage it? (Planning and Organising)
• Why are you choosing Deloitte? (Commercial awareness)
• Why are you choosing Audit? (Commercial awareness)
• What interested you the most in the recent news? (Commercial awareness)

You may also be asked about what business you admire the most, and why.

Take a practice course to prepare for competency based questions in your upcoming job interviews - click here.

For further information see the discussion on Deloitte graduate interviews.

Final Assessment Day

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This comprises of three parts:

• E-tray exercise comprising
  • Computer exercise
  • Written exercise

• Group Exercise

• Lunch
  • Short interview
• Partner Interview

The E-tray exercise consists of the following:

• 60 minute computer based email simulation based on a business scenario presented to you.
• 40 minute written exercise (on paper).
• 20 minute interview as part of the partner interview to discuss the computer exercise and written exercise.

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Psychometric Success also offer a printed guide to getting through Assessment Centres which is available to all WikiJob users - click here to download your copy now

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Computer Exercise

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Background

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The E-tray exercise is a 60 minute computer simulation of an email inbox. Over the course of the exercise, you will be presented with a sequence of emails, from which you will have to select a response from a multiple choice.

You are a Financial trainee working for Advantage Business Service (ABS). ABS provides Financial & Business Services, Marketing Services, and HR Advisory services. You joined the company 8 months ago. You were working in Nottingham office but now you are transferring to Birmingham office to replace a colleague who is ill. You will have to deal with 24 emails from various people requesting info from you. The exercise starts with about 6 emails already in the inbox.

In your company's folder (ABS), you will see the following:

• Calendar
• Employee's Availability
• Organisation Chart

You will also get folders for all 5 clients (only three of them will request info in the emails), and some simple formulae about how to judge the performance of the client's business.

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Real life training and practice In-tray and e-tray tests are available here

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Typical request from emails

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• Client from Nottingham office wants you to do a job, what would you do?
• One of your colleagues is struggling with contacting someone, how would you react to help him?
• According to the info in Folders, do some calculations. They are not necessarily straight forward.

Tips

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Not all the e-mails will require you to go back to info folders. Some of them just require you to give your opinion.

There are three companies to advise on, so make sure you've identified which company you are being asked about prior to answering. The multiple choices will be created in such a way that may cause you to be easily misled, consequently, take your time and be careful.

Spend the first 5-10 minutes reading the information you are given before diving in. This will save you time later. Work at a sensible pace without rushing. It is quite easy to finish approximately 24 emails with time to spare.

Lastly, be careful and take your time to select the best response. It is easily possible to finish this exercise within the time limit.

Written Exercise

[Edit]

After the E-tray exercise, you will then be asked to write a business email based upon the scenario developed over the previous hour. You will be required to analyse three potential takeover targets, and make your recommendation and case to the client's board of directors. The takeover targets are an internet firm, a catalogue firm or another store based firm.

There is no right or wrong answers here; any of the three companies will be adequate. They are testing your reasoning, so you must be able to substantiate your decision. For example, interviewees are often asked "how would you convince the board your decision is correct?"

The written exercise is done on the computer, but the software does not have a spellchecker, so make sure your answer is spelt correctly. Candidates are pushed for time much more in this exercise; it is advisable think about how you are going to word and structure your composition before you begin to write it.

Stick to the point. You may want to consider using bullet points. There is time pressure, so make sure you are organised and get your answer complete in the allocated time.

E-Tray Interview

[Edit]

After completing the written exercise, you will have another 10 minutes to take any notes from the information provided for the E-tray exercise. You will then have a 20 minute meeting with an interviewer. You will have to brief them using only the notes you have prepared, and backup your decision for the takeover target. Whatever you say is likely to come under scrutiny, so you should be prepared to defend your position.

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Real life training and practice In-tray and e-tray tests are available here

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Partner Interview

[Edit]

The partner interview is with a partner in the firm. This interview differs greatly from the first interview, and is much more personable. There are no set questions. The interview will be competency based and will focus on career motivation and commercial awareness.

Read about partner interviews here.

For more information on Deloitte interviews see the WikiJob forums.

Ernst & Young Application Process - Assurance and Tax

Application Process

The application process consists of:

• Online Application Form
• Online Numerical, Verbal and Diagrammatic Tests
• First Interview
• Assessment Centre
• Partner Interview

Online Application Form

You will need to submit:

• Personal Details
• Career Preferences
• Your Strengths (questions listed below)
• Academic Results (GCSE, AS/A Level, and Degree including module grades)
• Responsibilities and Work Experience

Questions which appear on the application form:

• What was the last activity you completed that took you out of your comfort zone? (max 150 words)
• Describe a time when you have contributed to motivating a team? (max 150 words)
• Describe how you have applied something that you have learnt to make a practical difference. (max 150 words)
• Describe a situation where you took responsibility without being asked (max 150 words)
• Describe the last time you delivered a task that required sustained effort. (max 150 words)

Online Numerical Test

Applicants who have A-level Mathematics or significant mathematical content in their degree may progress straight to the first interview stage of the application process.

First Interview

The first interview will be conducted by a manager in the service line to which you have applied. There are thirty questions in all and the interview is designed to last for 60-90 minutes. You are asked all the odd questions first and then the interviewer will go back to the start and ask all the even questions.

Questions that are asked in the first interview:

Why have you applied to Assurance/Tax?
Should there be more hours in the day?
Tell me about your group of friends?
Do you talk to different groups of friends differently?
Is there a company/brand you admire?
Do you enjoy working in a team?
Have you ever wanted to quit something?
Have you ever put the needs of a team before your own?
Have you ever done something differently second time around?
Have you ever built a relationship with anyone?
Do you prefer starting or finishing?
Do you need to be an expert at something in order to lead a team?
Do you prefer quick action or careful planning?
How do you know your strengths and weaknesses?
How would a lecturer describe you?
Would a friend say you are organised?
Would you say you are a good listener?
What do you call a good day?
How do you deal with a boring task?

It is advisable to try and include any examples from school/university/work/spare time to back up your answers to all questions if possible.
There is no Why EY? question and no commercial awareness questions either at first interview.

Assessment Centre

There could be up to 12 applicants at the Assessment Centre from either Tax or Assurance. The actual timetable will also vary depending on location.

11.00am – The day will start with an introduction by a member of the recruitment team, there will also be a manager from the service line you are applying to present. The setup of the day will be explained as well as the tasks that you will be undertaking. This will be followed by a getting to know you session, where each person in the room will be asked to give their name, where they're from, what they're doing at the moment and what the best thing that has happened to them recently is.

11.45am – The first task of the day is a team meeting between all the people at the Assessment Centre. This task uses the research you are asked to complete prior to the Assessment Centre. You will have to talk through what you have found and devise a plan as to how your manager should present a presentation on the research area to a client. You will have 45 minutes for this task, however during the last 10 minutes the managers will ask some questions to clarify any points you have made.

12.30pm – For the second task you are given information on a company and a brief to follow. For this task you have to condense the information given to meet the brief. This is done on a laptop provided and all your work is saved onto a USB. You will have 45 minutes to complete this task and there are 8 pages of information provided.

1.30pm – You will have a 15 minute break for lunch prior to the third task. For this task you will be required to plan a careers fair event which Ernst and Young will be part of. For this you will be given a booklet which includes information on the event and people who can help you; this booklet is 6 pages long. You have to outline all the tasks which need to be completed, who you need to help you complete the tasks and a time frame for when the tasks need to be completed by. This task is only 30 minutes long and is again done on a laptop.

2.00pm – The next task will test your basic English skills. You will be given a report which has been compiled by someone who supposedly works at EY. It is full of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors and you have to find these and highlight them; the report is five pages long. You will also be asked to provide feedback to the person who wrote the report. You have to fill in a form as to how you will go about this and what you hope to achieve. This is followed by a 10 minute mock phone call to the person who wrote the report, this will be played by one of the managers at the Assessment Centre. In this task you will be asked to give feedback over the phone to help the person improve in the future. You have 30 minutes to proof read the report and 15 minutes for the phone call.

3.00pm – There will be another 15 minute break prior to the numerical test. This will be the PSL psychometric test and there are 32 questions to answer in 35 minutes. The questions get harder towards the end of the book. There are 3 diagrams or graphs on each page followed by between 3 and 5 questions relating to these diagrams.

3.45pm – The final task of the day will be a quick debrief by one of the managers at the Assessment Centre. There are 23 questions to answer and although they say this is informal it is just as important as any of the other tasks during the day. The questions include, How do you feel the day has gone? What have you learnt from today? What do you think was your best/worst task today? You are asked about each task and how you thought it went.

4.15pm – The day ends with the recruiter explaining how the application process will progress following the Assessment Centre. Including how and when you will be informed of the outcome of the day.

4.30am – End of the Assessment Centre.

If you have been successful at the Assessment Centre you will receive a call from the recruitment team within 2 days. This call will include feedback from the Assessment Centre on what you did well and why they are putting you through to the final stage of the application process. If you aren't successful you will first receive an e-mail followed by a call from the recruitment team to give you feedback on your Assessment Centre and what you need to improve on.

