PwC Senior Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
,
1

PwC Senior Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

2

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed in March 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Not interested to share.
    • Your Approach: Not applicable.
    • Outcome: Not shared.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Not interested to share.
    • Your Approach: Not applicable.
    • Outcome: Not shared.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Not interested to share.
    • Your Approach: Not applicable.
    • Outcome: Not shared.

Top Skills Recommended for PwC Senior Associate Interview: Assurance, Investment, Business Process, Python, Change Management, Monitoring, Business Strategy, Troubleshooting.

3

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in May 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Sox Control and Internal Audit
      2. All about internal audit experience
      3. Tell me about yourself
      4. Brief about prior experience in the field or IA
      5. What are the discrepancies identified during your experienced IA client?
    • Your Approach: I focused on detailing my prior experience in internal audits, emphasizing specific projects and challenges I faced. For the “Tell me about yourself” question, I structured my answer to highlight my professional journey and key skills relevant to the role.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I was able to provide comprehensive answers based on my experience.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared with the job description and ready to share your experience in detail.
  • Brush up on key concepts like Sox Control and Internal Audit, and be ready to discuss real-world examples from your past roles.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. I felt confident discussing my background, but I could have prepared more specific examples of discrepancies identified in past audits. My advice to future candidates is to thoroughly review the job description and align your responses with the role’s requirements.

4

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What makes you interested in this position?
      2. Why are you considering leaving your current role?
    • Your Approach: [Not specified]
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Do you have any experience working with HR tech?
      2. What is your experience in leading work streams?
      3. Can you walk me through this project on your CV?
    • Your Approach: [Not specified]
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Familiarize yourself with HR tech and its applications.
  • Be prepared to discuss leadership and project management experiences in detail.
  • Review your CV thoroughly to explain any project or role clearly.

Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and focused on both technical and HR aspects. Preparing for questions about HR tech and leadership experiences would be beneficial for future candidates.

5

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via a recruitment consultant in May 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
  • Questions Asked:
    • Very simple question because they want to trap you.
    • Very simple question because they want to trap you. (Candidate noted the process as “very bad” and advised technical candidates to stay away.)
  • Your Approach: [Not specified]
  • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • The candidate did not provide specific preparation tips but mentioned dissatisfaction with the company and the interview process, stating they plan to resign.

Conclusion:

  • The candidate had a negative experience with the interview process, describing it as “very bad” and advising technical candidates to avoid it. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the company overall.
6

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I applied via the company website and was interviewed in June 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me the difference between functional and non-functional testing.
      2. Tell me the difference between performance and capacity testing.
    • Your Approach: For the first question, I explained functional testing as verifying specific functionalities of the software, while non-functional testing focuses on aspects like performance, usability, and scalability. For the second question, I differentiated performance testing (evaluating system behavior under load) from capacity testing (determining system limits).
    • Outcome: Passed this round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about a time that you had a disagreement with a colleague. How did you approach and resolve the disagreement?
      2. What would you consider your biggest weakness? What have you done to work on it?
      3. How do you feel about working for a globally distributed team? What strategies do you take to make such teams run smoothly?
    • Your Approach: For the first question, I shared a real-life example of a disagreement and emphasized active listening and compromise. For the second, I mentioned a genuine weakness and explained steps I took to improve it. For the third, I highlighted my adaptability and use of communication tools like Slack and Zoom to bridge time zones.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on testing methodologies, especially functional vs. non-functional testing.
  • Prepare behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Research the company culture and global team dynamics to answer related questions confidently.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The technical round tested my foundational knowledge, while the one-on-one round assessed my interpersonal and problem-solving skills. I could have prepared more real-life examples for behavioral questions. My advice to future candidates is to practice articulating your experiences clearly and concisely.

7

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed in May 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Introduce yourself.
      2. What are KFF in Asset Module?
      3. What is prorate convention?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the introduction, I kept it concise, highlighting my relevant experience and skills.
      • For the technical questions, I explained KFF (Key Flexfields) in the Asset Module and elaborated on prorate conventions with examples.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on key concepts related to ERP, system integration, and SAP, as these are highly relevant for the role.
  • Practice explaining technical terms like KFF and prorate conventions clearly and concisely.

Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, focusing on technical knowledge. I felt confident in my answers, but I would recommend preparing more on SAP and ERP-related topics for future candidates.

8

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I was approached by the company for this role and interviewed in January 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round (Technical):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. How do you memoize a component?
      2. How do you implement server-side rendering?
    • Your Approach: For the memoization question, I explained the concept of memoization in React and how React.memo can be used to optimize performance by preventing unnecessary re-renders. For server-side rendering, I discussed frameworks like Next.js and the benefits of SSR for SEO and performance.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.

