pwc case study interview audit

The PwC Case Interview (Including Strategy&) – A Complete Guide

• Last Updated January, 2024

PwC is an accounting firm with a huge consulting arm. Its consulting business is as large as those of Bain, BCG, and McKinsey combined. If you’re interested in landing a job in the consulting industry, it’s a great firm to apply to because its business combines strategy consulting (Strategy&) as well as business transformation/implementation (PwC).

If you want to know more about PwC consulting and Strategy&, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss:

• An overview of PwC Consulting and Strategy&.
• The PwC recruitment process.
• The PwC case interview.
• The behavioral/fit interview.
• The PwC group case.
• The PwC individual presentation.
• Our 5 tips for preparing for PwC and Strategy& interviews.

Let’s get started!

PwC Consulting and Strategy& - An Overview

The pwc group case, the pwc recruitment process, the pwc individual presentation, the pwc case interview (including strategy&).

5 Tips for Preparing for PwC and Strategy& Interview

The PwC Behavioral Interview

PwC Consulting and Strategy & - An Overview

5 Tips for Preparing for PwC and Strategy & Interview

PwC employs over a quarter of a million people in 155 countries worldwide. Its operations are divided into two parts: Trust Solutions and Consulting Solutions. Trust Solutions focuses on its accounting and tax services. PwC Consulting Solutions help a broad spectrum of clients navigate complex business issues by leveraging PwC’s significant experience and range of capabilities.

Client case studies include:

• helping TransRe adopt an enterprise resource planning system to collect and manage data, offering insight and improved decision-making.
• supporting Chipotle to implement a loyalty program to improve customer relationships, build loyalty, and drive business growth.
• providing pro bono consulting to charity The Trevor Project to strengthen its technological capabilities and optimize its volunteer recruitment process.

How does PwC Consulting differ from Strategy&?

In 2014, PwC acquired Booz & Co., the commercial arm of consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, and renamed it Strategy&. While PwC Consulting focuses on typical management consulting cases and implementation projects, Strategy& specializes in strategy consulting.

Set up by PwC to attempt to compete with McKinsey, Bain, and BCG, Strategy& has over 3,000 consultants helping businesses shape their future strategies. Strategy& focuses on creating competitive advantage by “developing corporate and business unit strategies and building differentiating capabilities that outperform the competition.” ( Source: PwC )

Implementation of those strategies is handed over to PwC consulting teams. If you join PwC’s management consulting team you will, “help clients translate strategy into execution, closing the gap between ideas and outcomes, to transform the organization and achieve tangible business results.” (Source: PwC)

Like most other Big 4 firms (EY, Deloitte, and KPMG), the PwC recruitment process has multiple stages:

Stage 1: The PwC Application

For entry-level recruitment, the first stage of the PwC process is to submit an application form for the particular roles you’re interested in. You can search for your school’s application deadline on PwC’s interactive campus map. If you can’t find your school or have recently graduated, you should submit by their September deadline. You’ll be asked to pick your top 2 preferred office locations and you’ll need to submit a resume.

To learn more about how to write a stellar consulting resume, read Consulting Resume: Everything You Need to Know .

Stage 2: The PwC Online Test

A few hours after you’ve submitted your application, PwC will send you an assessment to complete via email. You have to complete the online test within 3 calendar days so it’s worth thinking about that when applying. The PwC online test is a series of games-based assessments to measure cognitive ability, behavioral preferences, and verbal and numerical reasoning.

Learn more by reading PwC Online Test .

Stage 3: The PwC Interview

If you successfully pass the online test, PwC will invite you to a series of interviews. These will include a case interview and behavioral interview and may include a group case and an individual presentation. The first of these interviews is sometimes conducted as a video interview where you’ll record your answers to a range of questions and case studies. Group interviews have traditionally been part of the recruiting process for sophomore consulting internship candidates and select other groups. It’s a good idea to clarify with your recruiting contact what types of interviews you’ll have.

In the past, the bulk of the remaining interviews, group, or individual activities took place during an assessment day. However, for 2021-22 recruitment, PwC US is moving to virtual interviewing. For Consulting Services, you’ll face two virtual, live interviews back-to-back. If you move forward in the process, there may be a final additional  interview.

Nail the case & fit interview with strategies from former MBB Interviewers that have helped 89.6% of our clients pass the case interview.

The case interview process is similar for both PwC Consulting Services and Strategy&. The case interviews are both candidate-led, which means you’ll be responsible for deciding what analysis you want to do and what the approach should be.

The PwC case interviews for Consulting Services applicants typically focus on profit optimization, cost optimization, and market sizing. For example, a recent candidate was asked to “Run me through a market sizing estimate of the iPhone market in Asia.”

For a breakdown of precisely what each of these types is, read Case Interview Types: Master Common Ones Before Your Interview .

The PwC Strategy& case interview includes more strategy-focused cases (such as make-vs-buy decisions, new product introduction, M&A, etc.), but how you tackle a case interview is the same no matter which area you’re applying for.

Following this 4-step model gives you the best chance for success:

• Understand the question . Make sure you understand what it is you’re being asked to do. Repeat back to the interviewing team what exactly you think the task is so they can correct you if necessary.
• Create a structured approach to the problem . Analyze what data you’ve been given and identify areas where you need more information about the client’s problem. Use a business framework to explore the case further or, better yet, create one of your own that’s specific to the issues in your case.
• Ask relevant questions and analyze the problem . Begin to share the assumptions you’re making about the case and ask the interviewing team questions about areas where you’re uncertain or need more data to inform your judgments.
• Effectively communicate your recommendation . Walk the interviewing team through your recommendation(s), explaining how you used the data provided to back up your recommendations. Make sure you call out any assumptions made or any risks associated with the action you’re proposing.

The fit or behavioral interview is a way for interviewers to figure out how well candidates would work within the firm’s culture and how they’d be in front of clients. Interviewers want to feel that they could work well with you if you were part of their team and that you’d represent the firm effectively on client projects.

While the exact questions will differ between firms, here are ten common questions asked in behavioral interviews:

PwC's Core Values

PwC has 5 core values that define its culture and approach:     

• Act with integrity
• Make a difference
• Work together
• Reimagine the possible

It’s important to ensure that when answering interview questions, you keep these values in mind. For example, if the interviewer asks you to tell them more about yourself or what you do for fun, pick stories that show where you’ve made a difference, challenged the status quo, or tried something new.

