PwC Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I was approached by the company and interviewed in September 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Pro Tip: Keep your resume crisp and to the point. A recruiter looks at your resume for an average of 6 seconds, so make sure to leave the best impression.

  • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted for further rounds.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Kernel upgrade steps.
    • OS/DB migration steps.
    • Performance tuning in SAP.
    • How to deal with production down issues.
  • Your Approach: I explained the steps in detail, focusing on my hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.

  • Outcome: I successfully cleared the technical round.

  • Round 3 - Behavioral Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • About the assignments performed in my last organization and how I tackled everything there.
  • Your Approach: I shared specific examples of my work, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability.

  • Outcome: I passed this round as well.

  • Round 4 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Reason for job switching.
  • Your Approach: I provided a clear and honest answer, aligning my career goals with the role at PwC.

  • Outcome: I cleared the HR round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be specific and highlight hands-on activities in your resume. Focus on practical experiences and problem-solving skills.

Conclusion:
The overall interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for each round, but I could have practiced more behavioral questions to articulate my experiences better. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and behavioral aspects, as PwC values a balanced skill set.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement in February 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked:
      • The test was conducted on Glider and included 5 sections:
        • Quants (15 questions)
        • Verbal (5 questions)
        • Conceptual CS (20 questions)
        • Programming skills (1 question)
        • Generic (5 questions)
      • Programming Question: Write code to check if two strings are anagrams or not.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by practicing coding problems and revising basic concepts.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What is normalization?
      2. Create a table with specified columns, alter it to add new columns, create another table using existing tables, and write queries using GROUP BY and HAVING clauses.
      3. Difference between WHERE and HAVING clauses, types of joins (explained with examples), and combining two tables to write the output.
      4. Preferred programming language?
      5. Write code to print the second largest element in an array.
      6. Explain collections in Java and write code to print elements in reverse order using collections.
      7. Difference between error and exception.
      8. What is a singleton class, and how is it achieved?
      9. What are design patterns in Java?
      10. What is the use of a catch block?
    • Your Approach: Focused on explaining concepts clearly and writing efficient code.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.
  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Introduce yourself.
      2. Briefly explain your projects.
      3. Are you willing to relocate?
      4. What do you know about PwC?
      5. On which technology would you like to work?
      6. Are you interested in doing an internship with us?
    • Your Approach: Answered confidently and honestly, showcasing enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Selected for the position.

Preparation Tips:

  • Topics to Prepare: Coding questions, DBMS concepts.
  • Resources Used: Referred to PrepInsta for quants and logical questions, and their interview courses for general guidance.
  • Tip for Others: Stay calm, prepare well, and focus on basics.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth. I felt well-prepared for the technical and HR rounds. Practicing coding problems and revising DBMS concepts helped a lot. My advice to future candidates is to stay confident and clear in their explanations.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) before May 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Previous experience of statutory audit and explanation of one Balance Sheet (BS) and Profit & Loss (P&L) line item.
      2. Basics of ITGC and the difference between ITAC and ITGC.
      3. Applicability of ICFR for companies.
      4. Explanation of the O2C (Order to Cash) cycle.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the statutory audit question, I discussed my prior experience and provided a detailed explanation of a specific line item.
      • For ITGC and ITAC, I differentiated them based on their scope and purpose in audits.
      • I explained the relevance of ICFR for companies, focusing on compliance and internal controls.
      • For the O2C cycle, I outlined the key steps involved and their significance in the audit process.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding key audit concepts like ITGC, ITAC, and ICFR.
  • Be prepared to explain practical experiences, especially in statutory audits.
  • Review common business cycles (e.g., O2C) and their implications in audits.

