PwC continues investing in graduates

Over 1,000 accountancy jobs will open up at PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2010 for students and graduates.

Most of the graduate jobs will be available in the firm’s assurance, advisory and tax practices. Graduate schemes include a generalist programme for those working in tax or assurance to train as chartered accountants; and a specialist programme, providing opportunities in strategy consulting and actuarial business, with training for a relevant qualification.

Ian Powell, chairman and senior partner at PwC said the firm’s decision to maintain its graduate recruitment programme during the downturn made good business sense.

“We held our nerve in the market and maintained our recruitment levels in 2009 because no matter what the economic conditions, talented people are the lifeblood of PwC, and will put our business in the best position in the recovery.

“It would short change our business in the recovery if we failed to maintain our investment and confidence in graduate skills now.”

Sonja Stockton, head of recruitment at PwC, added that this year’s recruitment campaign was not about maintaining our numbers.

“It’s about our ambition and growth in the market. Talented, enterprising people matching academic achievement with confidence in their skills, ability to learn and contribute will be recognised by our business,” she said. 

Applications to the firm increased 48% in 2009, with jobs offered to graduates from over 90 universities.