If you’re interviewing for several different firms, it’s important to tailor your responses to each individual firm. Try not to rely on stock answers about why management consulting is the role for you. Many other candidates will also be waxing lyrical about working with the best people, on the most interesting projects, for the most exciting clients.

Try researching cases the firm has recently been involved in and explain why they’re interesting to you. Or look into work the firm does regarding corporate social responsibility and talk about how it aligns with your values.

The Best Answers to PwC Behavioral Interview Questions Are Stories

Frame your examples as stories. Stories engage interviewers even after a long day interviewing dozens of candidates. While you want to remain professional, it’s ok to talk with emotion as you share your stories. Interviewers want to see humans, not robots! One of PwC’s core values is ‘Care’ so interviewers want to know what’s important to you and more about the things that make you you.

Make sure you also reflect on your own learning from the examples you want to share in your interview. You’ll likely be asked about how you work in a team, how you handle conflict, and how you overcome failure. Using a model like the ASTAR(E) framework helps you remember to share the effect that going through that experience had on you and how it’s changed how you would approach things in the future.

For the Strategy& interview specifically, it’s worth noting that you may face more behavioral questions than you expect. PwC is keen to check that you’re not just using Strategy& as an MBB backup and wants to make sure you’re a great fit for the firm.

To learn more about acing the behavioral interview, read The Consulting Fit Interview: What to Say, What NOT to Say .

PwC has traditionally used a group case as part of its recruiting process during the assessment day for some applicants (most frequently, undergraduate sophomores applying for internships). A typical group case experience involves you working within a small group to solve a business case.

Interviewers assess both analytical and behavioral competencies as you work in your team to solve the case. This means you have 2 roles during a group case. First, you need to contribute to solving the case — providing analysis, making logical assumptions and judgments, and offering insight to shape the overall recommendation you present to the client.

Secondly, you need to showcase how well you can work within a team — offering an opinion, demonstrating active listening, summarizing and building on others’ points of view, and leading the team towards consensus.

Recent interviewees have not had a group case as part of their PwC interview process. This is likely due to Covid restrictions, so make sure you are ready for a group case in the event PwC reintroduces them. If you want more help on preparing for a group case interview, read This Is What You Need to Know to Pass Your Group Case Interview .

As part of the recruitment process, you may be asked to prepare an individual presentation. This comes in the form of a written case presentation. Unlike other firms, PwC releases the information you’ll need to prepare your recommendation 48 hours in advance of the interview.

Using the information provided, you’ll have to prepare a PowerPoint presentation showing your analysis of the data, explaining any assumptions you’ve made, and detailing your client recommendations.

On the day of the interview, you’ll spend 15–30 minutes presenting your findings and then 15–30 minutes taking questions on them from the interviewing team.

Bain and BCG commonly request a written case, so this may feel familiar if you’ve interviewed for them. For more information on preparing for a written case interview, check out Written Case Interviews – Everything You Need To Know .

5 Tips for Preparing for PwC and Strategy& Interviews

Now you’re clear on the different elements that make up the PwC interviews, here are our top 5 tips for acing them:

1. Research

Make sure you do your research before your PwC or Strategy& interview. Understand what it is about the firm that appeals to you, what type of case work they’re involved in, and how else they get involved in the community.

It can sometimes be helpful to figure out what a company isn’t as much as what it is. So compare PwC to other firms and note the differences and why PwC still appeals. Learn their core values and what a typical day would involve as an analyst, or the specific role you’re applying for.

Ensure you also know as much as possible about the format for the interview. Are you expected to complete several tasks or just one? How much time will you have? Will you have a single interviewer or multiple? Company websites often describe the people they’re looking for to join their team — those will be the attributes you’ll be assessed against, so make sure you’re clear on what they are.

2. Prepare and Practice

Once you’ve done all your research, start your preparation. Use case interview examples to practice your casing skills. The linked page includes several PwC case examples as well as ones from other consulting firms. Make sure you feel confident in your case interview math skills too.

For your behavioral interview, make sure you’ve prepared answers to typical questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “How would you manage a challenging team member?” Make sure your answers follow the ASTAR(E) framework and that you’ve tailored them to show off how you meet the PwC core values. You can practice answering these questions with a friend or coach until you feel confident in your responses.

3. Follow a Structure

Consulting firms are looking for structured thinkers who can solve a wide variety of business problems. Show your structured problem-solving skills by creating a framework that identifies the key issues you want to address in the case and use this framework to keep your progress in the case on track. Building your answers around a framework can help ensure you cover all the important points succinctly and confidently.

4. Explain Your Approach and Any Assumptions

Remember your math teacher always used to tell you to show your work? Well, it’s the same during consulting interviews. If you’re using data or solving math problems during your PwC case interview and you end up with an incorrect answer, it’s important to gain as much credit as possible.

Maybe you just made a small error in your calculation but your assumptions and approach were sound. The interviewer will never know that unless you walk them through the steps you take as you’re solving the case. Make sure you talk aloud as you’re putting together the pieces of the case and ensure you clearly state any assumptions you’ve made as you present your final recommendation. By making your assumptions clear, you‘ll allow your interviewer to guide you if you get off-track.

5. Communicate Confidently

In the PwC case interview, once you’ve decided on a recommendation, make sure you communicate your thoughts confidently. While interviewers are obviously interested in your analytical skills, business acumen, and logical approach, they also care about how you’re going to appear in front of clients. They need you to be able to effectively communicate your thoughts and respond appropriately to questions and feedback.

This is also true of the behavioral interview, where your interviewers also care about how you’ll fit within their team and what it’d be like to work long hours on a project with you. They’ll expect you to talk with passion about things you care about, offer thoughtful or interesting stories in response to questions, and seem friendly, competent, and approachable.

– – – – –

In this article, we’ve covered:

• The difference between PwC Consulting and Strategy&.
• The stages of the PwC recruiting process.
• What you need to know about the PwC case interview, behavioral interview, group interview, and individual presentation.
• 5 tips for success in PwC interviews.

Still have questions?

• Our Ultimate Guide to Case Interview Prep .
• PwC Psychometric Assessment .
• The Big 4: How Do They Fit Into the Consulting Industry
• Group Case Interview .
• Written Case Interview .

