Professional

qualifications
and development

pwc.co.nz/studentcareers
Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

The opportunity to grow

Your career is just that; yours. You choose it. You live it. We’ll provide ongoing opportunities for you to develop your
You make it happen. business skills as well as your personal and technical skills.
PwC also has a strong coaching culture which enables you
You need opportunities to grow. That’s why opportunities
to maximise the learning from your practical experience at
are at the heart of PwC careers. Opportunities to develop as
PwC.
a person, to build lasting relationships and make an impact
in a place where people, quality and value mean everything. We recognise the importance of ongoing professional
The skills, insights and connections you develop at PwC are development and we are keen to support you every step
career defining. of the way. This brochure will give you more information
about the professional qualifications available to you, in your
When you join us as a graduate you will be part of our
business area, and the support we provide.
graduate development programme from day one. You will
spend your first day with other graduates; learning how It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Take it.
PwC supports you and your development to deliver our
purpose and vision – knowing what it means to be a PwC
Professional.

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Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

Chartered Accountants Programme

Is it the right qualification for me? The modules are:

The Chartered Accountants Programme (CA) will be completed Audit and Assurance (AAA)
by aspiring chartered accountants through Chartered Investigates the process of auditing and underlying audit
Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CAANZ), one of nine concepts. Practical in nature, you will apply your knowledge to
founding members of the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA). an integrated case study around which the module is based.
The GAA represents the interests of over 775,000 accounting You will develop an understanding of how business works,
professionals worldwide. Commonly, those who work in our assessing risk and analysing the success of an organisation.
Assurance and Tax business areas choose to study towards this
Financial Accounting & Reporting (FIN)
qualification.
Develops financial accounting skills, the cornerstone of
The CA programme is highly respected in the business an accountant’s work. With a strong focus on accounting
community across the world and is a great option if you intend standards and ethics, this module equips you with the skills
to spend time practicing as a chartered accountant in one of to prepare historical financial statements for key stakeholders
the GAA member countries such as the UK, US, Canada, South including clients and regulators.
Africa, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan or Ireland.
Management Accounting & Applied Finance (MAAF)
You can complete the CA programme to become a chartered Illustrates the importance of strategic planning and managerial
accountant in two stages: decision making. The module builds skills and knowledge
through two integrated case studies where you identify,
1. You can become a Provisional Member, by signing up to
interpret, analyse and communicate information to help an
the CA programme, once you have completed a Bachelor’s
organisation manage its resources and achieve strategic goals.
degree in accounting or business, specified by CAANZ, at an
accredited tertiary institution. Taxation (TAX)
Examines and applies relevant New Zealand tax law to
2. Full membership is achieved once you have completed the
various tax entities. You will explain and calculate the taxation
CA programme and three years of employment with a mentor
consequences applicable to a range of simulated scenarios.
in an approved training employer such as PwC. These can be
Your solid taxation knowledge base will allow you to fully
done at the same time.
understand tax implications when making strategic decisions.
Including tertiary study, the entire programme is six years in
length.
What does it cover?
The CA programme integrates technical knowledge and
professional skills through online learning and face to face
workshops. It comprises four technical modules and a final
capstone module.

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Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

The Capstone Module What do other people say about the CA programme?
Brings together your learning to date, while drawing on your
“I picked the CA pathway because of its prestige locally and
practical experience. This final module incorporates and
internationally, particularly in Australia, the UK and the rest of
integrates the technical knowledge and professional skills
Europe. It’s time consuming and difficult but very rewarding. The
necessary to become a chartered accountant. The key
knowledge you gain and apply is very extensive and technical
competences you will develop are strategic and critical thinking,
but most of all it’s practical to your job and the business
problem solving, working with and leading teams, effective
environment in general. It has opened up many opportunities
communication, ethics, technical and business knowledge
for secondments to other offices anywhere in the world, and
integration, and data analytics and synthesis.
provides credibility to your on job experiences, enabling you to
What support will I receive from PwC? stand out from the rest as being technically sound, motivated
and ethical.”
• Up to 18 days study leave including:
Shane McNeil
- Two days study leave per module and one day exam leave.
Senior Associate, Assurance
- An additional one day practical exam workshop for three
out of the five modules (you choose which modules). This
includes funding for the workshop plus study leave for one
day to attend.
• Payment of course fees and reimbursement of prescribed
texts and study materials.
• A registered CAANZ PwC mentor to offer guidance and
support.
• An active peer group including online discussion forums and
study groups and a dedicated online resource which includes
past papers and mock exams.
• Payment of annual membership fees once qualified.