Partner Interview

Ernst & Young Graduate Schemes

Graduate Schemes Available

[Edit]

(see also Ernst & Young interview questions)

Ernst & Young graduate schemes are available in the following service lines:

• Assurance
• Tax
• Advisory
• Corporate Finance

An estimated 70% of graduates are recruited into Assurance each year, with Tax being the next highest recruiter.

Academic Requirements

[Edit] Most positions at Ernst & Young require the following:

• A grade A or B for GCSE Mathematics and English Language
• 300 (24) UCAS points (excluding general studies)
• Predicted 2.1 honours degree (any discipline)

Some positions may require higher qualifications, such as actuarial or advisory roles.

Equivalent foreign qualifications (e.g. Scottish Highers) are accepted.

Training

[Edit]

The majority of graduates train for the CA qualification through ICAS. However some schemes do require other formal training.

Ernst & Young Interview Questions

Ernst & Young Application Process - Corporate Finance & Advisory (excluding BAS)

Application Process

[Edit] The application process consists of:

• Online application form
• Online numerical reasoning & verbal reasoning test
• First interview
• Assessment centre including written numerical reasoning test
• Final Partner Interview

Improve you job applications, CV and cover letters - click here to find out how!

Online Application Form

[Edit] You will need to submit:

• Personal Details
• Career Preferences
• Your Strengths (Competency Questions listed below)
• Academic Results (GCSE, AS/A Level, and Degree including module grades)
• Responsibilities and Work Experience

Questions which appear on the application form:

• What was the last activity you completed that took you out of your comfort zone? (max 150 words)
• Describe a time when you have contributed to motivating a team? (max 150 words)
• Describe how you have applied something that you have learnt to make a practical difference. (max 150 words)
• Describe a situation where you took responsibility without being asked (max 150 words)
• Describe the last time you delivered a task that required sustained effort. (max 150 words)

Take a practice course to prepare for competency based questions in your upcoming job interviews and job applications - click here.

Online Aptitude Test

[Edit]

Applicants who have A-level Mathematics or significant mathematical content in their degree may progress straight to the first interview stage of the application process.

The online numerical & verbal reasoning test is the GTIOS psychometric test. Candidates are required to sit both tests.

Take a practice version of the Ernst & Young psychometric test - click here

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

Written Numerical Test

[Edit]

If you are successful at completing the online application form and test, you will be asked to attend a numerical test in person at an E&Y office. You will be told if you have passed within 2-3 days.

The test is designed by SHL and consists of 35 questions in 30 minutes. The test is multiple choice, in a similar format to the online test, and you have a choice of five possible answers for each question.

You will be required to interpret data from tables and graphs, and typically there are 2-3 questions based upon each table or graph you are given.

It is unlikely you will finish the test, and the questions are challenging. Graduates with a mathematical background are sometimes exempted from the test.

Practice SHL style tests with WikiJob here

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

Read more about Ernst & Young interviews on the WikiJob candidate interview forums.

First Interview

[Edit]

The E&Y interview is a general interview with some competency based questions and will last approximately 50 minutes. This will be with a manager from the line of service to which you have applied.

Questions that you are likely to be asked in this interview include:

• What motivates you?
• Why do you want to join audit/tax/advisory?
• Give an example of a time when you had to go out of your way to help someone.
• Do you need to be an expert at something in order to lead a team?
• Give an example of when you had to change the way you did something in order to solve a problem.
• Do you enjoy hard work
• Do you believe in talent or hard work
• Do you ask for more responsibility
• How do you manage risk
• Would a friend say you are organised?
• Do you plan your week

Questions people who have applied for Tax positions have specifically been asked:

• Why tax?
• What have you done to follow up/learn about tax?
• Should there be more hours in the day?
• Tell me about your groups of friends?
• Do you talk to different groups of friends differently?
• Is there a company/brand you admire and if you could ask them some questions what would they be?
• Do you enjoy working in a team?
• Have you ever wanted to quit something?
• Have you ever put the needs of a team before your own?
• Have you ever done something differently second time around?
• Have you ever built a relationship with anyone?
• Do you prefer starting or finishing?
• When have you persuaded someone?
• Do you prefer quick action or careful planning?
• How do you know your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why would you be better than other people?
• How would a lecturer describe you?
• Would a friend say you are organised?

Assessment day

[Edit]

Generally speaking the assessment days do not take place in busy season (January - March), so most assessment days will be from March onwards.

The assessment day consists of:

• Partner interview (60 minutes)
• Report writing exercise (90 minutes)
• Group exercise case study (10-25 minutes)

Psychometric Success offer a printed guide to getting through Assessment Centres which is available to all WikiJob users - click here to download your copy now

Partner Interview

[Edit] The partner interview at E&Y is substantially more competency based than other firms. Expect similar questions that you had to field in your first interview, including:

• Why Ernst & Young and not another Big 4 or a smaller firm?
• Why audit/tax/the line of service you have applied?
• What is audit/tax/the line of service you have applied?
• Give me an example of when you motivated someone.
• Give me an example of when you worked in a team.
• Give me an example of when you were a leader.

Report Writing Exercise

[Edit]

You will have to sit a report writing session. You will be given information relating to a hotel, which has a subsidiary which it is considering selling. You will be required to think of the advantages and disadvantages of the hotel's divesture, and what services E&Y could provide or obtain through the divesture, should it take place.

The exercise is extremely time pressured. You should spend time planning your argument before you commence writing. You will be writing on paper, so ensure that you use correct grammar and spelling, and that your writing is clear and legible.

Group exercise

[Edit]

The group exercise is based up on the same scenario used for the report writing exercise. You will be asked to sit in a group with other candidates. You will be required to work as a team and be required to agree upon:

• The 3 most beneficial advantages of the hotel's divesture
• 3 disadvantages of hotel's divesture
• What other information ought to be considered when examining the hotel's divesture.

You will only have a short time to reach a conclusion, so you must work quickly. The assessors will have no knowledge of the points made within the written exercise, so you are free to reiterate these during the group exercise. You will be assessed on how well you work as a team, and you should seek that everybody makes an equal contribution.

'You can practice group exercises online here’

National Tax Assessment day

[Edit]

The tax division has its own assessment day, which differs from other service lines, although the bulk of the day is the same, the case study is not.

The tax assessment day consists of:

• Partner interview (60 minutes)
• Case Study exercise (75 minutes)
• Group exercise of case study (30-40 minutes depending on the group size)
• Client preparation meeting (30 minutes with 10 minutes of preparation time)

Case Study Exercise

[Edit]

You will have to sit a case study session. You will be given an information pack relating to a magazine publishing company. A partner from EY is due to meet with the CEO of the publishing company and has asked you to brief him on the main points for discussion. You will be required to write bullet points (on a laptop) of areas which you think are important, and questions you think the partner should raise with the client. You then need to identify the top three priorities from your bullet list, and your reasoning. Finally, you need to suggest some other areas in which EY could provide services to this company. You will be required to perform some simple debt to equity calculations, and some "effective tax rate" calculations and comment on them. The pack shows you how to do this, and it is not complicated at all.

A few things to note about the case study:

• Make sure you are very aware of EY's services, particularly within tax. There is mention of changing the way employees are paid, so human capital solutions is a good one to mention (as well as corporate tax planning etc).
• The UK group owns subsidiaries in Denmark and Switzerland, and at the back of the pack there are inland revenue rules VAT collection within EU states. Switzerland is NOT in the EU and so the rules stated do NOT apply to them.
• The UK group has a loan at preferential rates from the parent company. Read the "arm's length" guidelines at the back of your pack carefully, as this applies to this transaction.

Group Exercise

[Edit]

The group exercise is based up on the same case study as the first exercise. You will be asked to sit in a group with other candidates and further prepare for the meeting between the partner and the client.

You are told that the three major principles which the partner wishes to discuss in the meeting are

1. UK group's expansion
2. The tax compliance issues
3. The loans that the UK group has taken

You will also be required to discuss any other services within tax that EY could provide.

You will be required to work as a team and discuss the points within these categories.

You will be given a fresh printed copy of your written bullet points that you made during the first exercise. You will NOT be given the initial information pack for this exercise, so make sure you remember key points, or perhaps include them within your written bullet points so you can refer back to them,

The assessors will have no knowledge of the points made within the written exercise, so you are free to reiterate these during the group exercise. You will be assessed on how well you work as a team, and you should seek that everybody makes an equal contribution.

'You can practice group exercises online here’

Client preparation meeting

[Edit]

This is a role play event. The partner has not had time to review your written notes, and would like you to brief him before he meets the client tomorrow. This exercise is held with a partner or a senior manager.

You will be paired off with a member from your group discussion and will have 10 minutes with each other to agree on points to raise with the partner. You can draw on the ideas raised within the group discussion. You will also need to propose an agenda for the partner's meeting with the client and suggest objectives for the meeting. Make sure you split the talking equally with your peer.

After the 10 minutes of preparation, the partner will walk in and begin the assessment stage. Be prepared to be questioned throughout - this is not a presentation, but a discussion.

Take a practice course to prepare for difficult interview questions from employers in your industry - click here.

Further Information

[Edit] For further information see:

• Competency based interview
• Internships
• See the WikiJob forums

Ernst & Young TSRS Internship Interview Process

Technology and Security Risk Services (TSRS) - summer internship interview & assessment process

[Edit]

The applicaiton and assessment process for a summer internship is as follows:

• Website application
• Assessment centre

After submitting your application form, candidates are usually contacted by email within two to three weeks, either with a rejection notification, or an invitation to an assessment centre.

