PwC Senior Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: Applied through an online application process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • About IFRS applicability provisions.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by revising IFRS standards and their practical applications, focusing on provisions and their relevance in financial reporting.
    • Outcome: The round was completed, but I did not receive further updates.

Preparation Tips:

  • Don’t go with PwC even if they are offering more than expected. It has the worst work culture and non-supportive team leads. I would not suggest joining PwC.

Conclusion:

  • Overall, the interview process was straightforward, but the feedback about the company’s work culture and team dynamics was discouraging. If you’re considering PwC, weigh the pros and cons carefully, especially regarding workplace environment.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in August 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Pricing procedure setup
      2. STO process configuration
      3. Intercompany sales process
      4. Need of Pod in 3rd party process
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining the concepts clearly and provided examples from my previous experience to demonstrate my understanding.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Business model in current project
      2. Ticket handling tools
      3. Batch job monitoring and processing
      4. Idoc configuration and types
    • Your Approach: I elaborated on my current project’s business model and discussed the tools and processes I’ve worked with in detail.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Why are you looking for a change?
      2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
      3. Share details of your previous job.
      4. What are your salary expectations?
      5. What is your family background?
      6. Why should we hire you?
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly, aligning my career goals with the role and highlighting my strengths. For weaknesses, I mentioned areas I’m actively improving.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared with your basics and the current job profile.
  • Align your preparation with the job description (JD) to ensure relevance.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt confident because I had prepared thoroughly, especially on technical aspects. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on clarity in explanations and being honest in the HR round. Good luck!

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before February 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Can you define random forest regression?
      2. What are some video analytics algorithms you are familiar with?
    • Your Approach: I explained random forest regression as an ensemble learning method that uses multiple decision trees to improve predictive accuracy. For video analytics algorithms, I discussed common techniques like object detection, motion tracking, and facial recognition.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I progressed further in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Keep applying and stay persistent in your job search.
  • Brush up on technical concepts relevant to the role, such as regression techniques and analytics algorithms.

Conclusion:
The interview was a good learning experience, and I realized the importance of being thorough with technical concepts. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of the skills required for the role.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked: Technical questions related to practical aspects of audit.
    • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating practical knowledge and experience in audit processes.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus more on the technical round, especially questions relating to the practical aspects of audit.

Conclusion:
The interview was a good learning experience, and I realized the importance of practical knowledge in audit. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on technical skills and being prepared to discuss real-world scenarios.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through the company website and was interviewed before May 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:

      1. Run me through your CV and experience.
      2. What will be your planning before starting work?
    • Your Approach: I kept my responses concise and focused on relevant experiences, ensuring I highlighted key achievements. For the planning question, I outlined a structured approach to understanding priorities and setting goals.

    • Outcome: The round went well, and I received positive feedback for my clarity and preparation.

Preparation Tips:

  • Just be honest and cool during the interview. Confidence and authenticity go a long way.

Conclusion:

Overall, the interview was a smooth experience. Being well-prepared and staying calm helped me perform better. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly reviewing your CV and practicing common behavioral questions to articulate your thoughts clearly.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in October 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

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

    • Questions Asked: Technical questions based on my skills.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly on my technical skills and projects mentioned in my resume.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.
  • Round 3 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about Data Warehousing concepts and my future goals.
    • Your Approach: Focused on aligning my answers with the role and company values.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 4 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and confidently, emphasizing my fit for the company culture.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice basic concepts if appearing for PwC for any data engineering role.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. Focusing on my technical skills and aligning my answers with the company’s expectations helped me succeed. For future candidates, I recommend thoroughly reviewing your resume and practicing both technical and behavioral questions.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed before July 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Explain the .NET MVC architecture.
    • Your Approach: I provided a detailed breakdown of the Model-View-Controller pattern, explaining the roles of each component and how they interact in a .NET MVC application. I also gave examples of how I had implemented this architecture in previous projects.
    • Outcome: Passed this round successfully.
  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Describe a challenge you faced in a project and how you resolved it.
    • Your Approach: I shared a specific instance where I encountered a technical hurdle in a project, the steps I took to troubleshoot, and the final solution. I emphasized my problem-solving skills and teamwork.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Discuss your expected package.
    • Your Approach: I was transparent about my salary expectations based on industry standards and my experience. I also expressed my enthusiasm for the role and the company.
    • Outcome: The discussion went well, and I moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on technical concepts like .NET MVC architecture and be ready to discuss real-world project challenges.
  • Research the company and role to align your expectations during the HR round.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical and behavioral questions, but I could have practiced more on articulating my salary expectations. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation on both technical and soft skills, as PwC values a balanced skill set.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