  • Round 2 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What is reactive programming?
      2. Why do you want to join PwC?
    • Your Approach: For reactive programming, I explained its principles and how it’s used in modern frameworks like RxJS. For the PwC question, I highlighted my interest in their work culture and growth opportunities.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on React optimization techniques like memoization and SSR.
  • Understand reactive programming concepts and their practical applications.
  • Research the company’s values and align your answers to reflect them.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role’s requirements. I could have prepared more case studies to showcase my problem-solving skills. My advice for future candidates is to focus on both technical and behavioral aspects, as PwC values a well-rounded skill set.

9

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Location not provided]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Technical-based question
      2. Technical-based questions
    • Your Approach: [Candidate did not provide details]
    • Outcome: [Result not provided]

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Technical-based questions
      2. Technical-based question
    • Your Approach: [Candidate did not provide details]
    • Outcome: [Result not provided]

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Salary discussions
      2. Salary discussion
    • Your Approach: [Candidate did not provide details]
    • Outcome: [Result not provided]

Preparation Tips:

  • Prepare well on what is on your resume, the team structure, your role, and what you did differently.

Conclusion:
[Overall experience summary not provided]

10

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I was approached by the company and interviewed in May 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 the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What are the Environmental and Social issues faced by the Cement Industry?
      2. How would you improve the ESG strategy for Logistics?
      3. What is the relevance of sustainability?
      4. Why do you want to switch from your current role?
    • Your Approach: I provided concise and well-researched answers, focusing on industry-specific challenges and solutions. For the ESG strategy question, I highlighted actionable steps and best practices. For the sustainability question, I linked it to business value and long-term growth. For the career switch, I emphasized alignment with PwC’s values and my professional growth aspirations.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Being confident is key. Deliver short, precise answers and show enthusiasm for the role.
  • Stay updated with the latest news about the organization to demonstrate your interest and knowledge.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and engaging. I felt well-prepared, but I could have researched more about PwC’s recent projects to add depth to my answers. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clarity, confidence, and staying informed about the company and industry trends.

11

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed in April 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Group Discussion Round:

    • Questions Asked: The discussion was on a civil-related topic.
    • Your Approach: I actively participated and contributed to the discussion, ensuring my points were clear and relevant.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I was able to move forward to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Coding Test Round:

    • Questions Asked: The problem was relatively easy.
    • Your Approach: I approached the problem methodically, ensuring my solution was efficient and well-structured.
    • Outcome: The interviewer was thoughtful, and I felt confident about my performance.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be yourself during the interview process. Authenticity goes a long way in making a positive impression.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview experience with PwC was smooth and well-organized. The group discussion was engaging, and the coding test was manageable. My key takeaway is to stay calm and confident throughout the process. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing thoroughly but also letting your personality shine through.

12

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Type of controls in Audit
    • What is meant by cut-off period

  • Your Approach:

    • For the first question, I explained the different types of controls in audit, such as preventive, detective, and corrective controls, and provided examples for each.
    • For the second question, I defined the cut-off period as the specific point in time used to determine which transactions are included in the current financial period and which are deferred to the next. I also mentioned its importance in ensuring accurate financial reporting.

  • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding key audit concepts, especially controls and financial reporting timelines.
  • Review practical examples of audit controls to explain them clearly during the interview.
  • Brush up on terminology like “cut-off period” and its implications in auditing.

Conclusion:

The technical round was straightforward, and the questions were directly related to the role. Preparing with a clear understanding of audit controls and financial reporting concepts helped me answer confidently. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on practical examples to illustrate theoretical concepts during the interview.

13

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in January 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Informatica performance tuning approaches.
      2. How many records do you get if no group by port is selected in an aggregator?
      3. Give an example of any complex logic developed and questions around it.
      4. Scenario-based question on SQL.
      5. Questions on visualization.
      6. Describe a data analytics project overview end-to-end.
      7. Scenario-based questions on Informatica.
    • Your Approach: Focused on providing clear and concise answers, especially for scenario-based questions, and ensured to explain any complex logic in detail.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-One Round (Director Round):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Overview of the kind of work done and salary discussion.
    • Your Approach: Presented a summary of past work experiences and was transparent about salary expectations.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be honest about your answers. You don’t necessarily have to answer all questions. If you don’t know something, admit it straightforwardly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and focused on technical expertise as well as practical scenarios. Being honest and clear about my experiences and limitations helped me navigate the rounds effectively. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation on technical topics like Informatica, SQL, and data analytics, along with being confident and transparent during the interview.