Assessment Centre

[Edit]

There is only one single round of assessment (the assessment centre itself) and this consists of two exercises and an interview with a member of the service line you applied to.

The assessment centre consists of:

• Arrival
• Corporate presentation
• Report writing case study
• Interview
• Lunch
• Group discussion

Arrival

[Edit]

The day usually begins at 9:30am. You will arrive at reception and meet up to ten other students and graduates. Pastries and water will be available.

Welcome Presentation

[Edit]

Ernst & Young begin the internship assessment centre with a corporate presentation. A graduate recruitment representative will give a brief talk and show a PowerPoint presentation with some information about the summer vacation scheme. The talk will be about 15 minutes long.

Report Writing

[Edit]

At about 10:00am candidates will be asked to perform the first task of the day, which tests your ability to digest important information and rewrite it in a professional, concise and easy to understand manner.

In the past candidates have been given a case study involving a Hotel group that wants to sell part of its business. The report is not about your opinion or recommendation, but simply a test to see how well you can condense information. The first half of the task involves writing a list of key factors that must be considered. The second half of the task involves including in the report what services E&Y could offer the company should the divestment go ahead.

Interview

[Edit]

At about 11:45am candidates will sit an interview with someone from the TSRS division itself. The interview should be fairly comfortable and relaxed. Candidates have noted the interview was very much a two-way conversation.

Questions candidates have been asked in the past include:

• What is your proudest accomplishment?
• Tell me about a time you worked with a team (teamwork).
• Tell me about a time you lead a team (leadership).
• Tell me about a time you used your own initiative.
• Tell me about a time you showed flexibility.
• Tell me about a time you changed the way you did something based on the recommendations of others.
• Why do you want to join Ernst & Young?
• Why Ernst & Young over other Big 4 firms?

The whole interview will take approximately 40 minutes to one hour.

Lunch (with trainees)

[Edit]

Ernst & Young provide a free lunch which consists of sandwiches. Your candidate group will be joined by an equal number of current company graduate trainees. You will be given the opportunity to talk informally with them, finding out what it was really like working at the firm. There will be one trainee from the appropriate service line for each candidate being interviewed.

Group Discussion

[Edit]

At 1:30pm all of your candidate group will be split into three smaller groups and lead to separate meeting rooms. You will be given the reports written in the earlier exercise and a few pieces of paper to continue working on the Hotel case study. You will then have ten minutes to individually come up with answers for the following:

• Three advantages and three disadvantages for the company to proceed with the divestment.
• Assuming the divestment is completed, three strategies for the company to continue increasing their market share.
• Additional information you need from the client to make a recommendation.

At the end of the time allowed, two assessors will walk in to your room. You will be asked to ignore them. You will then be given 20 minutes as a group to agree on the three main disadvantages and 3 main advantages. At the end of the 20 minutes, you will be given a new 'e-mail' which will inform you that you now have ten minutes to decide on the three best strategies to recommend to the Hotel group.

The assessment centre ends at 2:30pm.

Ernst & Young Working Culture

Working at Ernst & Young

[Edit]

What's it like to work at Ernst & Young? Let others know by adding information to the wiki below.

	Your assistance is required to complete this section. Please help others by adding information. Click the 'Edit' button at the top to do so.

Salary and benefits

[Edit]

Standard employment benefits (available to all staff depending on their grade) include:

• Car Allowance
• The Ernst & Young Retirement Savings Plan (EYRSP)
• Holiday
• Private Healthcare Insurance
• Sick Pay and Prolonged Disability Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Personal Accident Insurance
• Interest Free Season Ticket Loan
• Excellent Health and Welfare Facilities
• Leisure Facilities (at some locations)
• Subsidised Restaurants (at some locations)

There are also additional benefits that recruits are able to select a limited number of. These include:

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Childcare Vouchers
• Dental Insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance

Work/Life Balanace

[Edit]

Ernst & Young allow some flexible working on certain occassions, providing that your overall standard hours are maintained.

Grant Thornton Graduate Schemes

Graduate Schemes Available

Grant Thornton recruit graduates into the following specialist areas:

• Audit
• Risk Management
• Technology Risk Management
• Motor Retail
• Agriculture
• Recovery & Reorganisation
• Financial Markets Group/ Actuarial
• Corporate Tax
• Private Client Services
• Employer Solutions
• VAT
• Transfer Pricing

Academic Requirements

Grant Thornton minimum requirements for entry into the graduate programmes are as follows:

• Minimum 2.1 Honours degree
• Minimum 'B' grades in GCSE or Scottish Highers in both Maths and English Language or equivalent
• ACA, CIPFA, CA or CTA minimum 300 UCAS points or 24 A-level points for minimum or equivalent
• ACCA minimum 240 UCAS points or 18 A-Level points

Candidates' top three A-Level grades are counted, not including General Studies or A/S grades.

Grant Thornton Interview Questions

 

KPMG interview questions

KPMG Graduate Application and Interview Process

[Edit] The graduate application process consists of 4 parts:

• Online Application Form + Personality and Preference Inventory (PAPI) (psychometric test)
• Online Reasoning Tests
• First Interview
• Assessment Day

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Find jobs in accountancy - click here

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Academic Requirements

[Edit]

You should have at least a 2.1 degree from any University and 320 points at A-Level (the equivalent of ABB) and grade B in GCSE English and Maths - or equivalent. Extenuating circumstances are accommodated for, but you should specify this on your application form.

Key Competencies

[Edit]

KPMG's key competencies are the qualities it expects all members of staff to have. You should aim to demonstrate these competencies at each stage of the interview process.

The competencies are:

• Business Focus
• Building Relationships
• Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Drive and Resilience
• Career Motivation
• Making an Impact
• Task Management

More information about these can be found on KPMG's recruitment website here.

Take a practice course to prepare for difficult competency based questions in your upcoming job interviews at KPMG - click here.

Online Application Form

[Edit]

The online application form requires you to fill in personal details and written sections which demonstrate your competencies. Make sure you demonstrate these competencies throughout.

Questions that appear on the application form include:

• What attracts you to the position you have applied for ?
• Why do you want to work for KPMG?
• What research have you conducted about KPMG?
• What do you think you will be doing in your first year at KPMG?

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Improve your job applications, CV and cover letters - click here

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KPMG Psychometric Test

[Edit]

KPMG give a psychometric test to all candidates. You can find out more details about this test and take a practice versions of this test here.

KPMG Application Form Questions

[Edit]

What attracts you to the position you have applied for?

[Edit]

You should make your career motivation clear and demonstrate commitment to career. If the position you are applying for includes training, mention that here. Aspects like helping clients and excelling at what you do are valid points.

Why do you want to work for KPMG?

[Edit]

This may seem like a tough question as firms such as PwC, Deloitte and Ernst & Young offer similar experiences, however the following points should help provide some inspiration.

• Quality of training offered by KPMG
• Great team working attitude of KPMG
• Support of colleagues
• The great work KPMG does in the community (make sure you are aware of this because you will be asked this at interview if you mention it)
• Possibilities for career advancement in KPMG
• Reputation of KPMG

You will also be asked 'why KPMG' at interview, however it will likely be phrased, "What separates KPMG from other firms and why do you want work for KPMG instead of the others?"

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Take a practice course to prepare for difficult interview questions from employers in your industry like KPMG - click here.

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What do you think you will be doing in your first year at KPMG?

[Edit]

You absolutely need to know the answer to this. You will be asked it at interview as well. If you answer this question wrong, you will be showing that you do not know what you are getting yourself into and haven't done your research. In this case, you absolutely will not get the job.

You can telephone KPMG and tell them that you are considering applying and you would like to know what sort of things you will be doing in your first year. They would be more than happy to tell you, and may even offer you the chance to come in and ask them questions before you even apply.

If you have signed up to doing any training, such as the ICAEW ACA, you will spend a lot of time doing this.

Make sure you have looked at the WikiJob pages for audit and tax, which will help you answer these questions for these service lines.

Personality and Preference Inventory (PAPI)

[Edit]

This is a questionnaire which asks you to rate how much you agree with particular statements about yourself. For example, a potential statement might be: "I prefer to tackle tasks sequentially rather than juggle many tasks at once." It is worth considering the key competencies discussed above as well as your own opinions with respect to answering the questions. Notice how this statement relates to the competency "Task Management".

The purpose of this test is to generate questions for the interviewer based on your PAPI answers and you will not be selected or screened on this.

Online Reasoning Test

[Edit]

You will be asked to take the online reasoning test. This is a Cubiks test, which is industry standard.

There are 40 verbal questions and 24 numerical questions. The KPMG tests are more difficult than most other firms however they have a lower pass mark (around the 30th percentile). So the key is accuracy, but don't expect to finish all the questions.

