Introduction
PricewaterhouseCoopers, known as PwC, is a global leader in professional services. It’s one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, along with Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. PwC has a long history, offers many services, and provides great career opportunities. This article explores PwC’s history, apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and services.
Just Who Are PwC – A Brief History of PwC
PwC’s origins go back to the 1800s with two separate firms: Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand.
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- Price Waterhouse: Founded in 1849 in London by Samuel Lowell Price. Edwin Waterhouse joined in 1865, and it became Price, Waterhouse & Co. The firm expanded globally over the years.
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- Coopers & Lybrand: Started in 1854 by William Cooper in London. It grew through mergers, notably with Lybrand, Ross Brothers & Montgomery in the US in 1957, forming Coopers & Lybrand.
In 1998, Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand merged to form PricewaterhouseCoopers. This merger combined their strengths and allowed them to offer more services to clients worldwide.
PwC Apprenticeships
PwC offers apprenticeships for those who want to start working after high school. These apprenticeships cover various fields:
1. Assurance Apprenticeship
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- Description: Focuses on auditing and assurance services. Apprentices learn to analyze financial statements and ensure compliance with regulations.
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- Duration: 2-4 years.
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- Qualifications: Participants often work towards the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification.
2. Tax Apprenticeship
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- Description: Focuses on tax compliance and advisory services. Apprentices help clients manage tax risks.
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- Duration: 2-4 years.
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- Qualifications: Apprentices may work towards the ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) qualification.
3. Consulting Apprenticeship
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- Description: Develops skills in management consulting, including strategy and technology consulting.
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- Duration: 2-3 years.
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- Qualifications: Apprentices receive training and may pursue professional certifications.
4. Technology Apprenticeship
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- Description: Focuses on IT consulting, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
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- Duration: 2-3 years.
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- Qualifications: Apprentices may work towards certifications in cybersecurity and data analytics.
PwC apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and academic learning, often including recognized professional qualifications.
PwC Graduate Schemes
PwC’s graduate schemes offer recent graduates a chance to start their careers in a supportive environment. These programs provide training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world business challenges.

1. Assurance Graduate Programme
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- Description: Graduates work on auditing and assurance projects, helping clients maintain accurate financial records.
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- Duration: 3 years.
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- Qualifications: Participants work towards the ACA or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification.
2. Tax Graduate Programme
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- Description: Specializes in various tax services, including corporate tax and personal tax planning.
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- Duration: 3 years.
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- Qualifications: Graduates often work towards the CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser) qualification.
3. Consulting Graduate Programme
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- Description: Provides experience across different industries, offering strategic advice and implementing business solutions.
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- Duration: 2-3 years.
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- Qualifications: Participants receive training in consulting methodologies and may pursue certifications.
4. Technology Graduate Programme
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- Description: Focuses on IT consulting, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Graduates help clients use technology to solve business problems.
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- Duration: 2-3 years.
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- Qualifications: Graduates may work towards certifications in cybersecurity, data science, and cloud computing.
5. Deals Graduate Programme
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- Description: Works on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and other financial advisory services.
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- Duration: 3 years.
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- Qualifications: Graduates may work towards the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualification.
PwC’s graduate schemes prepare participants with the skills and knowledge needed for their careers. Graduates receive training, mentorship, and opportunities to work on high-profile projects.
What does PWC do?
PwC offers many services to help organizations solve business challenges. The main service lines are:
1. Assurance Services
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- Auditing: Provides independent auditing services to ensure financial statements are accurate and reliable.
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- Risk Assurance: Helps clients identify and manage risks, and comply with regulations.
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- Regulatory Compliance: Assists clients in navigating regulatory environments.
2. Tax Services
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- Tax Planning and Compliance: Helps clients manage tax liabilities and comply with tax laws.
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- International Tax Services: Advises on cross-border tax issues for multinational companies.
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- Transfer Pricing: Assists clients in setting transfer pricing policies and complying with regulations.
3. Advisory Services
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- Management Consulting: Helps organizations improve performance and achieve goals through strategy and operational improvements.
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- Technology Consulting: Provides IT consulting services to enhance operations and achieve business objectives.
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- Financial Advisory: Offers financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions.
4. Consulting Services
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- Strategy Consulting: Helps clients develop and implement business strategies.
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- Operations Consulting: Assists clients in optimizing operations and reducing costs.
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- Human Resources Consulting: Provides HR consulting services, including talent management and organizational design.
5. Deals Services
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- Mergers and Acquisitions: Advises clients on mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
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- Restructuring: Provides restructuring services to help organizations facing financial difficulties.
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- Forensic Services: Offers forensic services, including fraud investigations and dispute resolution.
6. Legal Services
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- Corporate Law: Provides advice on corporate law matters, including mergers and acquisitions.
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- Employment Law: Assists clients with employment law issues.
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- Mergers and Acquisitions: Offers legal advisory services for mergers and acquisitions.
Conclusion
PwC is a global leader in professional services, offering a wide range of solutions to help organizations overcome business challenges. With a long history, diverse service offerings, and career opportunities through apprenticeships and graduate schemes, PwC is a top choice for clients and professionals. Whether you’re starting your career or seeking expert advice for your business, PwC’s expertise and global reach make it a trusted partner for success.