PwC Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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161

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement before February 2020.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Group Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: Situation-based questions to assess knowledge applicability and confidence. A pressure test was conducted where I was asked to call my parents on the spot.
    • Your Approach: Stayed composed and confident, answered honestly when unsure.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Details not provided]

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Details not provided]

  • Round 4 - Assignment:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Details not provided]

  • Round 5 - Final Interview:

    • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]
    • Your Approach: [Details not provided]
    • Outcome: [Details not provided]

Preparation Tips:

  • Be confident and honest. If you don’t know something, admit it rather than beating around the bush.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous, with a focus on situational awareness and confidence. Staying composed and truthful worked in my favor. Future candidates should focus on being genuine and prepared for unexpected challenges like the pressure test.

162

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before March 2021.

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 the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were based on Supply Chain Management (SCM).
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining the basics of SCM and how my skills align with the role.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I was able to demonstrate my knowledge effectively.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared with SCM basics if you are aiming for a role in this field.

Top Skills Recommended:

  • Business Process
  • Corporate Taxation
  • Troubleshooting
  • Change Management
  • Python
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Cash Flow
  • SAP
163

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through campus placement before August 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: No specific questions were asked in this round. The focus was on reviewing the resume.

  • Your Approach: I ensured my resume was concise and relevant to the role, avoiding unnecessary personal details like photos, gender, age, or address.

  • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

  • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked a few technical questions related to the position.

  • Your Approach: I answered the questions based on my understanding of the role and my prior knowledge.

  • Outcome: The round was completed, but the interviewer primarily focused on family-related questions and only a couple of technical questions.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be cautious if the interviewer asks mostly personal or family-related questions and very few technical questions. This might indicate a lack of focus on the role’s requirements.

Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, but the emphasis on personal questions rather than technical or role-specific ones was unexpected. For future candidates, I recommend preparing for both technical and behavioral questions but also being mindful of the interviewer’s focus during the process.

164

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Basic Questions:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Basic questions about the role and company.
    • Your Approach:
      • Answered honestly and confidently, focusing on my understanding of the role and how my skills align with it.
    • Outcome:
      • [Outcome not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding the core skills required for the role, such as Assurance, IFS, Dispute Resolution, Financial Services, Monitoring, Auditing, Investment, and Financial Reporting.
  • Practice answering basic interview questions to build confidence.

Conclusion:

  • The interview was straightforward, but I could have prepared more thoroughly by researching the company’s recent projects and industry trends. For future candidates, I recommend brushing up on the key skills mentioned and being ready to discuss how your experience aligns with them.
165

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement in April 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Many questions regarding Audit were asked.

  • Your Approach: Focused on answering the audit-related questions based on my technical knowledge and understanding.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Prepare the technical part thoroughly, especially topics related to Audit.

Conclusion:

The interview was a good learning experience, and I realized the importance of being well-prepared technically. For future candidates, I would recommend focusing on the technical aspects of the role, particularly Audit-related concepts, to perform well in the interview.

166

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: London, UK

Application Process: Applied via the company website.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Interview (Telephone):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Describe a time where you showed leadership skills.
      2. Describe a time where you handled a difficult situation.
      3. Describe a scenario where you demonstrated your ability to communicate effectively.
    • Your Approach: Prepared examples aligned with PwC’s core competencies, practiced answers using the STAR technique, and ensured authenticity in responses.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Assessment Day (In-Person):

    • Tasks Included:
      • Case study
      • Group task
      • Client interview
    • Your Approach: Focused on completing tasks within the given time, actively participated in group discussions, and ensured inclusivity.
    • Outcome: The day was rigorous but provided a good opportunity to showcase skills.

Preparation Tips:

  • Use the STAR technique for behavioral questions:
    • Situation: Briefly describe the context.
    • Task: Explain the task you were responsible for.
    • Action: Highlight your specific actions.
    • Result: Share the outcome of your efforts.
  • Practice answers in front of a mirror to refine delivery.
  • Be authentic and avoid overly rehearsed responses.
  • For assessment day, manage time effectively and engage inclusively in group tasks.