Practice online reasoning tests here

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

First Interview

[Edit] The first interview will last approximately one hour and will be by a manager from your line of service (or occasionally someone from HR), and is a competency based interview. You will be asked a number of questions, which will profile your experience against the key competencies described above. Ideally, you should also aim to display the following attributes:

• Commitment to teamwork
• Ability and desire to lead and inspire
• Respectability and responsibility - are you how the company would like to be perceived by clients
• Ethical and truthful - are you trustworthy and can you demonstrate your integrity

Furthermore, they will be looking to see if you display a commitment to career (you should be able to answer questions about what you will be doing in your first year and the qualification to which you are applying), and a clear understanding of what makes you want to want to work for KPMG instead of other accounting firms.

Questions that you are likely to be asked during this interview:

• Describe a time when you worked in a team? (testing teamwork)
• If a member disagrees with you, how did you handle that? What was the outcome? (testing leadership)
• If your tasks have become a daily routine, how would you keep yourself motivated? (testing resilience)
• Describe a current issue in the business world?
• Give an example of a company that you believe has the potential to grow and why?
• Give an example of a company that has grown a lot in the last couple of years and what would you advise them to do next?
• What problems do you think professional services firms are facing today?

You will be expected to give examples of situations you have been in which back up these competencies.
You should receive an email ahead of the interview giving a specific list of the competencies that your individual interview will focus mainly on (based on your application and PAPI questionnaire answers). Take a good look at the example questions listed under these competencies on the website, as some of the questions in your interview may be very similar to these.

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Take a practice course to prepare for difficult interview questions from employers in your industry - click here.

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Assessment Centre

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E-tray exercise

[Edit] The E-tray exercise is a computer based simulation consisting of two parts:

• Computer exercise (70 minutes). No specific computer or software knowledge is required.
• Written exercise (50 minutes).

The computer software is simple to use, and you will be shown how to use it before the exercise commences. No familiarity with any software is required.

You will be presented with a booklet that contains a business scenario. In the scenario, you will be moving to a new office to cover for another member of staff, and today is the day prior to the move. Clients and colleagues from the new office have already begun sending you emails, and are requesting your response.

You will be required to answer emails as they appear in your inbox. Each one will require you to do one of:

• Extract information from the booklet
• Perform simple calculations
• Decide how to deal with unhappy clients, over-demanding managers and similar situations.

All responses are selected from a multiple choice list. As time progresses emails will arrive faster, and the last few will appear in quick succession. There are 24 emails in all.

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Real life training and practice In-tray and e-tray tests are available here

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Exercise caution as the wrong answers may appear to be correct at first glance. Work swiftly but carefully. Do not guess answers; it is better to leave questions unanswered then panic. Where a question requires a judgement call, often a diplomatic response is the most suitable. You will be provided with calculator and may not use your own. The software format used is exactly the same as the practice test which you can try here.

E-tray exercise scenario

[Edit]

You are a Trainee Business Advisor who normally works in Newcastle. However, a member of staff in Manchester has been taken ill and they are short-staffed. You have been asked to cover and take over the projects that he was running. Unfortunately you cannot travel to Manchester until tomorrow as you have a client meeting in Newcastle at 11am. However, you have agreed to set aside two hours today to deal with some issues which have already arisen in Manchester. There are three projects which the person you are covering for has been running and you will get e-mails relating to all three. All the information you need to answer the e-mails will be in the booklet. For about 20 of the 24 e-mails you will need to refer to the booklet. The others are judgement calls and you just need to choose what you think would be most appropriate given the situation – be diplomatic.

Take at least 8-10 minutes at the start to read the information and familiarise yourself with it – it will help later. Work as quickly as you can, but make sure you are being accurate – don’t guess. You can get away with not answering one or two, but no more than that. Two or three of the questions will require you to do some basic calculations. You are provided with a calculator and the formulae are given in the booklet. They are simple and nothing to worry about. Each question has four possible answers/responses and you select the one you think is appropriate. Once you respond though you can NOT change your answer. Keep calm and work methodically through it.

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Real life training and practice In-tray and e-tray tests are available here

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E-tray Written Exercise

[Edit]

The second part of the e-tray is two longer written response e-mails. You are given a different set of information (though it’s only 4 pages so doesn’t take too long to read). You are given 50 minutes for this section. Both e-mails ask for your recommendation on a particular topic/strategy. There are no right answers, the key is to back-up and justify the answer you give. Since this is a longer written piece make sure your spelling and grammar is correct – there is no spell check. Most people at my assessment centre found the first e-mail took longer to answer than the second. It is advisable that you spend 30 minutes on the first one (there is more data to discuss) and 20 minutes on the second one. This exercise is again done on the computer, so the quicker you can type the easier it is likely to be.

Consider writing the end of the email first to help you save time.

The first email relates to a ecommerce retailer that is a client of KPMG. You will be provided information on the market, competitors, consumers, and the company's resources. You will be required to consider the information and advise on the best course of action to improve the company's results.

The second email relates to KPMG's marketing budget. You will be required to decide how the marketing budget is best spent. You are provided information about the consultancy market.

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Real life training and practice In-tray and e-tray tests are available here

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Ensure you allocate time between the emails. Task management is a core competency of KPMG. Ensure you write in a clear, logical style. You must present your arguments carefully and with justification. Check the spelling, punctuation and grammar carefully. No spell checker is provided. Do not use information you know but which is not provided with the scenario. All information you require is provided. If you cannot touch type, it might help you to learn to do so. If you complete the task early, you will have the remaining time to review your responses. The exercise is performed on the computer and will end automatically when the time has expired.

Lunch

[Edit]

Lunch is an opportunity to chat with recent joiners of the graduate scheme, and a few more experienced staff. It will last about 2 hours so there will be plenty of opportunity to chat and ask questions. You are not being assessed during lunch, however you should maintain strictly professional. There may be wine available; it is advisable to steer clear of alcohol.

Group Exercise

[Edit]
(see group exercise)

You will be placed in a group with 3-5 other candidates. You will be given approximately 10 minutes to read a booklet of information which will relate to one of the companies from the E-Tray exercise, a struggling internet multimedia retailer. You will then be given around 20 minutes as a group to prepare a 10 minute presentation to the company. A trained KPMG assessor will observe you throughout but you should try to ignore them. They will be looking for team working, leadership, communication and task management skills. Make sure you read the whole of the booklet, you only get those 10 minutes (there is too much discussion to be done in the remaining time).

Make sure the team does not subdivide and delegate in the discussion. This is a clear instruction on the front of the book. Your team may try and do this but you would not be following the instructions, so if this happens, try and steer the discussion back on course.

You can practice group exercises like the one you will encounter at KPMG online - click here

Presentation

[Edit]

In advance, you will be provided the following scenario, and be required to provide a presentation to a partner for 10 minutes.

You are working for KPMG as a junior advisor on a client (an organisation of your choice*). You are presenting to a Partner/Director who is heading up the KPMG team on the project for this client. Your presentation is focused on the ways in which the client can further develop their business. What advice would you give to the organisation on effective expansion of their business, and why? Your presentation should include: A very brief overview of the organisation How they can expand/further develop their business The advice that you would give to this organisation to ensure successful development of their business, and why. You will be asked to deliver this presentation to one of the KPMG partners on the assessment day. The presentation should last no longer than 10 minutes, after which you will be asked a few questions on the subject of your presentation. You should prepare any handouts or other materials in advance of the day. Do NOT prepare any presentation slides, as an Overhead Projector/a computer will not be available. Please note that you will not be able to use a flip chart either. NB – Hand written materials are perfectly acceptable! Do not worry if you do not have access to a computer to prepare your presentation – we do not intend to assess your skills with software packages! * the organisation you choose does not need to be a KPMG client

You will expected to talk for the whole 10 minutes uninterrupted. Following this, the partner will likely ask you questions where you can voice your opinions, and this may last for an additional 20 minutes.

Tips and Advice Stick to what you know; you don't have to talk about a large company, you can talk about your local bakery if you prefer Remember that your task management is being assessed - so try and stick to 10 minutes Stick to easy to understand business e.g. high street retail. Consider avoiding internet businesses such as Facebook or Google - these are too new and too different from traditional businesses Try to avoid using any KPMG clients. Focus on what advice KPMG can give. You want to show an understanding of KPMG and what services it provides. Examples include: Provision of tax advice Providing a list of potential takeover targets

You will be asked questions and challenged about the advice you give and will have to justify your reasoning. If you are struggling to think of ideas for this section, trying using SWOT analysis techniques.

Technical Interview

[Edit]

You will be asked to pick a role you have done in the last few role (or your most recent role) and explain the project you were working on, what the aim of the project was and what YOU did to ensure the aim was met. You will be asked in detail about the technologies that were used on the project and the processes employed. If you say your role was to ensure the system work you will be required to explain exactly how you did this.
If you managed a team you will be asked about your management style, how you ensured you team worked efficiently and how you ensured they made progress.
You maybe asked about specific investment products that you have worked with, if it is on your cv ensure you can put it into context with the role you are applying for.

Being Made An Offer

[Edit]

You can reasonably expect to hear within 3 working days if your application has been successful.

Rejection

[Edit] If you are unsuccessful, KPMG will provide you a page of detailed feedback about your application and why you were not accepted at the application stage, and then full feeback at all future stages.

Mazars Application Process

Application and Interview Process

The firm has a five step application process:

• Online application
• Review
• Personal interview
• Selection interview
• Decision

Online Application

Online application requires you to decide which training scheme you wish to apply for and complete an online application form.