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PwC Case Interview Guide 2024: Criteria, Technique & Tips

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) is one of the  Big Four Consulting Firms (along with KPMG, Deloitte, and EY). Every candidate who wishes to land the offer from PwC must go through an essential round called a “ case interview ” in the Assessment Center.

In this article, we’ll cover the complete overview of the PwC case interview and the tips and techniques to help you ace your case interview round. 

Overview of PwC case interview

The PwC case interview is a candidate-led interview used to assess candidates for technology and management consulting positions . Candidates are required to go through three to four 45-minute case study sessions, which simulate the actual work of consultants in the firm. 

The three common case types in the PwC case interview are individual case, group case, and written case.

A candidate must go through the case interview round in a full-day event consisting of two to three stages, known as “Assessment Center” in Europe/Middle East and “Super Day” in the US.

The PwC case interviews occur after the video interview

Candidates have to pass three rounds (Application -> Online test -> Video Interview) before getting into the case interview round .

If you successfully pass the case interview round, you will advance into the final round - partner interview. If you pass this final round, you will receive an offer from PwC within two weeks.

Application round: Submit your resume and cover letters via PwC online application platform. You need to craft your resume in consulting style and have an impressive cover letter .

PwC Online test : Take a series of online psychometric assessments, including situational judgment and numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning.

Video interview: includes fit/behavioral interview and workplace case studies. You will record yourself answering the given questions. PwC has an e-learn preparation for the video interviews . You can check it out!

Case interview: includes a series of case interviews (individual and group) to assess candidates’ traits and abilities as consultants.

Partner interview: candidates will go through an “informal” talk with the partner or senior manager of the local office they apply. This is similar to the fit interview at Bain and BCG .

PwC interviewers value leadership and business acumen

To ace the PwC case interview, candidates must demonstrate they have the five crucial qualities needed by PwC. “Whole leadership” and “Business acumen” are highly valued since these two are essential qualities for an aspiring consultant.

The five qualities, as stated in their “The PwC Professional” framework , are:

Whole leadership: Lead yourself and others to make a difference and create a positive impact in a responsible, authentic, resilient, inclusive, and passionate manner.

Business acumen: Bring business knowledge, innovation, and insight to create distinctive value for clients and PwC.

Technical and digital: Apply a range of technical, digital, and other professional capabilities to deliver quality and value.

Global and inclusive: Operate and collaborate effectively with a mindset that transcends boundaries and embraces diverse perspectives.

Relationships: Build relationships of high value that are genuine and meaningful.

Source: PwC Global

PwC case interview format is candidate-led 

PwC case interview is a candidate-led case interview , similar to the BCG case interview and Deloitte case interview . The interviewer will present the issue and require the applicant to lead and control every stage to solve the case: structure the problem, develop frameworks, request data, synthesize results, and provide solutions.

Candidate-led cases focus on one big problem

In candidate-led cases, you have to figure out how to solve a big case . This is opposed to interviewer-led cases , where the interviewer presents smaller questions about the case to the candidate.

You should take a top-down approach - break the problem into small parts of the issue tree and tackle each one at a time. 

Candidate-led cases are flexible

In a candidate-led interview, the candidate can choose their own suitable approach.

The interviewer usually forms a “universe” of data on the client and their problems for you to explore. If your issue trees and solutions seem to go beyond the given information (in a good direction), the interviewer can “make up” new information on the spot to help you solve the case in your way.

Candidate-led cases focus less on being right

In a candidate-led interview, you put less emphasis on giving a definite “correct” answer and focus more on creating a structured, reasonable approach .

An “acceptable” margin of error is allowed in the candidate-led interview since you must break down the problems by yourself without much assistance from the interviewer. 

To ace the candidate-led case interview, you need to understand the fundamentals of a candidate-led case . Our Case Interview End-to-End Secrets Program features countless instant-result tips and techniques for case interviews to help you maximize your performance!

After learning the tips and some sample cases, you will need exclusive feedback. Book a meeting with our coaches at MConsultingPrep now! Those ex-consultants will help you practice specific candidate-led case interviews, give you the most detailed and concrete feedback, and suggest the most suitable improvement methods. 

Three PwC case types

PwC case interviews usually include three types of interviews: individual case interview, group case interview, and written case interview.

PwC individual case interview

This is the standard type of PwC case interview. PwC has a similar candidate-led case interview style to BCG and Deloitte. Candidates will receive the case from the interviewer, which they need to define the issue and give solutions. There will be two or three cases for a 45-minute session.

PwC group case interview

The group case interview is popular in BCG, Bain and Big Four firms. A group case interview will usually go through five stages:

Stage 1: You will be assigned to a group of 3–6 applicants.

Stage 2: The group will be given a case and relevant information to solve.

Stage 3: You will be given 10 minutes to examine the case and prepare alone or in collaboration with another team member.

Stage 4: The group will discuss case questions for 20 minutes while the interviewers observe and take notes.

Stage 5: The interviewers will ask questions about the cases in the next 20 minutes.

PwC written case interview

The final type of case interview at PwC is the written case presentation .

At PwC, the case question and data are usually provided 48 hours before the presentation. Candidates must prepare PowerPoint slides and evidence to support their findings on presentation day.

Each candidate would have 15-30 minutes for presentation and another 15-30 minutes for Q&A with the interviewer. 

Fundamental framework to solve PwC case interview

To solve the PwC case interview, you need to develop an issue tree to break down your case. To create a suitable issue tree, you can use common frameworks for case interviews : Profitability framework, Business situation framework, McKinsey M&A framework, 4P/7P marketing mix, or Porter’s five forces model. 

To further enhance your case interview performance, you can also apply five effective tools (or mini-frameworks): External vs Internal, Quantitative vs Qualitative, Costs vs Benefits, 2x2 Matrix, and SWOT analysis. 

Five common frameworks for case interview

Profitability framework is mostly used to mathematically break down problems before switching to the qualitative framework for solutions. To use the profitability framework, candidates will split profits into revenues and costs.

Business situation framework is used to analyze a company situation in four areas - Company, Competitor, Customer, Products (3C-1P). This 3C-1P framework is flexible for many purposes, however it may be too generic and need customization depending on the situations. 

McKinsey M&A framework is used to assess a proposed merger and/or acquisition on three aspects: standalone values of each involved company, their synergy, and other factors. This framework is MECE and promotes customizations, and is one of the best M&A frameworks. 