For more information and to apply for a

graduate position visit pwc.co.nz/studentcareers

3
Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

Certified Practising
Accountants (CPA) Australia

Is it the right qualification for me? Foundation Exams

For candidates who have studied a non-accounting degree, the
Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Australia offers a
six foundation exams cover all the subjects that would normally
professional designation with a global, business and strategic
be studied in an accounting degree.
focus for aspiring accountants and auditors in New Zealand.
Candidates must hold a degree (in any subject) recognised by These flexible on-demand exams provide the opportunity to fill in
CPA Australia. any gaps at degree level, and demonstrate the knowledge and
the acumen required to progress to the CPA Programme.
CPA Australia provides an opportunity to qualify as a Certified
Practising Accountant from a more diverse range of educational What support will I receive from PwC?
backgrounds by incorporating foundation exams or bridging
For each module in the professional programme:
papers to help bring your knowledge up to the level required for
the CPA programme. Some individuals joining our Assurance • Two days study leave and a half day to attend the exam
and Tax practices, who have not studied accounting previously, (15 days total).
choose to follow this pathway.
• Payment of course fees.
CPA Australia has a flexible programme, a strong presence
• A PwC mentor who holds a professional qualification to give
globally with 154,000 members worldwide and a particularly
guidance and support.
strong presence in Asia, and may be a good option if you are
intending to work and travel overseas. • Payment of annual membership fees once qualified.

What does it cover? Foundation exams can be done at your own pace throughout
the year and your support package will vary depending on the
CPA Programme
amount of papers you are required to sit.
The CPA Programme is made up of six post-graduate education
segments and a practical experience requirement. The CPA What do other people say about CPA Australia?
Programme develops higher level analysis, judgment, decision “I chose CPA Australia because I did not do an accounting
making and reporting and focuses on areas that ensure a CPA degree at University and wanted to upskill. You don’t have
is valued by any employer - ethics, governance, leadership and to have studied accounting. Commerce papers studied at
strategy. University cross-credit to the CPA Australia programme meaning
The three-year practical experience requirement develops you can exempt yourself from papers at the Foundation Level.
candidates’ technical, business, personal effectiveness and The experience was great and you can do it in your own time,
leadership skills and can be completed alongside the education even choosing when and where you sit the exam. A lot of extra
segments. support is offered to those who feel they need it. I now have
a far greater understanding of the accounting concepts which
The completion of a CPA accredited accounting degree, will
underpin a lot of the work I do and intend to do in the future.”
meet all the entry requirements for candidates to commence the
CPA Programme. Isabelle Manson
Associate, Tax

For more information and to apply for a

graduate position visit pwc.co.nz/studentcareers

4
Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

Professional Legal
Studies (Law Profs)
Is it the right qualification for me? What support will I receive from PwC?
The New Zealand Council of Legal Education is responsible • Up to 15 days study leave to attend the onsite components
for setting the qualification and educational requirements for and final exams.
candidates for admission as barristers and solicitors of the High
• Payment of course fees.
Court.
• Admission to the bar fees including:
One of the required steps for being admitted to the bar in New
Zealand is completion of Professional Legal Studies (more -8Application for the certificate of character.
commonly known as ‘profs’).
-8High court filing.
Candidates must have completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
-8Other documents required to support application.
degree or LLB (Honours) degree approved by the New Zealand
Council of Legal Education. What do other people say about Law Profs?