Review

Once Mazars have reviewed your application you will be asked to complete online numerical reasoning & verbal reasoning tests. The tests are provided by PSL/Kenexa.

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

Interview

If your application is successful, the next stage is a one-to-one interview. This will be a one-hour interview with a manager or member of the graduate recruitment team.

At the beginning of your first interview you will be given an analytical exercise to read and discuss. The remainder of the interview will consist of questions based around the key skills that Mazars feel are important in the role that you have applied for.

Selection Interview

This consists of:

• Meeting the team
• Partner interview
• Written exercises
• A group exercise where you are given a scenario to discuss.
• An in-tray exercise.

If feedback from your interview is good, you will be invited to come and meet the team at your chosen office. You will be interviewed by a partner and asked to do some team and written exercises.

Group Exercise

The group exercise is relatively straightforward. You will be presented with a scenario that you have to make a group decision on. You will have about 15 minutes to read and consider it and then 30 minutes to discuss and reach a decision. It is more important that everyone participates rather than what the final decision is. The most important thing is to make sure that you express your views but also listen to what everyone else is saying. You need to be able to persuade others to your point of view also notice when others have good points of view.

In-tray exercise

Some other companies will do this electronically but with Mazars it is paper based.

There were 3 exercises to do:

• Basic emails (prioritise them)
• Making programs
• Responding to a memo

The task itself is not challenging but there is extreme time pressure. It is important that you spend as much time writing as possible, and focus on getting things down within the time limit.

Lunch

Usually the assessment process takes place in the morning and is followed by a buffet lunch. This is informal and allows an opportunity to meet the partners and managers, and ask questions about Mazars.

Decision

You will be informed within two weeks if your interviews have been successful.

Mazars Graduate Schemes

Mazars Graduate Schemes

[Edit]

Graduate jobs at Mazars start in September each year. There are four main graduate schemes available at Mazars:

• Chartered Accountancy
• Actuarial Services
• Financial Planning
• Tax

Chartered Accountancy training scheme

Mazars recruit about 100 people each year to train to become chartered accountants. The firm support you through your exams, which usually takes three years. You’ll work primarily in audit, but will be exposed to other areas such as tax, assurance and advisory services.

Actuarial services training scheme

The firm recruit two people each year to join their actuarial business. The scheme includes support and study leave to help you qualify as a fellow of the Institute or Faculty of Actuaries. You will be involved in a broad range of assignments including life, general and health insurance, and consulting in pensions and investments.

Mazars Financial Planning training scheme

Mazars take on five people to join our financial planning business. You'll study for your Financial Planning Certificate (two years) and then go on to gain full financial adviser status in five years with the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate (AFPC). To begin with you’ll work as a ‘financial planning assistant’ supporting one of the firm's financial advisers with their portfolio of private and corporate clients.

Tax training scheme

On this scheme you’ll train to become a member of the Chartered Tax Association and will be fully supported through your exams. You’ll also gain experience supporting corporate and personal tax clients.

Application requirements

[Edit]

Graduate applicants are expected to have:

• An obtained or expected 2:1 or first class degree
• 280 UCAS points from any one year (not including General Studies)
• Grade B or above in GCSE Maths and English Language

If you have (or are expecting) a 2:2 in your degree, you can still apply. However, you’ll need to show evidence of particularly strong achievements in a different area. If there were extenuating circumstances that affected your result, make sure you tell the firm so that they can take these into account.

There is one exception. Because of the mathematical nature of Actuarial Services, you’ll need to have:

• An obtained or expected 2:1 or first class degree in a mathematical discipline (Maths, Statistics, Economics or a degree with a substantial mathematical content)
• 320 UCAS points with grade A in a mathematical discipline

Graduate Training

[Edit]

Your training starts with a one-week residential course where you will be introduced to Mazars. You will meet senior partners and talk about what you want from the training scheme. You will find out about auditing techniques, client handling, problem solving and how to deal with fraud and money laundering.

Secondments

[Edit] Graduate trainees are able to spend time working in offices all round the world, including France, Spain, US and Australia. Secondments are popular. You will need to perform well once you start work at the firm and have adequate language skills to be able to spend time on secondment.

MS Psychometric Tests

Tests

Psychometric testing is used:

Some offices have their own internally created tests

Some use tests from the efinancialcareers website

Check with HR about the fomat of the test before the interview

PwC Audit & Assurance

Audit & Assurance is the largest graduate scheme offered by PwC.

Audit Industry Sectors within PwC

[Edit] Graduates joining at the Associate level have a choice of what industry sector they would like to work in, but must make this choice before joining. The sectors are:

• I&IM - Insurance & Investment Management
• B&CM - Banking & Capital Markets
• TICE-Energy - Technology, Information Communication, Entertainment and Energy
• CIPS - Consumer Industrial Products and Services

NB. Graduates applying to join the London office will be offered the choice of LTT and LMT instead of TICE and CIPS:

• LTT - London Top Tier (large companies / FTSE 100)
• LMT - London Mid Tier (smaller companies / FTSE 250).

In financial services audit and in the hours are usually longer and the work more technical and less varied than in other sectors. When making your choice, you will be committing for the duration of your training contract. It helps to have an idea which sector you would like to join and why prior to your interview.

Training

[Edit]

The training is for ICAEW ACA. Accounting college is attended full time for period of approximately six weeks at a time. Independent study is required in the evenings and weekends.

Applicant Requirements

[Edit]

The standard applicant will have a 2.1 in any degree from any university. Intake is approximately 50% finance/business/economics related subjects, and 50% other.

Contract Details

[Edit]

Your training contract with PwC will be for three years. You will be expected to study in evenings and weekends towards the ACA exams. You are not paid or rewarded for study time at the weekends, however you will attend college and you are paid to do so. Your college fees will also be paid for.

You are required to pass all your exams. The pass mark is 50 or 55% depending on the module. Results between 45% and 54% are permitted one resit, at the expense of the individual. Results below 45% and failed resits will result in immediate dismissal.

Overtime Arrangements

[Edit]

As part of the contract, you will be required to work overtime on demand. Audit work is seasonal and busy season is usually January - March. You may find yourself working a lot of hours during this period, especially on financial services clients in London.

Travel Requirements

[Edit]

As most of the work will be performed at clients, you will be required to travel considerably. All your expenses will be reimbursed. For London auditors working in financial services, you may well be required to stay in hotels around the country for weeks at a time, returning only at weekends.

For more information about PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) visit the WikiJob forums.

PwC Internships

There are several different types of internships and placements available at PwC:

• PwC Insight Internship & International Internship
• PwC Graduate Placement
• PwC Business Placement
• PwC Insight Academy
• PwC Insight Days

PwC Insight Internship & International Internship

PwC's Insight internship programmes provide high-calibre, penultimate-year undergraduates with an opportunity to experience work and life at PwC, offering an insight into the firm's business and culture. Internships take place over the summer for eight weeks in locations across the UK. Students who take part in the internship successfully may be offered a position to join the firm upon graduation.

PwC also offer a number of opportunities to take part in an International Internship, whereby students will spend part of their internship in the UK and part in an overseas location (for example Spain, Italy, US, Australia, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Poland, Malta, Ireland, China or Hong Kong).

With both of the above programmes early application is encouraged to ensure you secure your first choice location.

PwC offer internships in the following work areas:

• Assurance
• Financial Advisory
• Actuarial
• Tax
• Strategy Consulting

PwC Graduate Placement

PwC Graduate Placements provide an opportunity for candidates to spend at least six months in the business, before leaving for a few months to pursue another interest and, assuming all went well during your placement, returning to join PwC in a full-time capacity the following year.

PwC Business Placement

PwC Business Placements are open to students who have a sandwich element to their degree. During a Business Placement you will work alongside graduate trainees and experienced professionals on everyday projects. Business Placements are available in Assurance and Tax.

The 11-month business placements commences in August and September, with opportunities available at PwC offices across the UK. You may also start a six-month placement in February (in London).

Candidates from any degree discipline can apply for placements, but you will need to demonstrate a good academic record and show how you have used your initiative and strong teamwork skills to guarantee a position. You should also have conducted plenty of research into the area of PwC you'd like to join.

PwC Insight Academy

The PwC Insight Academy is a three-day residential training programme designed for first year undergraduates. It is envisaged that those who are successful on the Insight Academy will fast track through to places on PwC Internships or International Internships or Business Placements. You'll need to be a first year undergraduate with 280 UCAS points (or equivalent) to apply.

Insight Days

PwC Insight Days are company "open days" for sixth form students, undergraduate students and graduates to find out more about the company.

For more information about PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) visit the WikiJob forums!

PwC Interview Questions

Graduate Application Process

[Edit]
(Also see interview questions and answers about PwC interviews on the WikiJob forums)The process for applying to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is as follows:

• Online application
• Online Psychometric Test
• Online numerical reasoning and logical or verbal reasoning test
• First interview
• Assessment Centre comprising:
  • Aptitude Tests: Numerical reasoning test, logical reasoning, diagrammatic reasoning and verbal reasoning test
  • Group exercise or Individual Exercise
  • Partner interview

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Find jobs in accountancy - click here

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Application Preparation

[Edit]

Before starting your application you should also read the PwC wesbite's hints and tips section and company information about the firm's selection process.