Conclusion:
The interview was thorough but fair, with a strong emphasis on practical knowledge. I felt well-prepared, but brushing up on specific audit frameworks beforehand would have made me even more confident. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of auditing.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Why do we need a materiality level?
      2. We need to set a benchmark in testing the population to get effective results within a given time.
    • Your Approach: For the first question, I explained the concept of materiality in auditing and its importance in determining the significance of financial misstatements. For the second question, I discussed the role of benchmarks in ensuring efficiency and accuracy during population testing.
    • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding key auditing concepts like materiality and benchmarking.
  • Practice explaining technical terms in simple, clear language.
  • Review case studies or scenarios related to auditing and testing methodologies.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience, and I felt well-prepared for the technical questions. I would advise future candidates to thoroughly understand core auditing principles and practice articulating their thoughts clearly.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed in September 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Assignment Round:

  • Questions Asked: Coding assignment about developing a dashboard using Python.

  • Your Approach: I focused on creating a functional and visually appealing dashboard, ensuring all requirements were met.

  • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: Discussion about how I implemented the dashboard.

  • Your Approach: I explained my thought process, the tools I used, and the challenges I faced during implementation.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: Database and Python-related questions, along with inquiries about my past experience.

  • Your Approach: I answered the technical questions confidently and provided relevant examples from my past projects.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be thorough with your resume.
  • Keep applying and don’t feel disheartened by rejection.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on both technical skills and past experiences. Being well-prepared with my resume and staying persistent helped me succeed. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing Python and database concepts thoroughly and staying confident throughout the process.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: Kolkata, Hyderabad, or Bengaluru (as per company policy)

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) in July 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • What was your Articleship experience?
    • Your Approach: I discussed my Articleship experience in detail, highlighting the key projects I worked on, the skills I developed, and how it prepared me for the role at PwC.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared to discuss your Articleship experience thoroughly, as it is a key focus area for PwC.
  • Research the company’s work culture and align your answers to reflect how your experience fits into their expectations.
  • Note that PwC may not offer base locations like Mumbai, Gurgaon, or Pune, so be flexible about relocating to Kolkata, Hyderabad, or Bengaluru.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward, with a strong emphasis on my Articleship experience. I would advise future candidates to focus on articulating their practical experiences clearly and to be open to relocation as per the company’s policies.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds, starting with a resume shortlist, followed by an aptitude test, technical round, and finally an HR round.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Details: The first round was a resume screening process. Ensuring the resume was error-free and well-structured was crucial.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included basic reasoning and quantitative aptitude questions.
    • Your Approach: Practiced common aptitude topics beforehand to ensure familiarity with the question types.
    • Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.
  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. How do you see your education stream aligning with your job profile?
      2. What do you know about technology consulting?
    • Your Approach: For the first question, I highlighted how my academic background provided relevant skills for the role. For the second, I discussed the basics of technology consulting and its importance in modern businesses.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 4 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Why do you want to join PwC?
    • Your Approach: I emphasized PwC’s reputation, my alignment with their values, and how the role fits my career goals.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on ensuring your resume is polished and free of errors.
  • Practice aptitude questions, especially reasoning and quantitative sections.
  • Research the company and role thoroughly to answer technical and HR questions confidently.

Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and tested both technical and soft skills. Preparing thoroughly for each round and understanding the company’s expectations were key to my success. For future candidates, I recommend practicing aptitude questions and being clear about how your skills align with the role.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in June 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted. Pro tip: Keep your resume crisp and to the point. A recruiter looks at it for an average of 6 seconds, so make sure to leave the best impression.
  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test covered Excel, math, accounting, taxation, and reasoning.
    • Outcome: I cleared this round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Basic accounting and taxation.
      2. Working capital and financial ratio suspense account.
    • Outcome: I answered the questions and progressed further.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on aptitude and subject knowledge, especially Excel, math, reasoning, accounting, and taxation.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role. Make sure to brush up on your accounting and taxation basics, as well as Excel skills, to ace the aptitude test and technical round.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in April 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was professional and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Basic questions about project structure, workflow in PS, and settlement.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by reviewing my past projects and understanding the workflow thoroughly.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round with confidence.
  • Round 3 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Why do you want to join PwC?
      2. Why did you leave your previous organization?
      3. What are your expectations at PwC?
      4. What is your salary expectation?
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and aligned my responses with the company’s values and my career goals.
    • Outcome: Successfully navigated the behavioral round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be honest in your responses.
  • Prepare for counter questions by anticipating follow-ups to your answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and professional. Being honest and well-prepared helped me clear all rounds. My advice to future candidates is to thoroughly understand your resume and align your answers with the company’s culture and expectations.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement in September 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: Resume-oriented questions.