Conclusion:
The interview process at PwC was thorough but rewarding. The behavioral interview was a great opportunity to connect with the interviewers, while the assessment day tested practical skills in a dynamic environment. Preparation and authenticity were key to my success. My advice to future candidates is to research the company thoroughly, practice the STAR technique, and trust your instincts to ensure the role is the right fit for you.

167

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied via referral in April 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Interview:
    • Questions Asked: Cases and guesstimates.
    • Your Approach: Focused on structuring the problem logically and breaking it down into manageable parts. Used frameworks learned from free resources to approach the case.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Utilize free resources like YouTube for case study preparation.
  • Practice structuring problems and guesstimates to build confidence.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the case study round was quite engaging. Preparing from free resources was incredibly helpful. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on logical problem-solving and practicing as many cases as possible.

168

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via the company website in March 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical:

    • Questions Asked: Questions regarding ITGC (IT General Controls).
    • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating a clear understanding of ITGC concepts and their application in real-world scenarios.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed the round.

  • Round 2 - HR:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions to assess cultural fit and motivation.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly while aligning my responses with the company’s values and expectations.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Further technical and situational questions to evaluate problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: Combined technical knowledge with practical examples to showcase my expertise.
    • Outcome: Cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Ensure a good understanding of your work domain, especially ITGC if applying for similar roles.
  • Be prepared to discuss real-world applications of your skills.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but fair. Having a solid grasp of the subject matter and being able to articulate it clearly was key. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on both technical and soft skills to navigate all rounds confidently.

169

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - General Accounting Concept:

  • Questions Asked: General accounting concepts were discussed.

  • Your Approach: I focused on explaining my answers clearly, drawing from my accounting knowledge.

  • Outcome: [Result not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Be positive and explanatory with your answers, leveraging your accounting knowledge.

Conclusion:

[Summary not provided]

170

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why do you want to join PwC?

  • Your Approach:

    • For the “Tell me about yourself” question, I focused on my academic background, relevant skills, and why I was interested in the role.
    • For the “Why PwC” question, I highlighted the company’s reputation, values, and how my skills align with their expectations.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Questions related to leadership development, risk management, and consulting scenarios.
    • How would you handle a compliance issue in a project?

  • Your Approach:

    • Used examples from past experiences to demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills.
    • For the compliance question, I walked through a structured approach to identify and mitigate risks.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding the company’s core values and how they align with your skills.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Brush up on technical skills relevant to the role, such as risk management and consulting principles.

Conclusion:

The interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies to better handle the technical round. My advice to future candidates is to research the company thoroughly and be ready to relate your experiences to the job requirements.

171

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • What is cloud?
      • What are the fundamentals of cloud?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the first question, I explained cloud computing as a technology that allows users to access and store data and applications over the internet instead of on local hardware. I also mentioned its key benefits like scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility.
      • For the second question, I discussed the core fundamentals of cloud computing, including virtualization, on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, and rapid elasticity.
    • Outcome: [Result of this round not provided]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding the basics of cloud computing and its applications in business.
  • Review key cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and deployment models (public, private, hybrid).
  • Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as clarity is often valued in interviews.

Conclusion:
The interview was a good learning experience, especially in articulating technical concepts clearly. I realized the importance of being concise and structured in my answers. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on cloud fundamentals and practicing how to explain them in a business context.

172

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Approached by the company directly and interviewed in August 2017.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Solve few SQL joins.
    • Your Approach: Answered the SQL join questions based on prior knowledge and experience.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 2 - Manager + Lead Round:

    • Questions Asked: Discussed details about the work profile, which later turned out to be inaccurate post-joining.
    • Your Approach: Engaged in the discussion, assuming the role would align with the described profile.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions about background and fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and aligned responses with the company’s expectations.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 4 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral and situational questions.
    • Your Approach: Used the STAR method to structure responses.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 5 - Final Round:

    • Questions Asked: Mixed technical and behavioral questions.
    • Your Approach: Balanced technical knowledge with behavioral insights.
    • Outcome: Passed the round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on SQL and basic technical concepts if applying for a technical role.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research the company thoroughly to understand the actual work environment.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, but the actual role post-joining did not align with the discussed profile. If you come from a technical background, be cautious about joining PwC SDC, as the technical setup and infrastructure may not meet expectations. This company may not be suitable for those seeking a purely technical role.