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

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • What do you understand by IA (Internal Audit)?
    • Your Approach: I explained my understanding of Internal Audit, focusing on its role in evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within an organization. I also shared relevant examples from my experience.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I was able to articulate my knowledge clearly.

Preparation Tips:

  • Go through the job description thoroughly; it will help you align your answers with the role’s requirements.
  • Brush up on key concepts related to Internal Audit, risk management, and governance.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a positive experience. Preparing by understanding the job description and having a clear grasp of key concepts helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on the role-specific skills mentioned in the job description and practicing articulating your thoughts clearly.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via a recruitment consultant before March 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)
    • Your Approach: Ensured the resume was concise and focused on relevant skills and experiences. Avoided including personal details like photo, gender, age, or address.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Risk Assessment Process
      2. Risk Mitigation Methods
      3. Management Reviews for Risks
      4. Strengths and Weakness
      5. Stakeholder Management
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly on risk management topics, including definitions, methods, and mitigation strategies. Also, reflected on personal strengths and weaknesses and how they align with the role.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on risk management topics, including risk assessment and mitigation methods.
  • Be clear about your strengths and weaknesses and how they relate to the role.
  • Understand stakeholder management principles.

Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and focused on technical knowledge, particularly in risk management. Preparing well on these topics and presenting a clean, professional resume were key to progressing through the rounds. Future candidates should emphasize their expertise in risk-related areas and ensure their resumes are tailored to the role.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: (Not specified)

Application Process: I was approached by the company directly and interviewed before April 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. SQL queries (Basic to Advanced) like finding the Nth salary for a department, indirect questions on how to pull records from a table where employee and manager details are given in the same table, and replacement of Union, Union all, and intersect with Joins.
      2. Talend basics and advanced questions, such as components I have worked with, parent-child relationships in Talend, context variables, and split records.
    • Your Approach: I ensured I was thorough with SQL concepts and practiced writing queries beforehand. For Talend, I revised the components and workflows I had worked on and prepared to explain them clearly.
    • Outcome: Passed this round successfully.
  • Round 2 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. This round was to test the vision/learning path I had set for myself.
    • Your Approach: I reflected on my career goals and how they aligned with the role at PwC. I articulated my long-term learning objectives and how I planned to achieve them.
    • Outcome: Passed this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • If you’re from an ETL background, SQL is a must-have in your skillset.
  • Don’t try to guess the query output; be confident with your answers.
  • Be ready to work on any ETL tool, irrespective of your primary one.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. The key was to be confident and honest about my skills and experiences. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on SQL and being adaptable to different ETL tools.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked: SQL, Python, PySpark
    • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating proficiency in SQL, Python, and PySpark, highlighting relevant projects and experience.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]
  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked: Big data architecture
    • Your Approach: Discussed knowledge of big data frameworks, architectures, and real-world applications.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]
  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Client interview
    • Your Approach: Prepared for client-facing scenarios, emphasizing problem-solving and communication skills.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]
  • Round 4 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Salary discussion
    • Your Approach: Researched industry standards and articulated expectations clearly.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on SQL, Python, and PySpark for technical rounds.
  • Understand big data architectures and frameworks thoroughly.
  • Practice client-facing scenarios to improve communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Research salary benchmarks for the role and location.