  • Your Approach: Focused on discussing my resume in detail, highlighting relevant experiences and skills.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: Resume-oriented and core subject questions.

  • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly on core subjects related to the role and ensured I could explain any point on my resume confidently.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked: HR-oriented questions.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and aligned my responses with the company’s values and culture.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be confident and thoroughly review your resume. Ensure you can explain every detail mentioned in it.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with my resume and core subjects. Being well-prepared and confident helped me clear all rounds. My advice to future candidates is to focus on their resume and core subjects while maintaining a positive attitude during the HR round.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in June 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Deferred tax assets
      2. Income tax calculation
    • Your Approach: [Not specified]
    • Outcome: [Not specified]
  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Return preparation
    • Your Approach: [Not specified]
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Worst place to work.
  • Bad team.
  • I was working in PwC SDC Canada Corp Tax.
  • Worst place to work.
  • Worst people.
  • They tortured me mentally.
  • They frustrated me mentally.

Conclusion:

  • The overall experience was extremely negative. The work environment and team dynamics were toxic, leading to significant mental distress. I would advise others to thoroughly research the team and work culture before joining.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in June 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening)

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and focused on relevant skills and experiences.

  • Outcome: Shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

  • Questions Asked: Excel, math, accounting, taxation, and reasoning.

  • Your Approach: Practiced basic Excel functions, brushed up on accounting principles, and solved reasoning problems.

  • Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Basic accounting and taxation.
    2. Working capital and financial ratio suspense account.
  • Your Approach: Revised core accounting concepts and practiced explaining them clearly.

  • Outcome: Successfully answered the questions and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on Excel, math, reasoning, accounting, and taxation for the aptitude test.
  • Brush up on basic accounting principles and working capital concepts for the technical round.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role. I would advise future candidates to thoroughly prepare for the aptitude test and revise core accounting topics for the technical round.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about yourself?
      2. Tell about your name, education, internship experience, areas worked on, family background.
    • Your Approach:
      • For “Tell me about yourself,” I structured my answer to briefly cover my educational background, relevant internship experiences, and key skills.
      • For the second question, I provided a concise overview of my name, educational qualifications, details of my internships, the domains I worked in, and a brief mention of my family background.
    • Outcome: [Outcome of this round not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on structuring your “Tell me about yourself” answer clearly.
  • Be prepared to discuss your educational background and internship experiences in detail.
  • Practice speaking confidently and concisely about your personal and professional background.

Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, focusing on getting to know me personally and professionally. I felt confident in my responses, but I could have prepared more specific examples from my internships to highlight my skills better. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing common introductory questions and being ready to discuss your experiences in detail.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Procedure for verification of inventory.
      2. About materiality and its types.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the inventory verification question, I explained the standard procedures like physical counting, reconciliation with records, and third-party confirmations.
      • For materiality, I defined it and listed its types (e.g., performance materiality, trivial materiality) with examples.
    • Outcome: [Result not specified]
  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. TDS-related questions.
      2. Questions on IND AS.
    • Your Approach:
      • For TDS, I discussed the basics like TDS rates, due dates, and compliance requirements.
      • For IND AS, I highlighted key differences from previous standards and their implications.
    • Outcome: [Result not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on core accounting concepts like inventory verification, materiality, TDS, and IND AS.
  • Practice explaining these concepts clearly and concisely.
  • Be prepared for both technical and HR questions, as PwC assesses both knowledge and communication skills.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough, covering both technical and HR aspects. While I felt confident in my technical knowledge, I could have prepared more for the HR round by anticipating common questions. My advice for future candidates is to balance technical preparation with soft skills and stay calm during the interview.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. What is materiality?
      2. What are the steps for revenue recording?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the first question, I explained materiality in the context of accounting and auditing, emphasizing its importance in financial reporting.
      • For the second question, I outlined the key steps involved in revenue recognition, referencing the relevant accounting standards.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on fundamental accounting and auditing concepts, especially materiality and revenue recognition.
  • Practice explaining technical terms in simple language to ensure clarity during the interview.

Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward and focused on core accounting principles. Being well-prepared with the basics helped me answer confidently. Future candidates should focus on understanding key concepts thoroughly and practicing their articulation.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed before May 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What is Audit methodology?
      2. What are assertions in FS?
    • Your Approach: I answered confidently, explaining the concepts clearly and providing examples where applicable.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.
  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell about Work-life Balance.
    • Your Approach: I shared my perspective on maintaining a healthy work-life balance and how I manage it.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Answer confidently and ensure you understand the basics of audit methodology and financial statements.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. Confidence and clarity in answers played a key role in my success. For future candidates, focus on understanding the core concepts and practice speaking about them clearly.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: The application process involved a single technical interview round.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. SQL queries were asked.
      2. DBMS Questions - Normalisation.
      3. Guesstimates, Aptitude questions, and questions from the resume.
    • Your Approach:
      • For SQL queries, I focused on writing efficient and accurate queries.
      • For DBMS, I explained normalization concepts clearly with examples.
      • For guesstimates and aptitude, I used logical reasoning and structured thinking.
      • For resume-based questions, I highlighted relevant experiences and skills.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice SQL queries and DBMS concepts thoroughly.
  • Brush up on guesstimates and aptitude questions.
  • Be prepared to discuss your resume in detail.

Conclusion:
The interview was well-structured, and the questions were aligned with the role. Preparing for technical concepts and being confident in discussing my resume helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on SQL, DBMS, and problem-solving skills.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Explain Spark performance tuning.
      2. SQL joins and problems.
    • Your Approach:
      • For Spark performance tuning, I discussed partitioning, caching, and optimizing transformations and actions.
      • For SQL joins, I explained different types of joins (INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, FULL) and common issues like performance bottlenecks and data duplication.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on core technical skills like SQL, Spark, and business analysis.
  • Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely.
  • Review common interview questions for the role.

Conclusion:
The interview was technical and focused on assessing my knowledge of Spark and SQL. I felt confident in my answers, but I could have prepared more real-world examples to illustrate my points better. For future candidates, I recommend brushing up on these topics and practicing problem-solving scenarios.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in July 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: None (resume screening round).
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Cut-off dates for cash receipts, materiality, and assertions.
      2. Cut-off dates for disbursements, questions on charitable trusts.
    • Your Approach: Answered confidently for the questions I knew and politely declined to answer those I was unsure about.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Be patient and calm during the interview.
  • It’s okay to say “no” to questions you don’t know the answers to.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward. Being honest about my knowledge gaps helped maintain credibility. For future candidates, focus on clarity in your resume and stay composed during the technical round.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds, starting with a resume shortlist followed by several technical and communication rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Details: The first round was a resume screening. Proper alignment and formatting of the resume were crucial to pass this stage.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round (Spark):

    • Questions Asked: Spark-related questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by reviewing Spark concepts and practical applications.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Round (AWS):

    • Questions Asked: AWS-related questions.
    • Your Approach: Focused on AWS services, architecture, and best practices.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 4 - Technical Round (Hadoop):

    • Questions Asked: Hadoop-related questions.
    • Your Approach: Revised Hadoop ecosystem components and their functionalities.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.
  • Round 5 - Technical Round (AWS):

    • Questions Asked: AWS-related questions (similar to Round 3).
    • Your Approach: Reinforced AWS knowledge with deeper insights.
    • Outcome: Moved forward.
  • Round 6 - Communication Round:

    • Questions Asked: English communication test.
    • Your Approach: Practiced clear and concise communication.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared.
  • Round 7 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Salary discussion and expectations.
    • Your Approach: Researched industry standards and articulated expectations clearly.
    • Outcome: Final selection.

Preparation Tips:

  • Give your best in every round.
  • Be genuine and truthful in your responses.
  • Thoroughly prepare for technical topics like Spark, AWS, and Hadoop.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. Being well-prepared and honest helped me navigate through the rounds successfully. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and communication skills, and always stay confident.