The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the recruitment processes at the big professional services firms. The “Big Four” firms—Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC—all want to hire similar people, but the way they do interviews and the questions they ask can be very different. We’ve put together some notes on interview style and sample questions for the Big Four based on reviews of interviews from the last twelve months to help you prepare for the hiring round.
Landing a managerial position at PwC, one of the world’s most prestigious accounting firms, is a significant achievement. To help you navigate this critical juncture in your career, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide featuring common PwC manager interview questions and expert advice on crafting compelling responses.
Buckle up and get ready to ace your interview!
1. Could you explain how you think PwC’s commitment to quality and honesty in client services works?
A big part of PwC’s reputation is its ability to provide excellent, dependable service while also upholding the highest moral standards. This question asks you to explain what these values mean to you and how you’ve shown them in the past.
Example:
“PwC’s unwavering commitment to quality and integrity in client services is deeply ingrained in its culture. This commitment manifests through rigorous professional conduct, ethical business practices and a dedication to transparency. Quality at PwC means delivering high-value solutions that meet clients’ unique needs while adhering to regulatory requirements. Integrity on the other hand, is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Together, these principles form the backbone of PwC’s reputation and trustworthiness, ensuring long-term success for both the firm and its clients.”
2. How would you handle a situation where one of your team members is not meeting their performance expectations?
Managing a team effectively requires addressing performance issues constructively. This question assesses your leadership style, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Example
“In such a situation, I would first have a one-on-one discussion with the team member to understand any potential challenges they may be facing. This allows me to provide guidance and support where necessary. If performance doesn’t improve, I would then set clear expectations and goals for them to meet within a specific timeframe. Regular check-ins would also be scheduled to monitor progress and provide feedback. As a last resort, if there’s still no improvement, it might be necessary to consider reassigning tasks or exploring other roles within the company that better suit their skills and capabilities. Throughout this process, maintaining open communication is key to ensure the individual feels supported and motivated to improve.”
3. Based on your previous experience how have you managed teams through complex project implementations?
PwC frequently handles complex projects, and they want to ensure that their managers can effectively steer their teams towards successful completion. This question reveals your practical experience, decision-making process, and how you handle pressure and conflicts.
Example
“In managing complex projects I’ve found that clear communication is key. This includes setting expectations early on and maintaining transparency throughout the project lifecycle. I also believe in empowering team members by delegating tasks based on individual strengths. This not only ensures efficiency but also fosters a sense of ownership among the team. Risk management is another crucial aspect. By identifying potential issues upfront and creating contingency plans we can mitigate any negative impacts. Lastly, I utilize project management tools to track progress and ensure timely completion. This allows for real-time updates and helps keep everyone on the same page.”
4. What strategies would you use to ensure effective communication within your team?
Effective communication is vital for any managerial role, and in a globally connected organization like PwC, it’s even more critical. This question assesses your ability to facilitate open communication and foster a harmonious work environment.
Example:
“Effective communication within a team can be achieved through regular meetings, both formal and informal. These provide opportunities to share updates, clarify expectations, and address concerns. Open-door policy is another strategy I’d employ. This encourages team members to voice their ideas or issues freely, fostering transparency and trust. I would also promote the use of collaborative tools that make sharing information easy and efficient. Lastly, recognizing individual contributions publicly helps in building confidence and ensuring everyone feels valued, thus promoting open communication.”
5. Describe an instance when you had to make a difficult decision that was beneficial for the company in the long run.
This question assesses your strategic thinking, ability to make tough choices under pressure, and commitment to the company’s long-term success.
Example:
“In a previous role, we faced significant budget cuts. I had to make the tough decision of downsizing our team. It was challenging because it involved letting go of hardworking individuals who were assets to the company. However, I understood that for the financial health and sustainability of the organization, this step was necessary. We focused on cross-training remaining staff members to ensure efficiency wasn’t compromised. The result was a leaner, more versatile team, and the company regained its financial footing within a year. This experience taught me the importance of making difficult decisions with long-term benefits in mind.”
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Continue reading the full article with all 25 questions and answers by visiting the following link:
Top 25 PwC Manager Interview Questions & Answers
Remember, preparation is key to success. By thoroughly reviewing these questions and crafting compelling responses, you’ll be well-equipped to impress your interviewers and land your dream job at PwC.
Best of luck!