4P/7P marketing mix in marketing for tangible work analyzes the 4P - Product, Price, Place and Promotion; while in service marketing three other Ps will be added in - People, Process, and Physical evidence. This framework focuses on the marketing aspect, hence unsuitable for multi-function strategies. 

Porter’s five forces model analyzes the industry surrounding a business in five aspects - Suppliers, Customers, Competitors, New entrants, and Substitutes. This framework is used to get an industry overview and understand the client’s context.

Five effective tools for case interview

External vs Internal method is quick and easy to segment information about a particular entity. The internal branch concern what is inside or intrinsic of the said entity, and the external branch concerns the outside factors. 

Qualitative vs Quantitative mini-framework is used for evaluations. Dividing items into two MECE groups reduces confusion and minimizes the risk of missing an essential item. 

Cost vs Benefit in the decision-making process is very straightforward - if the benefits of an option outweigh its costs, that option can be chosen.

2x2 Matrix is a decision-making tool where options are examined using two criteria, each of which forms an axis of the matrix. 

SWOT analysis mini-framework is seldom used in case interviews for being too generic. However, it can be used for a quick and easy evaluation of a company’s positioning within the industry context. 

To have a deeper understanding of the common framework used in the case interview, you can check our free article on Case Interview Framework .

How to prepare for PwC case interview?

To ensure the best performance possible in the PwC case interview, you can follow this 5-step preparation.

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with candidate-led case examples

PwC hasn’t provided any case examples on its official site. Still, you can start with candidate-led case interview examples from Bain to familiarize yourself with the format and how to interact with the interviewer.

Bain case sample: Coffee Shop Co.

Bain case sample: FashionCo.

Bain case sample: Associate Consultant Mock video

You can also get familiar with more case interview samples and all instantly-effective tricks for case interviews with our Case Interview E2E Secret Program . You can learn all the fundamentals and expose to a more detailed and in-depth analysis of case interview samples with suggestions.

Step 2: Practice consulting math

Interviewers intensely evaluate potential consultants' mental math because consultants have to deal with quantitative data daily. It might take too long for them to bring out a calculator whenever they need to calculate anything, and doing so during a negotiation appears unprofessional. 

Some people find consulting math challenging at first; however, a few techniques can help you ease into the process while still practicing effectively, such as:

Train your head: Do your daily calculations mentally unless an EXACT answer is required.

Start with small steps: At the start, a piece of scratch paper and a 5% margin of error help; once you are confident, discard the paper and narrow down the margin.

Establish a routine: Allocate some time for daily practice. This may be hard at first, but you can feel the improvement once you’ve overcome the inertia.

Step 3: Develop business intuition

Having business intuition sharpens your performance significantly in case interviews. Working on intuition is a gradual process that takes practice every day. You can improve your business intuition through two means:

Written material: It's a good idea to read business papers daily. You can also find excellent articles on the McKinsey , Bain , and BCG websites. Be careful, though, Because the important thing is not how many pages you read but what you learn from them.

Experience and observations: Don't just show up to work; try to figure out what the senior managers are doing, the reasoning behind each decision they made, and how it has affected the organization.

Step 4: Learn the fundamentals and frameworks

Practice the use of hypotheses and issue trees, the MECE principle, and the frameworks until you are comfortable using them– they are the backbone of candidate-led case interviews.

It might be tempting at first to go straight for the frameworks – if you make this common mistake, get ready for some very unpleasant surprises in the interview. Frameworks need a lot of customization to fit actual cases , and to customize effectively; you need fundamental knowledge.

Step 5: Perform mock interviews

Mock interviews are a great way to simulate the actual case interview session. Find a former consultant to help you practice; they have been through countless case interviews, both real and mock, and they know what’s required of a candidate, so they’re the best people to run your simulations with. 

MConsultingPrep can help you connect with ex-consultant coaches to receive more personalized feedback to improve what is lacking in your performance and enhance your chances of landing the offer. Book your mock case interview session with us right now!

Tips for the perfect PwC case interview

Nine tips for the perfect pwc individual case interview.

Tip #1: Understand the procedure of a candidate-led case interview

There is a five-step procedure to approach the PwC candidate-led case interview. 

Taking the case: You need to take notes on all information regarding the clients and the case situation. Keep your notes organized to refer back to them easier.

Clarifying: You will have time to gain more information and/or clarify the points you haven’t fully understood about the cases.

Structuring: You will need to break down the case business problem into smaller components to create the issue tree , allowing you to solve it in an effective and cohesive manner.

Hypothesizing: You must develop the hypothesis based on evidence and available data about the problems and find the root cause. If the initial hypothesis in a branch of the issue tree no longer makes sense, go to the next branch. If the hypothesis matches, stick to it to find the root causes and solutions.

Pitching: The pitch is your case interview's final product, where you summarize all findings and recommendations to solve the case. You need to deliver the pitch in a structured, top-down manner.

Tip #2: Have a perfect case opening

There are four reasons to make a good case opening while you deliver your case interview:

First, it shows you have complete control of the upcoming problem-solving process, which is critical in candidate-led cases.

Second, you can demonstrate your whole leadership and relationships with proactiveness - aligning yourself with PwC's five qualities mentioned above.

Third, a good case opening creates a great first impression. Consultants are expected to perfect everything from the beginning to the end, so this could make a good head start for a 30-minute interview.

Finally, this is an opportunity to align during the interview. After the interviewer has outlined the case details, explain the case to the interviewer in your own words to ensure you grasp the issue and align with the interviewer.

Watch more: How to open a case perfectly?

Tip #3: Map your next moves

Pause occasionally to summarize where you are and where you’re going next. It gives you a sense of direction and authority; additionally, you get plus points in the interview for an organized approach. 

This also gives your interviewer a chance to help you with your mistake. If your interviewer gives you advice, take it – assume it’s intended to be helpful.

Tip #4: Be consistent with your intended hypotheses

Always speak with the current hypothesis in mind, and that hypothesis must be in the issue tree. The sole purpose of the hypothesis-driven approach is to have your efforts and problem-solving steps guided and structured. 

Therefore, to avoid being overwhelmed by piles of data in your case interview, do a sanity check by returning to your issue tree - if what you're doing does not correspond to your present place on it, go back immediately!

Tip #5: Deliver your pitch in one structured manner

This is the most important tip to take because you need to show that you own the consultant qualities - being structured and straight to the point. Present your analyzes in one perfect, insightful, top-down, concise, and captivating final pitch.