PwC Online Application

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The online application form comprises sections on personal information, academic achievement, career motivation, and demonstration of key personality traits such as teamwork.

The application will be referred to in both interviews. Make sure you retain a copy for your records.

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Improve your job applications, CV and cover letters - click here

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Psychometric Test

[Edit]

PwC use an online psychometric test to find out more details about each candidate's personality. You can take a practice version of this test here

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PwC Application Questions

[Edit]

Business and Client Service

• "Please provide us with your understanding of the services offered by the firm and in particular, the work undertaken in your chosen line of service (maximum 150 words)."

• "PwC is passionate about providing our clients with exceptional services that contribute to their business success. From a business perspective, if you were to join PwC, which organisation would be your ideal client and what services do you think PwC would be providing to enhance the organisation’s continued business success (maximum 150 words)? Please note the organisation does not have to be a current client of PwC."

Tips for answering this question:

This question requires you to demonstrate:

• An understanding of what makes a good business.
• An understanding of the services PwC offers to clients and how PwC helps clients improve their performance.

It is better to select a business you are familiar with to answer these questions, such as a high-street store. Online businesses such as Google, Facebook and internet gaming websites make poor examples to use as they are generally less well understood by older generations and their business model is still young and developing. Avoid discussing any technical types of business such as insurance or banking. If possible, select a business that is not a client of PwC as you may be interviewed by someone who knows a lot more about them than you do.

Examples of services PwC could offer to clients might include:

• Tax advice
• Performance improvement consulting
• Internal control testing
• Strategic consulting (e.g. selecting potential targets for takeover)

Take a practice course to prepare for difficult interview questions from employers in your industry - click here.

PwC Online Test

[Edit]

Candidate's will typically be invited to take PwC's online test within two days of their online application.

The online test is comprised of three parts:

• Numerical reasoning (basic skills: interpreting data from tables, fractions, percentages, ratios, time/date calculations, foreign currency conversion).
• Verbal reasoning comprehension. or Diagrammatic reasoning
• The PwC Student Talent Questionnaire.

The reasoning tests are designed by SHL.

You will see practice questions before each section enabling you to familiarise yourself with the style of question asked. You will require a calculator, some paper and a pencil.

The diagrammatic reasoning is a short test requiring you to infer solutions using logic. The problems are of a visual nature.

The test is timed so you must apportion time correctly to each question. If you do not understand a question or cannot complete it in time, you should choose one answer and move on. You will not be able to return to previous questions.

‘’’you can perform better at SHL tests with practice - try these SHL simulator questions’’’

First Interview

[Edit]
(also see general interview advice and competency based questions)

Your first interview will be a competency based interview conducted by a PwC Manager or Senior Manager from the line of service to which you've applied. It will last approximately 45 minutes. The interview will focus specifically on your application form and previous experiences.

During your interview you will be assessed on core competencies PwC has decided are important for all employees to possess. These are:

• Commitment to Career
• Commercial Awareness
• Teamwork
• Motivation and Initiative
• Flexibility and Communicating with Impact.

Interview questions at PwC, just like the rest of the Big 4, are standardised. Graduate candidates are usually asked some of the following interview questions:

• What do you consider to be your strengths?
• What are your development areas?
• Why do you want to leave your present job?
• How do you structure your time at university ensuring you balance your personal life?
• Tell me about a difficult experience at work and how you dealt with it.
• What made you decide to join this Professional Services?
• What do you know about our business?
• Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
• What are your major achievements to date?
• What do you do in your spare time?
• Describe how you see the role of a graduate at PwC?
• What is the biggest mistake you have made? What did you learn from this mistake?
• Tell me about a time when you have worked in a team? What was your role?
• Have you applied for any other graduate jobs?
• How does PwC add value to its clients?
• How is PwC Assurance divided and in what division would you like to work? (see PwC Audit & Assurance)
• Tell me what you know about the qualification which you will be studying?
• Explain when you have been in a situation where you were working towards a deadline and the parameters have been changed? (i.e. you have been asked to deliver something slightly different)

This site gives some advice on tackling these questions. The questions are designed to be open ended and to allow you to talk freely about your achievements and goals.

Take a practice course to prepare for difficult competency based questions in your PwC interviews - click here.

In addition, you may well also be asked competency based questions which force you to demonstrate evidence of past experience relating to PwC's core competencies:

• Give me 2 examples of when you have worked in a team to achieve a goal. (Teamwork)
• Give me 2 examples of where you have had to lead a team. (Teamwork)
• Give me 2 examples of where you have been in a situation of conflict, and explain how you choose to do the right thing.
• Can you discuss any recent developments which have strongly affected PwC and the accounting industry? (Commercial Awareness)
• What do you anticipate you will be doing in your first year at PwC?
• What can you tell me about the (ACA) qualification to which you have applied?
• What can you tell me about the line of work to which you have applied?
• What do you think you will be doing in your first year at PwC?
• Discuss a recent piece of financial news that has been in the press?

You should bear PwC's Global Core competencies in mind during your interviews as this is what you will be mainly tested on. At interview you must be able to give examples of how you have demonstrated these competencies in the past. You will be expected to give responses based on experiences within university years (work, education, extracurricular). School or College experiences are too far in the past.

Overall, the PwC interview will be more of a flowing conversation between interviewer and candidate. Although the interview is competency based, the examples you are asked for may be linked in with your application form or as part of a general discussion about yourself and your achievements. Generally speaking, this makes the interview easier and a more pleasant experience than interviews at other firms.

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Take a practice course to prepare for competency based questions in your upcoming job interviews - click here.

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Assessment Day

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Numerical & Diagrammatic Test

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The test is designed by SHL. This is a multiple choice test. You will require a calculator, pencil and eraser. These will be provided for you if you do not bring your own. If possible, try to bring a calculator you are familiar with.

The numerical test consists of 20 questions to be answered in 20 minutes. The questions are harder than those on the online test although the format is roughly the same.

The diagrammatic reasoning test consists of 40 questions in 20 minutes.

There will be extreme time pressure. You must apportion your time correctly and move on if you get stuck. Unlike the online test, this test will be extremely challenging, and you should prepare yourself for this. Candidates from a non-mathematical background may struggle with the math part of the test, and you should spend the time attempting the questions you are most likely to get correct.

The diagrammatic questions are also difficult, and will become more difficult as the test progresses.

Practice SHL style tests here.

[Edit]

It is worthwhile practicing diagrammatic tests beforehand. Pages 7-23 of Professional Level Psychometric Tests book by Sam Al-Jajjoka may prove useful.

Do not be disheartened if you struggle during these tests. PwC hire a great number of people from artistic backgrounds and considers the entire application for every person in perspective.

You should read the information PwC have provided related to these tests prior to the assessment day. It can be found here.

Group Exercise

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There will be between three and six candidates who take part in the group exercise at along with two PwC observers in the room. You will be given some general information about a company and its situation. Additionally each person will receive some extra information particular to them explaining their role at the company. You will have 20 minutes to read the information and then 30 minutes to discuss it with the group. The group exercise requires you to communicate and discuss with other candidates all points of view, and to finally reach a conclusion. There is no presentation element.

You can practice group exercises online here

Make sure everybody speaks, watch time closely, expand on other people's points, and be persuasive. Consider that PwC might want to provide future consulting services to the firm they are advising in the case study.

Partner Interview

[Edit] The PwC partner interview will focus principally on the following competencies:

• Commitment to Career
• Commercial Awareness

Typical questions arising from these competencies would be:

• Why do you want to work for PwC? Why PwC instead of another Big 4 firm?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? At PwC, in 5 years you can reasonably expect to finish 'Manager' position and be moving into managing staff and clients on your own.
• What recent events have affected PwC and the accounting industry? (This would include the Sarbanes-Oxley Act).
• What factors do you think are important to make a successful business?
• If you were senior partner at PwC, what would keep you up at night?
• Give me an example of a business you think is performing well/badly and explain why you think this is so?
• If you had £1 million, how would you invest it?
• Tell me about a time when you have had to motivate someone?
• Tell me when you learnt something new?
• Tell me about a time when you have to resolve a disagreement diplomatically.
• What/where do you expected to be in 5 years?
• If you met the CEO of M&S and were asked for advice from an auditory point of view, what would you say?
• If you were unsuccessful with PwC what would you do?
• Give two examples of when you've had to make and stick to a budget

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This interview preparation course can help you get on to the graduate scheme at PwC

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For further information about the interview questions and assessment process at PwC ask questions in the WikiJob interview discussion forum.

Also see - PwC Working Culture for information about working at PwC or visit the WikiJob forums to ask questions about PwC Interview Questions (PricewaterhouseCoopers).

PwC Working Culture

If you work for PricewaterhouseCoopers, please share your experiences of the company and company working culture on this page.

Holidays

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All employees receive 25 days statuatory holidays per annum. Arrangements for overtime vary depending on line of service. You can also "purchase" up to 5 additional days holiday through the benefits scheme.

Medical Benefit

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All employees receive complimentary private medical cover from AXA PPP. Employees are not required to pay any premium for this benefit, however they cannot exchange it for cash. Like all benefits, the employee must pay income tax on the benefit premium. This cover may be extended to family members, but at a price.

