I have no issues with the ICAEW programme, and in my personal opinion they are a more prestigious programme compared to ACCA.

But I have a huge HUGE HUUUUGEEEE problem with the CFAB - > ICAEW interns, based on the few interns that I've come across in my life in PwC.

1. Most have HORRIBLE Microsoft excel skills.
2. Most have no idea what the hell is going on. (don't even have a decent idea how an invoice looks like ><)
3. Most don't really have any 'heart' to really learn, or to build up their knowledge of the working world.
4. Most are super young (18/19 years old) and frankly, at that age, you're just an immature kid, despite what you may think of yourself.

Whereas compared to my other interns who are.. 22/23 y/o from USM/UM/UUM or TAR etc.. those are much better adjusted and show better knack of what's going on.

SO yeah.

I have no issues with the ICAEW programme, and in my personal opinion they are a more prestigious programme compared to ACCA.

But I have a huge HUGE HUUUUGEEEE problem with the CFAB - > ICAEW interns, based on the few interns that I've come across in my life in PwC.

1. Most have HORRIBLE Microsoft excel skills.
2. Most have no idea what the hell is going on. (don't even have a decent idea how an invoice looks like ><)
3. Most don't really have any 'heart' to really learn, or to build up their knowledge of the working world.
4. Most are super young (18/19 years old) and frankly, at that age, you're just an immature kid, despite what you may think of yourself.

Whereas compared to my other interns who are.. 22/23 y/o from USM/UM/UUM or TAR etc.. those are much better adjusted and show better knack of what's going on.

SO yeah.

ICAEW is usually together with a 4-years contract with the Big 4 as their permenant staff ....so I don't think it's an internship anymore

Only if your investments meet the requirements of the independence policies of the audit firm you are working in. Generally, you and your immediate family members will not be allowed to invest in shares in PLCs (and group of companies under those PLCs) that are clients, regardless of whether or not you are assigned to the team that provide services to these clients.

In many countries such as USA and UK, there are Independence Regulations; Big4 have lots of MNC clients, and the audits of these companies could be subjected to compliance of these regulations.
Example: Audits of MNC with operations/Head Office in USA maybe subjected to the Securities and Exchange Commission's independence requirements (very strict!).

If you wish to know more on this topic, you can always google "Auditor Independence Issues"

Actually it depends on what type of company you'll be auditing...but at least you should be excellent in using Excel. During my internship period, I was required to learn to use SAP *the hard way* because the client is using tht software

So usually after the contract end, the graduates will be AA2 or AA1/SA2.........?

lol, that sucks. I'll be taking an excel heavy subject next sem so that should cover the basics i suppose.

Any idea if there are any independent courses out there that one could take to learn the basics of SAP(again, not familiar at all with that, seems as if SAP programming is becoming massive lately) or other relevant excel skills(Particularly those that would be helpful when joining the accounting field)?

I would like to equip  myself with the relevant skills before joining a firm(interning) while i have the time, just not sure where to start.

Thanks in advance.

Since graduates are the permenant staff there, they would be treated like the rest of the staff...they'll get promoted like everybody else. Usually after 4 years or so, they would be SA1 or SA2 depending on their performance.
Learning IT systems through external courses are gonna cost you a BOOM....seriously, they don't come cheap! So  just pray that you don't get client who has sophisticated systems.

For excel wise, basic ones should be sufficient...like normal formulas. The seniors usually would ask you to do stuff like vouching, PHOTOSTATING -.- , copy pasting, which requires you ZERO excel knowledge...well it depends on who your seniors are =)

In terms of excel/work, I'm just expecting u to remember a few simple things.

a) Keep your files organised. Save copies of your own work, and arrange them so that you can find them when we ask you to show it to us.
b) Know how to use =sum and do multiplications etc
c) Know how to document neatly. (seriously, all you need to do is just make sure all the fonts you use are the same size, make sure the numbers have the some amount of decimals, and don't use too many colors etc...)

lol.. and they can't do even that? i'm under the impression that big 4 have an induction and training programme for them

lol.. and they can't do even that? i'm under the impression that big 4 have an induction and training programme for them

It's assumed that you have basic Excel and Word skills when you join. Afterall, most joiners are fresh graduates from unis/ACCA, and surely must have used Excel/Word in their assignments. The induction and training in the Big 4 when you first enter is more of knowing HR policies, office rules, how to use the timesheet to record your work and audit methodologies.

Hi, I have a written assessment for Deloitte. can anyone suggest what i can prepare for it?
Thanks and much appreciated=)

u are goin in for what position?