Company: PwC
Date: 2018-10-08
Overall rating: 1/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Junior

I&DB Audit -Just a cog in the wheel and management make you feel like it too
Pros: Cant think of anything positive - study leave then again all the big 4 offer this.
Cons: Having worked as a trainee in PwC and also as a senior in KPMG-  in the same department equivalent.
I noticed there is a huge difference in overall employee satisfaction. 

I wish I could say I enjoyed my time inPwC  I&DB  department -but I would be lying. Its a horrible work environment. 

I have seen it first hand that KPMG is a much better place to work and would recommend it as a place to do the graduate recruitment programme. And not to consider PwC. 

It is very clear that KPMG is a warmer more family like environment. 
In PwC feel like just a number (as really that is all you are in there).

In PwC the department is made up 500+ people-  (300 + trainees, approx 200+ managers & partners (with no sub unit or divide). Therefore it is easy to feel lost.

KPMG the audit department is divided into 6 different sub units. Each subunit is headed by 3 partners. Each subunit has its own designated floor.  Here you only ever work for the same few managers in the sub unit . Making it easy to foster friendship with management - as they get to know you , identify your strengths and weaknesses. This allows to progress better and self improvement. 

Conversely PwC managers treat the trainees like slaves, dont bother to know you or care. Not only that they don't mind throwing work at you when you already have too  much work to do. Don't coach/ instruct at all. So not only have you got too much work to do , but you don't know how to do it. 

PwC is very hierarchial there is no personal relationships built up between managers and trainees. You can work with different managers every week- (that's a pool of 150+ managers). 

Furthermore Partners dont bother to know you if you are a trainee in PwC and keep their distance.

In KPMG there are only 3 partners in my sub unit and they all know the trainees very well, and on a personal basis. Social aspect in KPMG is also very important - with the partners taking subunits out for social events ,nights out and meals. Then there are events on every now and again with all the 6 subunits combined which are great. 
Also in KPMG you are assigned a buddy (someone the year ahead of you to offer guidance) 
They can take you out for lunch approx twice a year and expense it back- which is a really nice touch ) . PwC offer nothing like this.