What does it cover? “This was a great, practical course which focused on common
issues faced by lawyers. It gave me a taste of advocating for
Professional Legal Studies is a competency skills based course,
a client in a court room, which although nerve-racking was
developed and taught by experienced lawyers.
extremely rewarding. I felt well supported throughout my studies
The course has practical activities, research tasks, and and am confident this qualification will help me in the future as
assessments based on “real life” legal practice scenarios to help I am assigned to more challenging pieces of work with greater
you acquire the skills necessary to work effectively as an entry legal aspects. It has given me a taste of common legal issues
level lawyer. and work which will allow me to solve some legal issues I
encounter in the future.”
The curriculum is based on the New Zealand Council of Legal
Education regulations. Tom Talbot
Associate, Tax

For more information and to apply for a

graduate position visit pwc.co.nz/studentcareers

5
Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Is it the right qualification for me? Level III: Portfolio Management

• Management of institutional and individual portfolios.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Programme is a
professional credential offered by the CFA Institute to investment • Management of specific asset class portfolios.
and financial professionals.
• C
 FA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional
This programme bridges current industry practice, investment Conduct.
theory and ethical and professional standards to give you a
Completion of this programme usually takes two to five years.
strong foundation of advanced investment analysis and real-
Levels are sat sequentially.
world portfolio management skills.
What support will I receive from PwC?
The CFA Programme focuses specifically on investment
• Payment of course fees.
knowledge and equips candidates with the practical and
fundamental knowledge required for a wide variety of career • Schweser notes (one set between two people).
choices in the investment profession across the globe.
• F
 ive days study leave in the week leading up to your
What does it cover? examination.

The CFA Programme is a self-study programme organised into • Subscription to one professional body per year.
three levels which must be passed sequentially.
What do other people say about CFA?
Level I: Tools
“I picked CFA because it is well respected and highly regarded
• Tools and concepts that apply to investment valuation and
in the industry, and because I was able to meet the entrance
portfolio management.
requirements even though I didn’t do an Accounting or Finance
• Basic concepts regarding asset classes, securities, and degree at University. The concepts, language, background and
markets. high level understanding is invaluable and has given me a good
grounding, helping me understand new concepts faster. While it is
• CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional
a lot of hard work it’s definitely worthwhile and really rewarding.”
Conduct.
Laura Leece
Level II: Asset Valuation
Senior Analyst, Deals
• Application of tools and concepts of investment valuation.
• Industry and company analysis.
• Analysis of investment vehicles and instruments.
• CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional
Conduct.

For more information and to apply for a

graduate position visit pwc.co.nz/studentcareers

6
Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

Actuarial Qualification

Is it the right qualification for me? The remaining exams test your ability to apply what you’ve learnt
to various practical situations. The exams differ for each Institute
Actuaries evaluate risk and opportunity by applying
and determine whether you gain the FIA or FIAA qualification.
mathematical, statistical, economic and financial analyses to a
wide range of business problems. Exams are held twice each year, and in most cases may be
sat in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. The New Zealand
Actuaries are multi-skilled strategic thinkers, trained as
Society of Actuaries (NZSA) makes the arrangements for these
mathematicians, statisticians, economists and financial experts
exams.
who can assess risks to a business by modelling the future,
using a blend of history, expectations and judgement. Completion of the professional exams usually takes five to eight
years.
Candidates should have a university degree with mathematics
or statistics as a major subject, or an honours degree in a What support will I receive from PwC?
non-mathematical subject, with at least 200-level papers in
• Payment of course fees.
mathematics or statistics.
• Study materials for part one.
To begin studying as an actuary, it is necessary to join the New
Zealand Society of Actuaries (NZSA) and an overseas actuarial • A number of study leave days to be spread across the
body which offers an actuarial qualification. programme.