Company Car

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All transport to and from clients is paid for by the firm, regardless of the mode of transport used, but only in excess of your time traveling to client sites. Company cars are available to graduates on a lease basis, where a monthly lease is paid by the graduate to PwC's car leasing service. This includes all maintenance, parts, and insurance for any qualified driver. The only further cost to the employee is petrol. All miles driven in the course of business are reimbursed.

A wide variety of cars are available, including a Fiesta 1.0 and Mazda MX5.

Graduate Loans

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PwC provide an optional interest free loan to new graduates, arranged through HSBC or Natwest subject to approval by banks. The loan is repayable out of salary over 4 years, starting after 6 months. On leaving the firm, the balance becomes immediately payable.

Season Ticket Loans

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All PwC staff are entitled to an interest free loan of up to £3,000 per annum to purchase season travel tickets, for the purpose of commuting to work.

Cycle to Work Scheme

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PwC staff can obtain an interest free loan to cover the purchase of cycle equipment, where the employee agrees to use the equipment for the purpose of commuting.

PwC's Work in the Community

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PwC regards its social corporate responsibility with the highest regard. PwC has many schemes focussed on helping the community. Numerous social programs are promoted and are open to employees, ranging from tutoring, mentoring, teaching to fund raising.

PwC Pantomime

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Each year, PwC employees participate in a pantomime for the benefit of the children in the London area. Ace provides free tickets and transportation for the visiting children, and each year some 7000 children will come and see the show. The show is held in a West End theatre. There are opportunities for staff to become involved in all aspects of the production, including acting, directing, music, backstage and organisation.

Schools Mentoring

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Employees can participate in the firm's school mentoring program. This involves spending 1/2 a day a month mentoring students in schools in the London area. This may involve discussing career issues, business ideas, or helping to teach maths.

Carbon Footprint

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Although PwC's impact on the environment is small, it contributes annually to offset its carbon footprint. PwC encourages recycling of paper and plastic cups for all its employees.

Find out more by asking questions about PricewaterhouseCoopers on the WikiJob messageboard.

Bentley Jennison Application Process

Applying to Bentley Jennison

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Application Requirements

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All graduate applicants must have achieved at least 2.2 or above at any university in any degree discipline.

Online Registration

[Edit] Upon completing online registration the firm's recruitment team will assess which vacancies will be most suitable for you from the information that you have provided. Ensure that you write a comprehensive covering letter detailing your areas of interest and the reasons why you want to work for Bentley Jennison.

Bentley Jennison Graduate Schemes

Bentley Jennison Graduate Schemes Available

Opportunities are available for trainees within all disciplines of the firm, including:

• Accounting and audit
• Tax compliance and planning
• Business consultancy
• Independent financial advice
• Corporate finance
• Human resource development
• Litigation support
• Outsourcing
• IT services (including software development)

Graduate Training

Graduates receive subsidised training in audit, business services or taxation at Bentley Jennison and are able to achieve ACA, ACCA, ATT, IIA or CTA qualifications while working for the firm.

Trainees entering the Internal Audit and Risk Management divisions can expect to work in internal audit and consultancy services and train towards an ACCA or IIA qualification.

Saffery Champness Interview Procedure

The interview procedure at Saffery Champness is as follows:

• Online application
• Interview day

Interview Day

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Applicants will be invited to an interview day with a few other candidates. This day comprises of several events:

Tests

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Numerical testing

The questions posed in this written test are not similar to those encountered in online testing. They are less reliant on interpretation of graphs and tables, and focus more on testing the candidate's innate logical reasoning abilities. The questions are designed to be tackled without a calculator and most involve logical answers, rather than detailed numerical ones.

Verbal testing

Two questions are asked, with the candidate required to write some hundred words as a response. These questions are similar to those found on most graduate application forms - for example, "talk about a time you displayed leadership".

Group Exercise

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A goal will be set for the group of candidates present. This typically involves something cooperative. One common exercise is to design a small toy for children and construct it out of cardboard and other assorted materials; also, to prepare a short presentation on the toy - its intended audience, price point and so forth. As with other group tasks, what is being tested is the candidates' ability to work in a group and time-management, not the brilliance of the produced result.

Individual Interview

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Candidates will disperse for a one-on-one interview with a member of staff. This follows the standard procedure for graduate interviews: questions will be competency based.

Decision

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Applicants will be informed on the day whether or not they have been successful and will be invited back for another interview. This is somewhat unusual among employers. The candidate will have the opportunity to get some face-to-face personal feedback on their failure/success.

• For more information on Saffery Champness visit the WikiJob forums.

Smith & Williamson Application Process

Applying to Smith & Williamson

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Graduates should search the Smith & Williamson website for current graduate vacancies. All applications must be made online.

Application Requirements

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Smith & Williamson are looking for graduates with at least a strong second class degree in any discipline. Candidates should also have at least 300 points from any three A Levels.

There may be some flexibility with regards to academic requirements if extenuating circumstances apply.

Work Permits

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Smith & Williamson do sponsor work permits for international applicants. The firm apply for a work permit on your behalf should you be successful in the recruitment process.

All recruitment activities take place in the UK, which means international applicants will be required to travel to UK offices.

Travel Expenses

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If you travel to an interview or assessment day travel expenses of up to £100 can be reimbursed by Smith & Williamson.

Now see - Smith & Williamson interview questions.

Smith & Williamson Graduate Schemes

Graduate Careers at Smith & Williamson

(see also Smith & Williamson Interview Questions)

The firm hires graduate trainees for each of the following lines of service:

• Assurance & Business Services
• Corporate Tax
• Forensic Services
• Private Client Tax Services
• Investment Management

Assurance & Business Services

Most of S&W's work in this area involves external audit, along with a range of other business advisory services. As a graduate you’ll work to a large extent on the audit side, which means checking that numbers stack up with fact, and providing advice to your clients.

Corporate Tax

This department help make sure companies are tax efficient through advice and consultancy.

Forensice Services

Four key areas make up the work of Forensic Services: Dispute Resolution, Insurance Services, Investigations and Forensic Technology.

Dispute Resolution deals with business and share valuations, claims for consequential losses, breach of contract and a range of claims from fatal accident to professional negligence.

Insurance Services involves loss of profit claims through fires or other such incidents, risk analysis and advice, and claim support.

Investigations looks into asset tracing, corporate fraud investigations and VAT investigations.

Forensic Technology centres around computer investigations, such as unauthorised system access (hacking), e-discovery, corporate litigation support and fraud and money laundering investigations.

Forensice Services teams are either instructed by lawyers on behalf of their clients or directly by corporates.

Private Client Tax Services

If you work in this line of service you will be helping individuals with their personal tax affairs, their businesses and trusts.

S&W have two main areas within Private Client Tax: compliance and special/advisory. The aim of compliance work is to provide a timely and accurate tax return in which the firm deals with HM Revenue & Customs to meet the legal obligations for the client. Special/advisory work looks at tax liabilities, tax return analysis and drawing together all financial information for overviews of financial position.

Investment Management

S&W's Investment Management service comprises an institutional fund management team, 30 private client teams and an institutional bond sales desk.

The largest part of the business is the private client side, providing predominantly discretionary services to a variety of clients including on and off shore private clients, SIPPS (private pensions), trusts and OEICs.

Training

Graduate trainees on each of the five S&W lines of service will receive internal and external training for three years. During this time, you will also study towards a professional qualification.

If you join Assurance & Business Services, Corporate Tax or Forensic Services divisions, you will study for the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) exams. Private Client trainees will work towards the ATT (Association of Tax Technicians) and then CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) exams. Investment management trainees will study for the IMC (Investment Management Certificate), followed by the SIIM (Securities and Investment Institute Masters) in Wealth Management.

Career Progression

Once you have completed your training and passed your exams, you’ll become an assistant manager. There are then opportunities to move into different areas of the business at S&W and to take secondments both in the UK and abroad.

Now see - Smith & Williamson Interview Questions.

Smith & Williamson Interview Questions

Smith & Williamson Interview Questions

[Edit] (see also Smith & Williamson application process)

• Online Application
• Online Assessments
• Telephone interview
• Open Day
• Assessment Day
• Personality test
• Director Interview

Online Application

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All graduate applicants are required to complete a standardised online application form.

Once you’ve completed your application form, you’ll be contacted by one Smith & Williamson's graduate recruitment team within one week and asked to complete some online tests verbal and numerical reasoning tests.

Online Assessments

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The online assessments will be SHL tests that will test both verbal and numerical reasoning ability.

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

After successfully completing the online tests, you will either be invited to join the next available assessment day or invited to arrange a telephone interview with a view to inviting you to an assessment day.

Before the assessment day you will be given the opportunity to attend an open day at the firm.

Telephone interview

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The Smith & Williamson telephone interview is a fairly straight forward discussion conversation with a member of the HR team from the firm. This will last about 30 minutes, with time for you to ask questions at the end. The interview is designed to allow Smith & Williamson to find out if you are someone they feel would be suitable to call for an assessment day.

The interview will basically be a competency based interview. It will consist of competency based questions and questions about your education (school and university), career aspirations and why you have chosen to apply to Smith & Williamson and why you have applied to your desired business area.