The interview process at Deloitte
Deloitte switched all of its recruitment on-line following the UK government’s most recent response to the Omicron variant. Simon Hallet, Resourcing Director says the firm takes a hybrid approach to its assessment and selection activities. The hiring manager may also want to meet in person, but Hallet says, “We will listen to what the candidate feels comfortable with and be open to in-person interviews at the end.” “We are thinking about whether to let candidates choose between a virtual and an in-person assessment center.” The assessment exercises and elements are the same. ”.
Hallet says that Deloitte’s interview questions are meant to find out about the candidate’s relevant experience, what drives them, and their strengths and subject matter expertise. For roles that involve more technology, there may be a skills test to see how well they know how to use a certain technology. Case studies are a good way for job candidates to get a feel for the job and show how knowledgeable they are about the job in a real-life setting. ”.
Hallett says Deloitte asks a variety of competency, strength and scenario style questions. Some examples of questions that could be asked during the process include;.
- We’re all better at Deloitte when we look out for each other and put our health and happiness first. How would you describe the way you help the people around you?
- Tell me about a time when you had to get things done with the help of other people.
The following questions are also known to crop up in Deloittes interview process:
- Talk about a time when you worked with others to reach a goal.
- Give me an example of a tough character you had to deal with.
- How would people describe you in three words?
- Why Deloitte?
- Why audit?
- Please describe a long-term project you’ve worked on.
- If you want to work as an accountant, why did you go to college?
- What’s good about you?
- Describe a time you defended a friend.
- How would you sell yourself?
- Which other companies are you applying to?
- You had to decide what to do at one point. Tell me about it. What were your thought processes when you made this decision?.
- What do you do to get better?
- Tell us about a time you led a team.
- What can you bring to Deloitte?
- How do you handle stress at work?
- Tell me about a time when you dealt with something new.
- Why are pot holes round?
- How many pens can I fit in this room?
- Why should Deloitte invest in you?
- What is your leadership style?
- What are you reading right now?
The interview questions of EY
There are surprisingly few up-to-date reviews of the interview process with Ernst & Young. What is available suggests that there are “Lots of behavioural and situational questions”, and “Very fast, informative interviews”.
EY tells applicants to get ready by thinking about relevant work experience and how they feel about current market trends and changes in the sector.
The interview could happen in person, over the phone, or via video chat. The company also says it might give candidates a written test, which could happen online or at a testing center.
EY seems to believe in case studies as an interview method and focuses on “personality and match with the firm.” They also have a slightly more structured and less conversational approach. “Tell me about a time when you had to show leadership” seems to be a question that people ask a lot.
Past questions include:
- Why do you want to work for EY?
- Describe a time you contributed to a high-performing team.
- Tell me about a time when you didn’t agree with someone and how you handled it.
- Tell me about a skill you haven’t talked about yet.
- What are you good at?
- What do you most enjoy studying?
- What gives you a buzz?
- Are you a starter or a finisher?
- Are you into big picture or detail?
- Describe a successful day you had recently.
- Have you ever done something differently the second time around?
- Tell me about your friends.
- Which three words would you friends use to describe you?
- What’s your biggest weakness?
- Have you ever wanted to stop doing something?
- Do you believe that to lead a group, you need to know a lot?
- Would you say you’re organized? Would your friends?
PwC Interview Questions with Answer Examples
FAQ
What is a director interview in PwC?
How many PwC manager interview questions are there?
Share Your Experiences Glassdoor has millions of jobs plus salary information, company reviews, and interview questions from people on the inside making it easy to find a job that’s right for you. 274 PwC Manager interview questions and 273 interview reviews. Free interview details posted anonymously by PwC interview candidates.
What is the PwC interview process?
The PwC interview process is rigorous, evaluating technical skills and a candidate’s ability to align with these principles. By asking PwC behavioral interview questions, hiring managers gain insight into how candidates behaved in past situations, predicting their future performance.
What questions should you ask during a job interview at PwC?
If you’re applying for a job at PwC, you’ll need to be prepared for some tough questions during your interview. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions asked by hiring managers at PwC, along with tips on how to answer them. What experience do you have working in the corporate world?
What does a PWC interview coach do?
Coaches focus on sharpening the communication skills necessary for the PwC interview process. They can offer mock interviews that simulate the HR interview or partner round you’ll encounter, helping you practice handling behavioral interview questions and receiving direct feedback.
