PwC Increases Referral Bonus… But CA Small Print Remains

We recently received the following intel from an anonymous PwC spy:

a smiling indentured slave

In a desperate attempt to recoup senior accountants (and accountants with any experience at all) the PwC Brisbane office has temporarily increased the referral bonus from $6K to $10K for Assurance staff. This is big news for anyone looking for a career change (may as well get experience in the big 4). Word of warning though, if you do decide to leave then beware of a clause where 12 months from the release of your CA exam results you still owe the firm: the cost of your subject, leave days, textbooks, and study support.

We can’t say we’re surprised that the firm is implementing new measures to stem the flow of workers: we revealed a leaked email a couple of months ago which demonstrated PwC’s increasing desperation to keep bums on seats.

And nor are we surprised to see the re-emergence of the thorny issue of CA exams, failing subjects and being “locked in” at a firm once you complete it. Late last year we reported suggestions that:

… There are a lot of extremely pissed of employees at PwC feeling a little bit like indentured slaves that get dictated everything. [First] a … pay cut to take ‘flexible’ leave. [Second]That there is no overtime system anymore (not that TOIL was awesome, but at least it was something). now CA. This firm just does not stop – graduates stay away and make sure you ask questions about how long your are locked in for if you want to do CA! PwC can now fire you if you fail 2 subjects. It’s all under the ‘policy’. Payraises were so bad this year that 2nd year accountants are only being paid $1k more than 1st years.

Does your firm have any policies you disagree with? Tell us.

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