Professional services giants PricewaterhouseCoopers is one of the companies that saw its revenues and profits grow during the coronavirus pandemic. Based in London, its business includes risk assurance, tax advice, legal services, management consultancy, accounting and financial advice.
With many UK businesses and other organisations moving to a working from home footing, PwC's audit, deals and transformation services were in particular demand during the global health crisis. Of its 295,000 world-wide workforce, 22,000 are based in the UK.
The company recently announced it would be giving its UK staff members a 9% pay rise to address the cost-of-living crisis. That may seem huge, however, the UK's inflation rate - when measured using the Consumer Price Index - also currently stands at about 9%.
READ MORE: 'I work 80% of my hours for 100% pay' - what it's really like to work a four-day week
PwC is investing more than £120 million in funding the pay rises, according to the BBC. It has also revealed that a further £138 million - up £10 million on last year - is being allocated to cover the cost of staff bonuses this year.
Its chairman, Kevin Ellis, said the company couldn't ignore the current market pressures and wanted to ensure its pay rate were as "competitive as possible". He said: "We know pay will be an increasingly important consideration given rising living costs - we want to stay competitive and continue attracting the best talent and skills from across the UK."
The salaries for many of PwC's entry-level programmes are also increasing, according to reports. They include audit roles where pay rates are understood to be increasing by up to 10%, along with an 8% increase in consulting graduate pay rates.
According to the Glassdoor jobs website, the average wage for a senior associate with PwC in Manchester is £40,543. An associate could expect to earn a salary of £24,602, and an audit senior associate £39,598. A manager at PwC in Manchester earns, on average, £53,403 a year. An audit manager gets, on average, £50,349 per year, while average salaries for management consultants and accountants are £36,841 and £37,915 respectively.
PwC is currently recruiting for dozens of positions in the Manchester area. They range from technical support specialists and sales consultants to data engineers and accountants. Here are just a few of the job opportunities that are on offer.
Corporate lawyer, manager
The position is within the firm's UK Coporate legal team, which currently has 10 partners and directors, alongside 35 other lawyers working on a broad range of corporate legal work. The job advertisement states: "We have significant growth plans for our legal business in the North/Regions and the candidate would be joining at an exciting stage in the team's development."
"The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with other legal teams across the North and nationally. A large proportion of our work is carried out alongside non-lawyers in PwC such as tax and deals advisers."
Corporate tax manager
PwC's tax team specialise in advising a range of businesses, from large privately owned enterprises to large multi-national companies. The firm is looking for candidates with "curious minds and a collaborative spirit".
Successful applicants will be encouraged to "consult, share specialist knowledge and new ideas". The job advert states: "We are looking to recruit individual(s) at manager level with experience of advising corporate entities from a corporation tax perspective based in either our Manchester or Leeds offices."
Part-qualified accountant - financial solutions
The company is looking for part-qualified candidates who are in the process of completing their accountancy qualifications. A knowledge of finance experience and processes is required.
The role involves "reporting to clients and/ or senior stakeholders with agility and ability to build relationships and rapport within a diverse team, collaborating, coaching and supporting others". Candidates would need to demonstrate "good analytical skills", along with commercial aptitude and an "ability to identify issues, understand complex problems, draw sound conclusions".
Cyber security consultants
"Cyber risk represents one of the most significant strategic risks to PwC’s clients," states the job advert. "Businesses are changing rapidly, facing disrupted supply chains, rapidly changing workforces and accelerating digital transformation on an unprecedented scale."
It adds: "We are seeking a number of senior associates to join our advisory team within our Operational Technology advisory vertical in cyber security, to respond to strong demand-led growth. The cyber security advisory team helps clients to understand their cyber risks and define and execute a strategy which enables the business to deliver its objectives within their desired risk envelope."
Data platform developer
PwC is currently investing in a new Data Platform, which is a system of services that is aimed at improving the way the firm handles data for its clients and users. Its UK business is looking to "deliver its own services through the standardised infrastructure" provided by its new data platform.
The job advert states: "Reporting to the UK Data Platform Community of Practice Lead. this is an exciting opportunity to join a team of technologists delivering solutions in a key strategic area for the firm." It adds: "This is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills in a growing technical field, as such we are looking for a candidate who has a sound technical background but most importantly is eager to learn and support others."
Software engineer
As part of PwC’s global strategy, The New Equation, it is investing in "skills, capabilities and technologies" to address the complex challenges facing clients "with their businesses and in society". The role will involve working with Tech Central, a "technology-focused function working alongside other PwC teams".
The job advert states: "Tech Central is rapidly growing and the environment that our people work in is fueled by ingenuity, collaboration and innovation. Our people are skilled and passionate about the work they do." It adds: "As part of the team you’ll experience an environment consisting of a wide range of technologies with ample room for you to learn, grow and innovate."
To apply for one of the roles, to find out more, or to discover further job opportunities available with PwC, visit the website by clicking here.