Conclusion:
The interview process was comprehensive, covering technical skills, client interaction, and HR discussions. Preparing for each round with a focus on practical knowledge and clear communication was key. Future candidates should emphasize their hands-on experience and be ready for client-centric questions.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: I applied via a job portal and was interviewed in January 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: Double-checking the resume for spelling mistakes and overall content.
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was error-free and highlighted relevant experience.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Questions around my resume and the work I have done.
      2. What do I know about different processes like P2P (Procure-to-Pay) and O2C (Order-to-Cash), as the profile was for internal audit.
    • Your Approach: Answered confidently about my experience and admitted lack of knowledge in specific segments when unsure.
    • Outcome: The interviewer appreciated my honesty and clarity.

Preparation Tips:

  • Thoroughly review your CV and be prepared to discuss every detail.
  • Stay confident and articulate what you know clearly.
  • If you don’t know something, admit it politely rather than guessing.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role. Being honest about my limitations worked in my favor. For future candidates, focus on clarity, confidence, and authenticity during the interview.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed before July 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Basic questions based on your experience.
      2. Questions based on the resume.
    • Your Approach: I ensured I was well-versed with my resume and prepared to discuss my past experiences in detail.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Deep questions from RICEF.
      2. Project-based questions.
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining my projects clearly and demonstrated my understanding of RICEF concepts.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.
  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Basic HR questions.
      2. Salary discussion.
    • Your Approach: I answered the HR questions confidently and was transparent about my salary expectations.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be strong and confident in your area of expertise. Ensure you are thorough with your resume and projects.

Conclusion:
The overall interview experience was smooth, and the interviewers were professional. Being well-prepared and confident helped me clear all the rounds. My advice to future candidates is to focus on your resume and projects, as most questions revolve around them.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Application Process: Applied through an online application process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Angular-related question.
      2. .NET Core-related question.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by revising core concepts of Angular and .NET Core, focusing on practical implementations and common use cases.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round with positive feedback on technical knowledge.
  • Round 2 - One-on-One Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. SOLID principles.
    • Your Approach: Explained each principle with real-world examples and how they are applied in software development.
    • Outcome: Successfully answered the questions and advanced to the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Study hard and focus on core technical concepts relevant to the role.
  • Practice explaining theoretical concepts with practical examples.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and focused on technical expertise. Preparing thoroughly for Angular, .NET Core, and SOLID principles helped me perform well. For future candidates, I recommend dedicating time to hands-on practice and understanding the practical applications of theoretical concepts.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-One Round:

    • Questions Asked:

      1. About SA 315, explain the process of practical application.
      2. Case study question based on Ind AS 115.
    • Your Approach:

      • For SA 315, I explained the key components of the standard and how it is applied in real-world auditing scenarios, emphasizing risk assessment and documentation.
      • For the Ind AS 115 case study, I analyzed the given scenario, identified the revenue recognition criteria, and applied the standard to the case logically.
    • Outcome: [Result of this round not provided]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding auditing standards like SA 315 and revenue recognition principles under Ind AS 115.
  • Practice case studies to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
  • Brush up on leadership and analytical skills, as they are highly valued for this role.

Conclusion:

The interview was a great learning experience, especially the case study round, which tested my ability to apply accounting standards in real-world situations. I could have prepared more thoroughly by reviewing recent updates to the standards. For future candidates, I recommend practicing case studies and being clear about the practical application of standards.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: I applied for the Senior Associate role at PwC through Naukri.com and was interviewed before 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 - One-on-one Round (1 Question):

    • Questions Asked: Why did you leave your previous job?
    • Your Approach: I explained my reasons honestly, focusing on career growth and seeking new challenges.
    • Outcome: I progressed to the next round.
  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round (1 Question):

    • Questions Asked: Tell me about the work in your previous job.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my key responsibilities and achievements, aligning them with the requirements of the Senior Associate role.
    • Outcome: I moved forward to the final round.
  • Round 4 - One-on-one Round (1 Question):

    • Questions Asked: Why are you willing to work on a contractual role?
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my flexibility and eagerness to contribute to PwC, regardless of the employment type.
    • Outcome: The final outcome was not specified.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on brushing up your skills, especially in Advanced Excel.
  • Be confident and ensure you have a clear understanding of your previous work and processes.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were straightforward. Being honest and confident in my responses helped me progress through the rounds. For future candidates, I’d recommend preparing well for behavioral questions and ensuring your resume is concise and impactful.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant in December 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening)

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-formatted and aligned to make it easy for the recruiter to review.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: Basic and advanced technical questions.

  • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly on technical topics relevant to the role.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round:

  • Questions Asked: Work ethics and behavioral questions.

  • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating my work ethic and aligning my answers with the company’s values.

  • Outcome: Moved to the final round.

  • Round 4 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked: Behavioral and scenario-based questions.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and provided examples from my past experiences.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be well-prepared technically, as the rest of the rounds are behavioral-based.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth. I focused on technical preparation first and then worked on behavioral aspects. Ensuring my resume was well-formatted helped me get past the initial screening. For future candidates, I’d recommend balancing technical and behavioral preparation to cover all bases.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and focused on relevant skills and experiences. Avoided including unnecessary personal details like photos, gender, age, or address.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round 1:

    • Questions Asked: “Tax percentage of different countries in EU.”
    • Your Approach: Researched and prepared a comparative analysis of tax rates in key EU countries beforehand. Answered confidently with accurate data.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Round 2:

    • Questions Asked: “Type of tax returns.”
    • Your Approach: Explained various types of tax returns (e.g., individual, corporate, VAT) and their relevance in different scenarios.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.
  • Round 4 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked: Interpersonal communication skills-related questions.
    • Your Approach: Demonstrated strong communication skills, active listening, and problem-solving abilities. Shared examples of teamwork and conflict resolution.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on technical knowledge related to taxation, especially for the EU region.
  • Practice explaining complex tax concepts in simple terms.
  • Brush up on interpersonal skills and prepare examples of teamwork and communication.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough and tested both technical and interpersonal skills. Preparing well for technical questions and ensuring clarity in communication were key to my success. Future candidates should focus on these areas and ensure their resume is tailored to the role.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed in January 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: How is data abstraction achieved in Java?
    • Your Approach: I explained the concept of data abstraction in Java, focusing on abstract classes and interfaces, and provided examples to illustrate my understanding.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.
  • Round 2 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked: Non-technical questions mostly, along with a discussion about my projects.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my problem-solving skills and teamwork experiences, aligning them with the role’s requirements. I also discussed my projects in detail, emphasizing my contributions.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.
  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about location preferences and salary expectations.
    • Your Approach: I was honest about my location preferences and provided a reasonable salary expectation based on market research.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on core Java concepts, especially OOP principles like data abstraction.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences and projects.
  • Research the company culture and salary benchmarks for the role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical and behavioral rounds, but I could have researched more about the company’s recent projects to align my answers better. For future candidates, I recommend practicing both technical and behavioral questions thoroughly and being clear about your expectations during the HR round.

Company Name: PwC

Position: Senior Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed in March 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Question on understanding of business and scenario-based question on GTM strategy and business future outlook.
      2. What will you do to build automation capability of an organization?
    • Your Approach: I focused on presenting my ideas coherently and logically, ensuring my answers were well-structured.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
  • Round 2 - Case Study Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Interview based on a case study.
      • PPT walkthrough and discussion on solutions suggested.
    • Your Approach: I prepared a detailed PPT and ensured my solutions were backed by logical reasoning.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Questions mostly based on profile and organizational fit.
      2. Strengths and weaknesses.
      3. Why PwC? Hobbies and interests.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly, aligning my strengths with the role and showcasing my enthusiasm for the company.
    • Outcome: Cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared for all sorts of questions.
  • Organize your ideas and present them coherently. Simple or innovative ideas should be presented in a structured manner.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough and engaging. Presenting ideas clearly and logically was key. I recommend focusing on structured communication and being well-prepared for case studies and scenario-based questions.