What does it cover? • M

 embership to the NZ Society of Actuaries (NZSA) and one
other (i.e. Australia or UK).
To become a qualified Actuary, it is necessary to complete a
series of professional exams. You can sit the exams through the What do other people say about Actuarial?
following institutes:
“I picked the Actuarial qualification because I enjoy numerical
• T
 he Institute of Actuaries – leading to the qualification FIA: analysis, solving numerical problems and am naturally better with
Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries. numbers than words. It is a real test of resilience - the average
time to complete the qualification is seven years and this is after
• T
 he Institute of Actuaries of Australia – leading to the
tertiary study. Most people who choose to sit actuarial exams
qualification FIAA: Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of
would be used to getting reasonably good grades, but it is still
Australia.
challenging. It’s definitely character building. The workload is
The first exams cover the following technical material regardless manageable thanks to a really supportive work environment. You
of the Institute you’re enrolled with, including: need good time management skills to make sure you learn what
• financial mathematics you need to.”
• finance and financial reporting
Cordelia Chen
• probability and mathematical statistics
Manager, Consulting
• models
• contingencies
• statistical methods
• economics
• financial economics.

For more information and to apply for a

graduate position visit pwc.co.nz/studentcareers

7
 Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

Certified Information
Systems Auditor (CISA)

Is it the right qualification for me? What support will I receive from PwC?
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation is • Payment of course fees.
a globally recognised certification for information systems audit
• Study materials.
control, assurance and security professionals. Being CISA-certified
showcases your audit experience, skills and knowledge, and • T
 wo days study leave and one day exam leave where the exam
demonstrates you are capable to assess information systems falls on a normal day of work.
vulnerabilities, report on compliance and assess the design and
• Payment of annual membership fees.
operating effectiveness of information technology internal controls.
Commonly, those who work in our Risk Assurance practice elect to What do other people say about CISA?
undertake CISA. “The CISA designation compliments my work experience in
What does it cover? PwC’s Risk Assurance practice where I am focused on IT and
business process controls audits. It is an internationally recognised
The CISA designation is awarded to individuals with an interest in
qualification that has helped me assess and report on our clients’
information systems auditing, control and security who meet the
control environments in my role at PwC, and it is easily transferable
following requirements:
should I end up living and working overseas one day. I completed
• S
 uccessful completion of the CISA examination which is offered the CISA qualification in my first year with the firm, PwC covered the
twice a year in June and December. The examination is open to costs of study materials and also helped flex my client commitments
all individuals who have an interest in information systems audit, so that I had enough time to study. I had a peer group doing the
control and security. exam with me which meant that we all held each other to our
study promises and could collectively pop the champagne when
• Exerience as an Information Systems Auditor.
our results came through! Outside of work, I have recently been
• Adherence to the Code of Professional Ethics. appointed to the Board of the Auckland Chapter of ISACA, the
association behind the CISA designation. I am looking forward to
• Adherence to the Continuing Professional Education Programme.
being involved with the governance of the local chapter.”
• Compliance with the Information Systems Auditing Standards.
Mark Barboza
Manager, Risk Assurance

For more information and to apply for a

graduate position visit pwc.co.nz/studentcareers

8
 Chartered 2 Certified Professional 5 Chartered Actuarial 7 Certified Other 9
Accountants Practising Legal Studies Financial Information professional
6
Programme Accountants (Law Profs) Analyst (CFA) Systems qualifications
8
(CPA) Australia Auditor (CISA)
4

Other professional qualifications

There may be additional professional qualifications which are Benefits of professional qualifications
deemed relevant to your role at PwC. Where these are identified
Achieving a professional qualification is an investment in your
PwC may provide the following support:
future. It takes hard work and determination and can make a
Fees real difference to your career.
Course fees will be reimbursed on successful completion. Be the best you can be
Study leave Refine your current skills and practices and gain additional
professional tools and resources to excel in your chosen field.
• Up to a maximum of four hours per week paid study leave to
attend lectures / tutorials or for study by correspondence. Enhance your career
• Two days paid study leave per paper for preparation and Stay ahead of the game by ensuring that your skills remain up to
attendance of exams. date and relevant.
Professional membership Achievement of a professional qualification demonstrates
commitment to your field.
PwC will pay the subscription to one professional body per year
per qualified staff member. Research shows that individuals with professional qualifications
earn more than their counterparts.
Notes
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For more information and to apply for a

graduate position visit pwc.co.nz/studentcareers

© 2019 PricewaterhouseCoopers New Zealand. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the New Zealand member firm, and may sometimes refer to
the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.