173

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: I applied via a recruitment consultant and was interviewed in April 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, experience, and motivation for applying.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and experience with the role and the company’s values.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Assignment:

    • Questions Asked: A field-related assignment was given to assess my analytical skills.
    • Your Approach: I carefully analyzed the problem, structured my solution logically, and ensured clarity in my response.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 3 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked: A case study related to analytics was presented.
    • Your Approach: I broke down the case into manageable parts, used data-driven insights, and proposed actionable solutions.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 4 - Final Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A mix of technical and behavioral questions, including more case studies.
    • Your Approach: I combined my technical knowledge with practical examples to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Prepare for field-related case studies for every round, especially if interviewing for the analytics team.
  • Brush up on technical skills relevant to the role, such as assurance, dispute resolution, and financial reporting.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. The case studies were challenging but manageable with proper preparation. I recommend focusing on practical problem-solving and aligning your responses with the company’s expectations. Good luck!

174

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you explain Ind AS (Indian Accounting Standards)?
      • What are the key auditing standards you are familiar with?
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining the basics of Ind AS and its importance in financial reporting. For auditing standards, I highlighted the ones I had studied and their relevance in real-world scenarios.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why do you want to join PwC?
    • Your Approach: I kept my introduction concise and aligned my career goals with PwC’s values. I also emphasized my enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be confident in your answers, especially when discussing technical topics like Ind AS and auditing standards.
  • Brush up on basic accounting and auditing concepts.
  • Practice answering HR questions to articulate your thoughts clearly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the panel was supportive. I felt well-prepared for the technical round but could have practiced more for the HR round to make my answers more impactful. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm and confident throughout the process.

175

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not provided]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Java OOP questions.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the “Tell me about yourself” question, I kept my response concise, focusing on my educational background, relevant skills, and why I was interested in the role.
      • For the Java OOP questions, I explained concepts like inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation with examples.
    • Outcome: [Result not provided]

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on core Java concepts, especially OOP principles.
  • Practice answering “Tell me about yourself” concisely and confidently.
  • Review business analysis and SQL basics, as these skills are often relevant for the role.

Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, with a focus on technical skills and self-introduction. Preparing well for Java OOP and having a clear, concise self-introduction helped. Future candidates should also consider brushing up on business analysis and SQL, as these are key skills for the role.

176

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via a recruitment consultant and was interviewed before January 2020.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Why do you want to change?
    • Your Approach: Focused on highlighting relevant skills and experiences, and explained the reason for seeking a change professionally.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, with additional HR-related questions.
    • Your Approach: Maintained professionalism and aligned answers with the job requirements.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 3 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked: Case-based questions to assess problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: Analyzed the case systematically and provided structured solutions.
    • Outcome: Performed well and moved forward.

  • Round 4 - Final Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Combined technical and behavioral questions.
    • Your Approach: Balanced technical knowledge with soft skills in responses.
    • Outcome: Received a positive outcome.

Preparation Tips:

  • Always be professional in your replies.
  • Use the same language as the question in your answers.
  • Focus on explaining qualities not mentioned in your CV.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was insightful, and the key to success was maintaining professionalism and clarity in responses. Future candidates should prepare thoroughly for case studies and behavioral questions.

177

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Open for all departments, likely through campus placement or general hiring.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

  • Questions Asked: CAT-type questions.

  • Your Approach: Prepared using standard aptitude resources and practiced time management.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: General questions about projects and internships, favorite area of interest, and basic questions on it.

  • Your Approach: Focused on explaining my projects clearly and linked them to the role. Also, brushed up on my favorite subject.

  • Outcome: Successfully moved to the next round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Why PwC? What do you know about PwC? Strengths and weaknesses. Location preference. Random general knowledge questions (e.g., How do earthquakes occur? What is metamorphosis?).

  • Your Approach: Researched about PwC, practiced common HR questions, and stayed calm while answering the general knowledge questions.