14

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: I was approached by the company and interviewed in August 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted for further rounds.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round (1):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What are promises?
      2. What is oData brief?
    • Your Approach: I explained promises in JavaScript and provided a concise overview of oData.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round (2):

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Fiori launchpad process?
      2. Application issue troubleshooting?
    • Your Approach: Described the Fiori launchpad workflow and shared my approach to debugging application issues.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Resume briefing.
      2. Managerial questions.
    • Your Approach: I walked through my resume and answered managerial questions with examples from my experience.
    • Outcome: Cleared the behavioral round.

  • Round 5 - Assignment Round:

    • Details: This round included aptitude tests, logical thinking exercises, and a video recording questioning session.
    • Outcome: Completed the assignment successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Just have a brief knowledge about your resume and hands-on experience.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and tested both technical and behavioral skills. Being well-prepared with my resume and having practical experience helped me navigate the rounds confidently. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on clarity in explanations and staying calm during the behavioral round.

15

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Past experience
      2. Finance amalgamation with technology
    • Your Approach:
      • For the first question, I discussed my relevant past experiences, highlighting key achievements and skills that align with the role.
      • For the second question, I shared my understanding of how finance integrates with technology, providing examples of trends or tools I was familiar with.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • The interviewer understands that you may not know everything. Focus on demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt, as this is what they value for the position.

Conclusion:

  • The interview was a good learning experience. I realized the importance of being able to articulate my past experiences clearly and showcase my adaptability. For future candidates, I would advise preparing to discuss how your skills align with the role and staying updated on industry trends, especially in finance and technology integration.
16

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Basic React JS and JavaScript questions.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by revising core React JS concepts and JavaScript fundamentals, ensuring I could explain them clearly.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Mostly salary discussion and general HR questions.
    • Your Approach: I researched industry standards for the role and was transparent about my expectations.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on React JS and JavaScript basics.
  • Be prepared to discuss salary expectations and align them with industry standards.

Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, with a focus on technical skills and salary expectations. I felt well-prepared, but I could have practiced more React JS scenarios to feel even more confident.

17

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com in January 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Details: Proper alignment and formatting of the resume were emphasized as key factors for selection.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-One Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Java coding and some questions related to Selenium.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by revising core Java concepts and practicing Selenium-related scenarios.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 3 - One-on-One Final Round:

    • Questions Asked: General and direct-level questions.
    • Your Approach: Focused on clarity and confidence while answering.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Revise core Java concepts thoroughly.
  • Practice Selenium-related scenarios and automation testing.
  • Ensure your resume is well-formatted and aligned.

Conclusion:
The overall interview experience was smooth, with a focus on technical skills and resume presentation. Preparing well for Java and Selenium was crucial. Future candidates should ensure their resumes are polished and practice technical questions diligently.

18

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

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

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:

    • Questions Asked: No specific questions were asked in this round.
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
    • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: General resume-related questions.
    • Your Approach: Answered confidently, focusing on my experience and skills mentioned in the resume.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Technical questions related to my field.
      2. Questions about IFRS 16.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly for technical aspects and revised IFRS 16 concepts.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round with positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be confident and well-versed in your field.
  • Brush up on technical concepts and relevant standards like IFRS 16.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. Confidence and thorough preparation were key to my success. For future candidates, focus on your resume and technical knowledge, and stay calm during the interview.

19

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. What are audit assertions?
      2. What are audit opinions?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the first question, I explained the concept of audit assertions, detailing the different types such as existence, completeness, rights and obligations, etc.
      • For the second question, I described the various types of audit opinions (unqualified, qualified, adverse, and disclaimer) and their implications.
    • Outcome: [Outcome not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding core auditing concepts like audit assertions and opinions.
  • Review practical scenarios where these concepts are applied.
  • Brush up on related topics such as data analysis and automation, as they might be relevant to the role.

Conclusion:
The interview was quite technical, focusing on fundamental auditing concepts. While I felt confident about my answers, it would have been helpful to prepare more real-world examples to illustrate my points. Future candidates should ensure they have a solid grasp of auditing principles and be ready to explain them clearly.

20

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: The application process was straightforward. I applied online through the company’s career portal. The job posting was clear, and the application required uploading my resume and filling out some basic details.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Interview:
  • Questions Asked:
    1. Can you explain the projects you’ve worked on in your previous roles?
    2. How do you handle client expectations, especially when there are conflicting priorities?
  • Your Approach:
    • For the first question, I focused on detailing my contributions to past projects, emphasizing my role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
    • For the second question, I shared a real-life example where I balanced client expectations by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and impact, while maintaining clear communication throughout.
  • Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for further discussions.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on your project details and be ready to discuss them in depth.
  • Prepare examples of how you’ve managed client relationships and expectations in the past.
  • Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I felt confident discussing my projects, but I could have been more structured in my responses. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing mock interviews to refine your delivery and ensure you cover all key points.