Find a way to structure the problem; this will guide your discussion with the interviewer. Briefly explain the framework you plan to use, allowing the interviewer to comment. In general, the simpler the framework, the better. Once the interviewer endorses your framework, stick to it.

To structure your speech:

Begin with a summary line that states the key takeaway/intention.

Separate what you want to say into distinct sections. As much as possible, avoid jumping back and forth between items.

Number your items so you and your interviewer can keep track of them. It's even better to specify how many things you'll be discussing beforehand.

Make your recommendation based on the conclusions you reached from your discussion, even if you are unsure with so little data and time to discuss all the issues.

Tip #6: Make a personalized script

Make a script of what you're going to say and rehearse it a hundred times. Practice all of the formulaic phrases, such as the opening or data request. With enough practice, those lines will become second nature to you.

The secret to seeming professional in a case interview is to talk in a systematic and formal manner. Using scripts also saves brainpower, which you will undoubtedly want in case interviews.

Tip #7: Keep your notes organized

Neat note-taking greatly assists with your train of thought, making storing and organizing information easier. You're also demonstrating to the interviewer that you're well-organized and meticulous.

Divide your notes into three categories to make them easier to read and interpret: data, presentation, and scratch paper. When the interview begins, take three pieces of paper and name them appropriately. Here is the content that should be on each type of note:

Datasheet: note down and process any data the interviewer gives you, as well as your calculations.

Presentation sheets: draft things you’ll say to the interviewer.

Scratch paper: anything else you need to write out, such as brainstorming ideas.

Tip #8: Avoid long pauses

Take a minute to think; don't be afraid of the silence. If you really need silence to think, ask for a timeout or announce think-out-loud mode. However, taking it too long will backfire, especially if you can’t come up with something worthy of the long wait. Use the pause prudently, and always try to think as fast as possible while still being “correct”. 

Tip #9: Find and ask for more insights

Try your best to be in-depth and comprehensive with your analyzes. Always ask yourself, “Am I overlooking something?” and “Can I drill down further?”. 

This is also helpful when you are stuck in your analysis. You can try asking for insights from the interviewer (remember to state your purpose clearly) like this:

If you have a piece of data and don’t know what to make of it, ask for benchmarks to put the data into perspective.

If you are unsure which framework to employ, consider "segmentation" - look at how the customer or the industry often segments that item. If you need to know how they do it, ask the interviewer.

When you cannot see the problems in the case (probably resulting from the “MECE” of your issue tree), ask the interviewer nicely for a way out.

However, remember to manage your time well. If you take too long, the interviewer might force you to move on, and you will lose the time to solve the case holistically.

Four tips for the perfect PwC group case interview

You are being evaluated with many other candidates in group case interviews. So, how can you make yourself stand out? Here are six helpful recommendations to ace a group case interview.

Tip #1: Manage your ideas

Take your time processing the question and developing an orderly and structured response. If you allow yourself time to analyze, your answer will be more robust. Ask the interviewer for a few minutes to organize your thoughts, but avoid excessive silence when necessary.

Try not to intervene forcefully while others are speaking in group interviews. If you have a brilliant idea, write it down. That way, the flash of brightness won't fade from your memory.

Tip #2: Decide whether your role is a leader or team member.

This is the decision that needs to be made on the spot - other candidates are going for the “leadership role” of the discussion. If you want to lead, go right at it. However, you can still demonstrate desirable consultant qualities even as a team member.

If you decide to be the team leader, emphasize your facilitator role.

It’s a good idea to be proactive in proposing what topics to discuss, in what order they should be addressed, and how much time should be allocated to each issue. You can bring the group’s focus back together if the group gets off track.

By the end of the group discussion, make a point to compile people's different points. This puts you in a position to bring everyone together and ensure all candidates are on the same page.

If you decide to be a team member, speak to add value.

Candidates will take turns presenting answers to the interviewer. Before it’s your turn, listen carefully to other people’s answers and the interviewer’s feedback. This way, you can add valuable and helpful insights to the discussion. Remember, good points go to the quality of what you say, not the number of times you speak up.

Tip #3: Ask good questions

Asking outstanding questions will set you apart. It demonstrates that you are attentive and willing to learn more.

Great questions often target one or more objectives: explaining an unfamiliar term, clarifying the issue's purpose, or expanding the team's understanding of the setting or business.

Tip #4: View others as teammates

Seeing people as colleagues puts you in a collaborative attitude, which allows you to work successfully with others. You look to be both a helpful leader and a team player in this manner.

You can be the first to answer your interviewer's question to avoid seeming timid. You can encourage co-interviewees by emphasizing their excellent ideas, adding what you believe is lacking, and explaining your reasoning.

Three tips for the perfect PwC written case presentation

Tip #1: Skim and scan to gain an overview of the case quickly

Skim the data for a summary, then focus on supporting evidence. You need to remove irrelevant data by starting with a defined goal to find the data that answers questions or supports your findings.

You can practice speed-reading in daily activities. When reading newspapers, for example, ask yourself questions regarding the topics being covered, then explicitly hunt for solutions in the articles.

Tip #2: Timebox your activities during the presentation

To ensure adequate time management, allocate a precise time limit for each activity.

When that time limit is nearly over, quickly wrap up what you’ve been doing (e.g., skimming data) and move on to the next (structuring the problem).

In such a pressured interview setting, you easily make mistakes, so set aside some time for contingencies.

Tip #3: Present recommendations first

Tell them your solutions first, and explain later – it’s the results that count!

On a consultant's slide, the chart titles contain the most valuable insights, and their presentations and pitches start with the conclusion. You are an aspiring consultant, so act the same way during case interviews.

Scoring in the McKinsey PSG/Digital Assessment

The scoring mechanism in the McKinsey Digital Assessment

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KPMG case interviews are candidate-led, occur in the last stages of KPMG’s recruitment process, and typically last 30-45 minutes.

Case interview is the last round of EY hiring process with 3 phases: application, online tests and interviews. EY case interview lasts 30 - 45 minutes in total

Case interview is the last round of Deloitte hiring process with 3 phases: application, online tests & interviews. The whole process can take up to 2-3 months

PWC Case Interview: A Guide to Ace Your Interview

Are you preparing for a PWC case interview? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to ace your interview and land your dream job at PWC.