  • Outcome: Cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the aptitude test, practice CAT-type questions and focus on time management.
  • For the technical round, be thorough with your projects and favorite subjects.
  • For the HR round, research the company well and practice common HR questions. Good communication skills are essential.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were fair. I could have prepared more for the random general knowledge questions in the HR round. My advice for future candidates is to research the company thoroughly and practice both technical and HR questions. If you perform well, there’s a chance to move to the consulting arm from the accounting arm, which is a great opportunity.

178

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: IIT Kanpur (Campus Placement)

Application Process: Applied through campus placement at IIT Kanpur.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: General ability questions similar to those in CAT.
    • Your Approach: Since I had prepared for CAT, the questions were manageable. Focused on logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round easily.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Why do you want to join PwC?
      • What, according to you, is a leader?
      • Technical questions from DSP (Digital Signal Processing), which was my field of specialization.
    • Your Approach: Answered the HR questions honestly, emphasizing my interest in the role and leadership qualities. For the technical part, I leveraged my specialization knowledge.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I felt confident about my performance.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the aptitude test, practicing CAT-level questions is beneficial.
  • For the HR round, prepare answers for common questions like “Why this company?” and “Define leadership.”
  • Brush up on your technical specialization topics, as they might ask domain-specific questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth. The aptitude round was straightforward for those with CAT preparation, and the HR round was conversational. My advice would be to stay calm, be honest in your responses, and ensure you’re thorough with your specialization topics.

179

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Application Process: The application was likely through campus placement or an online portal, though specific details weren’t provided.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Test:

    • Questions Asked: The written test covered topics from the CMA syllabus and included general knowledge questions related to computers.
    • Your Approach: Focused on revising the CMA syllabus and brushing up on basic computer knowledge.
    • Outcome: Cleared the test and moved to the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions, likely about background, strengths, and why PwC.
    • Your Approach: Prepared answers for common HR questions and researched PwC’s values and work culture.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were based on the CMA syllabus.
    • Your Approach: Thoroughly revised the CMA syllabus and practiced problem-solving.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: Aptitude questions, possibly logical reasoning and quantitative ability.
    • Your Approach: Practiced aptitude questions from standard resources.
    • Outcome: Cleared the aptitude test.

  • Round 5 - Final Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A mix of technical and situational questions.
    • Your Approach: Combined technical preparation with scenario-based thinking.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on the CMA syllabus for technical rounds.
  • Brush up on general computer knowledge and aptitude topics.
  • Prepare for HR questions by understanding PwC’s work culture and values.

Conclusion:
The interview process was comprehensive, testing both technical and soft skills. Revising the CMA syllabus thoroughly and practicing aptitude questions were key to success. Researching the company beforehand also helped in the HR and final rounds. For future candidates, a balanced preparation strategy covering all these areas is recommended.

180

Company Name: PwC

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds, including resume shortlisting, an aptitude test, and interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Experience: I first created a master resume and got it reviewed by others.
    • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted for further rounds.
    • Tips: Spend enough time preparing your master resume. Have a resume ready for all the sectors you are targeting. Start early and get your one-page resume ready well before the deadline.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Experience: The test included various sections to assess aptitude and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the test.
    • Tips: Practice a lot, preferably in a group, and attempt timed tests. Also, try solving puzzles to improve your analytical skills.

  • Round 3 - Interview (First Round):

    • Questions Asked: HR questions like handling different work scenarios and books I read, followed by a case study.
    • Your Approach: I answered the HR questions confidently but struggled with presenting the case study in a structured manner. However, I managed to provide a decent solution by the end.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - Interview (Second Round):

    • Questions Asked: Started with a case study, followed by a discussion about the analytics industry when I asked the interviewer questions.
    • Your Approach: Performed better in the case study this time and engaged the interviewer in a 15-minute discussion about the industry.
    • Outcome: This round sealed the deal for me.

Preparation Tips:

  • Identify the companies you want to target and prepare pragmatically.
  • Group preparation can be very beneficial.
  • Ensure your resume is polished and tailored to the role.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but rewarding. I learned the importance of structured thinking during case studies and the value of engaging with interviewers beyond just answering questions. My advice to future candidates is to start early, practice in groups, and focus on both technical and soft skills.