Previous candidates have been asked the following questions:

• How would you deal with the pressures of study/exams and the working environment?
• What can you tell me about the ACA?
• What challenges are facing businesses at the moment, local and globally?
• Where do you see yourself after training?
• What other areas of accountancy interest you?

The interview is more conversational than those at other firms and you will be given a decent opportunity to find out about the firm itself.

Assessment day

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The Smith & Williamson assessment day starts at 9.45am and finishes at 3pm. It consists of:

• group exercise/case study
• lunch (including opportunity to meet other candidates and current graduate trainees)
• numerical and verbal psychometric tests (paper based)
• an in-tray exercise

Group exercise/case study

After the initial company introductions you will be asked to start a group exercise. This will be a case study. You will have five minutes to come up with three business ideas individually before the group exercise starts properly. You will then discuss your ideas as a group, choose one idea and make a business plan. You will be given 20-25 minutes to do this.

You will then have ten minutes to present to the board (which is two interviewers from HR).

Lunch

During your lunch you will meet the firm's current trainees. Lunch lasts approximately one hour.

Psychometric tests

After lunch you will sit a paper based psychometric test. You will be given two tests, one verbal and one numerical.

:

Written exercise or In-tray exercise

For the written exercise you will be given three questions and asked to write a two page report. Previous candidate's questions have included:

• Tell us about a company you have worked with in the past (or a company that you know of) and how you would improve their business.
• How would you invest one million pounds?

If you are given the in-tray exercise, you will be given an invented role in the company and 10minutes to read through a booklet containing emails, letters and documents that have supposedly been sent to you in the last few days. You will then have one hour to fill in your timetable for the week making sure you prioritise the most important tasks. In that time, you will also have to write a reply to one of the emails, and draft a response to a client briefly explaining how the company works and your role within it.

Personality test

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If you successfully pass the assessment day you will be invited to a director interview. Before you attend this, you will receive a personality test called the Occupational Personality Questionnaire. You must complete this online before your interview.

Director Interview

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If you pass the assessment day, you will be invited to attend a director interview with either one or two directors. This interview with last about 60 minutes.

It's worth noting that Smith & Williamson is an Ltd (a limited company with shareholders, although not listed) rather than an LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) so officially there are no partners at the firm, just directors.

Previous candidates who have experienced director interviews at Smith & Williamson have been asked several general questions, such as: "why do you want to work for Smith & Williamson" and "why have you chosen your specific service line (e.g. audit)". After these initial questions partners seem to spend time discussing the firm themselves, particularly its relationship to, and difference from, the big 4.

On their website Smith & Williamson state that they have a "two way" interview process, which may explain why partners talk for a greater amount of time at Smith & Williamson interviews than at other firms.

If you receive an offer you will be invited to return to Smith & Williamson to meet staff on an informal basis and explore the office where you may decide to work.

Now see - Smith & Williamson application process.

Tenon Application Process

Applying to Tenon

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If you would like to apply for the Tenon graduate training programme you will need to submit an application form online.

Application Requirements

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Graduate applicants must have a minimum of a 2.1 degree and 280 UCAS points or equivalent (excluding General Studies) to apply to Tenon. Those applying for non graduate opportunities must have a minimum of 240 UCAS points and grades A-C in Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent).

Application deadlines

[Edit] There are no set deadlines regarding graduate applications to Tenon. You may apply for jobs as and when they become available on the firm's website. Applying early is recommended.

Tenon Graduate Schemes

Graduate Schemes Available

Each year Tenon employ approximately 100 graduates for the following lines of service:

• Business services
• Tax
• Financial services
• Corporate finance
• Recovery
• Forensic

Business Services
In Business Services, you’ll work with client companies, giving proactive and commercial advice.

Tax
Working in taxation you will be solving problems, offering advice and helping clients to pay what they need to and avoid paying what they don’t. You’ll also gain an in depth knowledge of taxation matters, including law, accounting and international tax.

Financial Services
Working with Financial Services, you will provide independent advice to individuals, businesses and partnerships in areas such as investments, tax planning and other investment strategies.

Corporate Finance
In Corporate Finance you will be helping clients make choices about matters of growth in areas such as management buyouts, flotations and negotiations of sales.

Recovery
In Recovery you'll be dealing with companies that are in financial or operational difficulty, you’ll help them to come through it and implement strategies to preserve value and/or maximise returns for stakeholders.

Outsourcing
In Outsourcing you'll suggest ways clients can utilise outsourced solutions for key areas such as finance, human resources and payroll.

Forensic
In Forensic accounting you will be working with other professionals in the legal sector, using your accounting knowledge to help them win cases in areas such as commercial disputes, medical negligence and personal injury.

Tenon Interview Questions

Interview and Assessment Process

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The interview and assessment process at Tenon is as follows:

• Online application
• Online numerical reasoning & verbal reasoning tests
• First interview day
• Second interview day

Online tests

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Both aptitude tests last 20 minutes and consist of 20 questions.

The numerical reasoning test questions involve percentages, graphs and tables.

Most people will need to practise the numerical reasoning test to pass it. Pages 7-23 of this book may prove extremely useful in preparing for any of the numerical tests.

The verbal reasoning test consists of a number of short business related passages. You have to decide if these passages are either true, false or if it is impossible to say.

The test is designed by PSL.

First interview day

[Edit]

Your first interview day will be split into two interviews, each with a different manager. Questions asked in each interview may be similar. Previous candidates have been asked:

• What other firms have you applied to?
• Why Accountancy?
• What are your interests outside your degree?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time?
• What is your background?
• What work experience have you found most rewarding?
• What do you think you need to be a successful accountant?
• Why did you choose 'A Level's' and degree modules?
• Why did you get your grades?

Wilkins Kennedy Traineeship Application Process

Traineeship Application Process

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To apply for a traineeship position at Wilkins Kennedy you will need to complete a traineeship application form, available from the firm's website. Wilkins Kennedy only consider applications made with the online application form and do not accept CV’s.

Candidates are only allowed to make one application. Candidates completing their application by hand should write in black ink and ensure their writing is legible. Wilkins Kennedy prefer candidate's applications to be as thorough as possible. Candidates may attach additional sheets to their applications, but should not attach certificates, references or CVs.

Completed forms should be sent by post or email to:

• The Director of Human Resources, Wilkins Kennedy, Bridge House, London Bridge, London, SE1 9QR

• traineeapplications@wilkinskennedy.com

Application Dates

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Wilkins Kennedy recommend that candidates make their applications in December/January for traineeship that begin the following autumn (August/September).

Wilkins Kennedy Traineeship Interview Questions

Wilkins Kennedy Interview Process

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Wilkins Kennedy holds its assessment days in February/March each year and usually makes a decision on candidates by the end of March.

The application and interview process at Wilkins Kennedy is as follows:

• Application
• Online questionnaire
• Assessment day
• Final stage interview

Application

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Candidates should download the Wilkins Kennedy application form from the firm's website. This should then be completed either by hand or on a computer and returned to the firm, either by post or by email.

All applications are reviewed by the firm's HR Director. Only successful candidates will be sent correspondance from the firm.

Online Questionnaire

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All short listed candidates are required to complete an online “forced choice” questionnaire. This is not supposed to be a test and the firm suggests that there are no right or wrong answers.

This test takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Assessment Day

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Short listed candidates are invited to an Assessment Day, which is held at the firm's London office.

The assessment day consists of:

• Numerical and verbal reasoning psychometric tests
• Partner interview
• Group exercise
• Lunch (with partners and current trainees)

Partner interview

Group exercise

Following the assessment day, successful candidates will either be invited to a final stage interview or alternatively offered a traineeship.

Final stage interview

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The final stage interview consists of a one to one interview with a Wilkins Kennedy partner.

Wilkins Kennedy Traineeships

Each year Wilkins Kennedy takes on between 8-10 trainees to fill positions across their UK offices.

Wilkins Kennedy offer "traineeships" to school leavers and graduates who meet the following criteria:

ACA/ACCA Training

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• Minimum 24 UCAS points (If you are using the new UCAS tariff scores, you will need a minimum of 300 points)
• Minimum 2:1 degree or expected result
• A-C grades at GCSE and A Level
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to handle responsibility
• Ambition

AAT Training (School Leavers)

[Edit]

• Aptitude for detailed work, not necessarily with formal qualifications
• Flexible, friendly attitude
• Conscientious

Successful AAT trainees may go on to take further examinations for ACA qualifications.

Training Programme

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Wilkins Kennedy offer trainees accountancy tutors to help prepare for and pass exams. The programme involves taking study leave to attend courses which are spread throughout the duration of your three year training contract. Home study is also required whilst undertaking the programme.

Wilkins Kennedy will give trainees experience working on a variety of assignments with different clients. The training programme also teaches trainees IT, communication and management skills.

The firm conduct regular formal reviews throughout the duration of your training. In your final year you will discuss your future aspirations, preferences and relevant opportunities that exist within the firm.

Wilkins Kennedy do not guarantee a placement in their firm following training.

Career Progression

[Edit]

Once qualified you can progress into a specialist area such as taxation, corporate finance or insolvency. Many partners at Wilkins Kennedy started as trainees and now run their own client portfolios. Trainees qualifying with the firm may also be offered opportunities working with the company's clients.

Now see - Wilkins Kennedy Traineeship Application Process