Posted May 11, 2023

Consulting Week (Apr 15-18)

Monday, april 15.

10:00 PM UTC · 60 minutes

Table of Contents

If you're looking to kick-start your career at PWC, acing the case interview is a crucial step towards landing your dream job. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail the PWC case interview. From understanding the structure of the interview, preparing for the case analysis, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, and communicating your thought process effectively, we’ve got you covered. Let's dive in!

What is a PWC Case Interview?

A PWC case interview is the standard interview process for consulting positions at the firm. Unlike traditional interviews, case interviews simulate a real-world business problem that PWC may be facing. The goal is to assess your ability to analyze a problem, think critically, and develop a well-structured and pragmatic solution. As a result, the case interview is designed to gauge your problem-solving skills, business acumen, and communication ability.

During a PWC case interview, you will typically be presented with a business problem and given a limited amount of time to analyze the information provided, identify the key issues, and develop a solution. You will then be expected to present your findings and recommendations to the interviewer, who will ask follow-up questions to test your understanding of the problem and your ability to defend your proposed solution. It is important to remain calm and focused during the interview, and to communicate your thought process clearly and concisely.

Why PWC uses Case Interviews and what it entails

Case interviews are an accurate predictor of how a candidate would perform in the job they are applying for. It tests how one thinks on their feet, how analytical they are, and how strategic they can be. This is why many consulting firms prefer to use this type of interview process. At PWC, case interviews typically last for an hour or two and involve one or two interviewers. You'll be presented with a real-life business situation and asked to solve the problem.

One of the benefits of case interviews is that they allow candidates to showcase their problem-solving skills in a practical setting. This is particularly important for consulting firms like PWC, where clients rely on the expertise of consultants to solve complex business problems. By using case interviews, PWC can ensure that they are hiring candidates who have the skills and experience necessary to provide valuable insights to clients.

Another advantage of case interviews is that they provide candidates with an opportunity to learn more about the consulting industry and the types of challenges that consultants face on a daily basis. This can be particularly helpful for candidates who are new to the industry or who are considering a career change. By participating in a case interview, candidates can gain a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in consulting and whether it is the right career path for them.

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Tips for preparing for a PWC Case Interview

Preparation is key when it comes to acing a case interview. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

• Research the company and the industry: Know the company and the industry trends. This will help you understand the case context better
• Practice with case studies: Practice with real-life case studies from books, websites, and other sources. This will help you develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Mock interviews: Practice with friends, family, or other candidates. This will help you familiarize yourself with the interview process and receive feedback.
• Brush up on basic concepts: Brush up on fundamental business concepts such as finance, accounting, marketing, and strategy.

Understanding the structure of a PWC Case Interview

Before you can prepare for the PWC case interview, it's essential to understand the structure. This will help manage your time and develop a well-structured solution.

The interview typically follows this structure:

• Introduction: The interviewer will introduce themselves and explain the case scenario.
• Problem analysis: The interviewer will ask you questions related to the problem to assess your understanding.
• Case analysis: You'll be given time to analyze the case, and the interviewer will ask you to walk them through your approach.
• Solution development: You'll develop a solution based on your analysis, and the interviewer will ask follow-up questions to test your assumptions.
• Conclusion: The interviewer will conclude the interview and ask if you have any questions.

How to approach and analyze a case during the interview process

One of the essential skills tested in a case interview is your ability to analyze a business problem. Here are a few strategies to help you approach and analyze a case:

• Listen actively: Ensure that you understand the problem correctly by asking questions or restating key points.
• Structure your thoughts: Develop a framework to guide your analysis. This will help you to explore all relevant areas of the problem.
• Focus on key issues: Identify the significant issues and prioritize them based on their impact on the problem.
• Perform calculations: Use quantitative methods to solve the problem. This can be done through data analysis, financial calculations, or forecasting.
• Check your assumptions: Ensure your assumptions are reasonable and logically sound. Be prepared to defend your assumptions if challenged.

Best practices for communicating your thought process during the interview

During the case interview, how you communicate your thinking is just as important as what you say. Here are a few tips for communicating effectively:

• Be clear and concise: Communicate your thoughts in a clear and concise manner to ensure the interviewer understands your reasoning.
• Engage with the interviewer: Communicate with the interviewer throughout the case interview to ensure you're on the right track.
• Be confident: Confidence in your approach and reasoning is essential in communicating your thoughts effectively.
• Be flexible: Be open to feedback and adjust your thinking if necessary.

Common mistakes to avoid during a PWC Case Interview

Here are some common mistakes that candidates make during a case interview that you should avoid:

• Lack of structure: Structuring your thoughts is crucial during a case interview. It helps prevent you from missing critical details and ensures that you have a logical flow.
• Incorrect assumptions: Ensure that your assumptions are reasonable and based on the information provided in the case. Incorrect assumptions can lead to incorrect recommendations.
• Not enough analysis: Taking shortcuts can lead to missing critical details and flaws in your analysis. Ensure that you explore all significant issues and analyze them thoroughly.
• Not being data-driven: Use data and facts to support your analysis. It demonstrates that you're using a logical approach and improves the accuracy of your recommendation.

How to showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview

The PWC case interview is all about demonstrating your problem-solving skills and business acumen. Here are a few tips to showcase your problem-solving skills:

• Be logical: Demonstrate your logical thinking through how you guide the interviewer through your approach.
• Show creativity: Be creative in your approach and solution development when applicable. This showcases that you are not just giving a generic response.
• Show structure: A well-structured approach shows that you are thorough in your analysis and thought process.
• Provide actionable recommendations: Provide recommendations that the company can easily implement that will solve the issues discussed in the case.

Frequently asked questions during a PWC Case Interview

Here are some common questions that may come up during a case interview:

• What is the most significant issue facing the company?
• What would you do if you were in the client's shoes?
• What is the company's competitive landscape?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the solution you are proposing?

Preparing for follow-up questions after the case analysis

After proposing your solution, the interviewer will likely ask follow-up questions to test your assumptions and understand your reasoning. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Be confident: Be confident in your solution, reasoning, and assumptions. If you're not confident, the interview can question your problem-solving abilities.
• Think critically: Think critically and analytically about your solution, highlighting potential flaws, and their potential impact.
• Be open to feedback: Be open to feedback and adjust your thinking if necessary. This demonstrates humility and flexibility in your approach.

How to demonstrate your passion and fit for the company culture

PWC is known for its unique culture, where diversity, community, and teamwork are highly valued. During the case interview, you can demonstrate your fit with the company's culture by:

• Demonstrating passion: Show passion for the job and the company by discussing how you align with the company's philosophy and mission statement.
• Be engaging: Engage with the interviewer and ask questions related to the company culture that demonstrates your interest in the company beyond the role.
• Showcase teamwork: Show teamwork by highlighting how you work well with others. This can be presented through past work or academic scenarios.

Tips for following up after the interview

After the interview, it's essential to follow up with a thank-you email and reiterating your interest in the position. This shows professionalism and a genuine interest in the job.

Success stories of individuals who aced their PWC Case Interviews

There are many success stories of candidates who aced the PWC case interview. These stories can inspire you and provide insight into their approaches and strategies. Here are a few:

In conclusion, acing the PWC case interview can be challenging, but with preparation, structure, and logic, you can boost your chances of success. It's essential to remember that the case interview is about demonstrating your problem-solving ability and suitability for the company culture. By focusing on these priorities, you'll give yourself the best chance of landing the job. Go get it!

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PwC (Strategy&) Case Interview (questions, process, prep)

Interviewing at PwC and their strategy subsidiary (Strategy&) is very demanding. PwC uses a combination of case interviews, written case presentations, and group case study interviews to evaluate candidates.

This may sound overwhelming, but don't worry. We've put together the ultimate guide to PwC's consultant interview process. With the information and resources below, you'll be one step closer to landing a job offer. 

Here's an overview of what we'll cover:

• Interview process
• Fit and PEI questions
• Case interviews
• Group case interviews
• Presentation
• Preparation

Right, let's get into it.

Click here to practise 1-on-1 with PwC ex-interviewers

1. pwc consulting is bigger than all the mbb firms.

When it comes to consulting, PwC is a juggernaut. With $22bn in consulting revenue in 2022, PwC's consulting business line is bigger than McKinsey, BCG and Bain combined.

The huge growth of PwC's consulting business has been driven primarily through acquisitions. This includes the acquisition of Booz & Company in 2014, which formed the PwC group known as Strategy&.

PwC divides their consulting business into 2 primary branches.

• Strategy& focuses on executive level strategy, including capability identification, operating model, and market position. It also advises on creating growth, by increasing margins, reducing costs, and driving lean operations. 
• PwC Consulting focuses on digital strategy, implementation of technology tools, and integration and innovation programmes. But also M&A strategy, executing deals, restructuring organizations, and implementing post-merger improvements.

The work you'd do in the Strategy& branch of PwC, is very similar to the work you'd find at McKinsey , BCG or Bain . Whereas the work you'd be doing in PwC Consulting is closer to the type of consulting the other Big 4 firms do. If this peaks your interest, you can learn more in our article that compares Big 4 to MBB firms . 

  2. PwC (Strategy&) interview process overview

 PwC Consulting and Strategy& use 4 steps in their recruitment process:

• Resume  and cover letter screening
• Online assessment tests
• First round interviews
• Second round interviews

Let's take a closer look at each step. Please keep in mind that each step may vary based on location and role. It's always a good idea to check with your HR contact, to get more specific details based on your interview track. 

2.1. Resume and cover letter screening

First, recruiters will look at your resume and assess if your experience matches the open position. This is the most competitive step in the process—we’ve found that 90% of candidates don’t make it past this stage.

You can use this free resume guide  and this free cover letter guide  to help tailor your application to the position you’re targeting. 

And if you’re looking for expert feedback, you can also get input from our team of ex-MBB recruiters , who will cover what achievements to focus on (or ignore), how to fine tune your bullet points, and more.

2.2 PwC (Strategy&) online assessment tests

After the initial application, you'll face the   online assessment. The assessment may be one or multiple tests. To get through to the next round, you'll need to score better than at least 50% of applicants (50th+ percentile) .

Here's a snapshot of the assessment tests used at PwC Consulting (note: you can expect similar tests at Strategy&).

A lot of candidates are eliminated at this stage, so make sure you practice beforehand and that you're getting good scores before taking the real thing.

You can practice taking the test on the PwC website.

2.3 First round interviews

First round interviews are usualy conducted via an online video call. You can expect one behavioral interview, and one case interview, often in the form of a market siziing question. These will be unstructured, in the sense that you won't be given any additional information when you're asked the question (you'll need to ask questions in order to get that). Recent examples reported on Glassdoor include:

• Estimate the size of the market for a pen manufacturer
• What is the size of the market of computer mouses in France (BtoB & BtoC segments)?
• Estimate the size of the market for accounting services for SMEs.

2.4 Second round interviews

Second round interviews are usually a "Super Day", OR a case presentation. Note that the term "Super Day" is usually used in the US, and the term "Assessment Centre" is more common in Europe.  

Here's what it entails:

• Super Day (Assessment Centre)
• All-day evaluation at a PwC facility
• 2 behavioral interviews
• 1-2 standard case interviews (structured or unstructured)
• 1 group case interview (structured)
• Written case presentation
• Receive a case from the recruiter
• Prepare a PPT deck with your analysis
• Present in-person and engage in Q&A

Now you have a good overview of the interview process, let's take a look at what kind of questions you can expect to face and how you can prepare to ace each part of your PwC consulting interviews.

3. Top behavioral interview questions asked at PwC (Strategy&)

Behavioural interview questions asked at PwC Consulting and Strategy& fall into two main categories:

• Fit questions. These are generic questions such as “ Why consulting? ” or “ Why PwC? ”.
• Personal Experience Interview (PEI) questions. These are questions such as “Tell me about a time when you led a team through a difficult situation.” Or “Tell me about a time where you had to manage a team conflict”

To prepare, consulting fit / PEI questions   in the past. But in summary here are the top 5 fit and PEI questions you should prepare for at PwC, Strategy&, or other consulting firms.

Top 5 fit questions:

• Why PwC? ( this article will help )
• Why consulting?
• Walk me through your resume
• Tell me about something not on your resume
• Tell me about your greatest accomplishment

Top 5 PEI questions. Tell me about a time when ...

• You led a team through a difficult situation
• You worked in a team and had to manage a conflict
• You had a disagreement with a colleague / boss
• You had to change someone's / a group's mind
• You overcame a really difficult challenge

If you would like guidance on how to answer these and any other behavioral questions you're likely to face in your PwC interview, questions, check our article on the McKinsey Personal Experience Interview (it's totally relevant for non-McKinsey candidates too).

Now, let's crack some cases!

4. PwC (Strategy&) case interviews

Case interviews at PwC Consulting and Strategy& are candidate-led. The style is similar to what you will experience in a   BCG case interview   or a   Bain case interview .

For a candidate-led case interview, there are 7 types of questions you need to prepare for:

• Framework development
• Framework exploration
• Quant question – Data provided
• Quant question – No data provided
• Creativity question
• Recommendation

You can read more about case interviews and how to prepare for them, in our free case interview guide . You can also get a sense of what candidate-led case interviews are like, using the video below. As we mentioned, case interviews at PwC Consulting (and Strategy&) are typically candidate-led and therefore use the same format as BCG and Bain.

5. PwC (Strategy&) group case interviews

As mentioned in the overview above, group case interviews are sometimes used in the second round at PwC Consulting and Strategy&. Here is the key information you need to be aware of for this type of interview:

• Candidates get divided into groups of 4 to 6
• Each group is given information about a case (i.e. a client facing a problem)
• You are given 10mins to review the materials by yourself or with another person in your group
• You are then asked to discuss a few questions about the case for 20mins with the rest of your group in front of your interviewers
• The interviewers will ask a few questions to the group for 15 to 20mins

Click here to download a sample group case study interview problem from PwC.

This type of case mainly tests your ability to work with others. Interviewers won't intervene during the group discussion. They will just observe the group dynamics and mark each participant based on how they are contributing to the discussion.

Here are the   top 3 things you should aim to do   in your group interview:

• Speak with a purpose. At the beginning of a group discussion, a lot of candidates will want to speak their mind as they know participating is important. But participating is not enough. The QUALITY of your input is crucial. Sometimes, it's better to let two or three people get the discussion started. And to then make a very thoughtful point based on how they started the discussion. Focus on the quality of your input, not the quantity.
• Involve everyone. Another tip that's easy to apply is to keep an eye on who's participating in the conversation and who's not. If you identify a member of the group who's struggling to make themselves heard, you should not hesitate to help them be heard by saying something like: "We haven't heard everyone's opinion on this yet. John, Rebecca what do you think?"
• Summarise. Finally, at the end of the 20 minutes group discussion it's a good idea to summarise the different points people have made. This will position you as the person bringing everyone together and making sure all candidates are on the same page. It is something some partners in consulting like doing with clients in real life and will therefore reflect positively on you.

And the   top 3 things you should really avoid doing :

• Being easy to read. Group interviews is the time to put your poker face on. Everyone is stressed in a group interview. But you need to try your best to come across as confident. A good way to do this is to focus on basic body language: look at people in the eye, sit confidently, don't cross your arms, try not to fiddle with your hands, etc.
• Interrupting others. Consultants need to be client-friendly, and interrupting someone in a discussion is not client-friendly at all. You should listen carefully to what others are saying. Try to have a genuine interest in what they think. Before making your point, summarise their point to show that you understand what they mean.
• Dominating the conversation. Finally, some candidates are so eager to participate in the conversation that they end up completely dominating the rest of the group without realising it. A good tip to avoid this is to keep an eye on how much time you talk. If you are in a 5-person group you should aim to speak 20% (1/5th) of the time and really no more than 25%.

Your performance in regular and group case interviews will play a big role in the firm's decision to give you an offer. If you'd like to learn more about group case interviews, check-out our separate detailed guide here .

6. PwC (Strategy&) case presentations

The final type of case interview used by PwC (Strategy&) is a written case presentation.

Here's a quick overview of what to expect:

• Receive the case 2 days in advance
• Prepare PPT slides with your recommendations and supporting data
• On the day of your interview, you'll have a...
• 15-30 minute rehearsed presentation
• 15-30 minute Q&A discussion with the interviewer

PwC Consulting does written cases a bit differently than other firms. For example, BCG would only give you 1-2 hours to prepare, but PwC Consulting sends the case 48 hours in advance. 

For this type of interview, Strategy& more closely resembles BCG and Bain , because they may not provide the case until you're at the interview location. 

As a note, a written case presentation is VERY different from a normal case interview, so don't think you can get through on your normal case interview skills. In order to prepare, we recommend you study our in-depth written case interview guide .

7. PWC (Strategy&) case interview preparation plan

In this section, we're going to cover the most important things you can do in order to prepare for your interview and land that consultant job at PwC.

7.1 Learn the case interview essentials

The best starting point for your case interview prep is our case interview prep guide . It'll take you through all the different types of questions you may be asked in your case interview, show you how to draw from different frameworks to structure your answer, and give you example cases to practise with.

7.2 Become really confident at maths

You don't have to have a perfect GPA or GMAT score to succeed at case interview maths. However, during your  PwC / Strategy&  interviews, you will be expected to quickly perform accurate mental maths. 

In order to do this, it’s essential to know the formulas for common metrics, like return on investment or breakeven point. And it’s also helpful to know a few maths shortcuts to help you solve problems more quickly. To learn more about these topics, check out our free guide to case interview maths . 

In our experience, the most successful applicants start their interview preparation by practising maths skills, so make sure you prioritise this step. 

7.3 Research the company

PwC Consulting and Strategy& interviewers want to hire candidates who are deeply motivated to work for their firm. Make sure you're up to date in the latest developments in the area of the company you're applying to join. The Strategy& homepage and the PwC and Strategy& YouTube channels are good places to start.

Be sure to read what PwC say about their values and what they're looking for. In addition, do some networking so that you can show you've made the effort to reach out to current staff.

7.4 Do mock interviews

How you solve each case is important, but your interviewers will also be evaluating how you COMMUNICATE your answers. It's important to speak in a structured way that makes it easy to clearly understand your points.

The best way to hone your communication skills is to practise interviewing out loud, and you can do that in three main ways:

• Interview yourself (out loud)
• Practise interviewing with friends or family
• Practise interviewing with ex-interviewers

To help you with this process, here is a  broad  list   of consulting interview questions  you can practice with.  Practising by yourself is a great way to get started, and can help you get more comfortable with the flow of a case interview. However, this type of practice won’t prepare you for realistic interview conditions.

After getting some practice on your own, you should find someone who can do a mock interview with you, like a friend or family member.

We’d also recommend that you practise 1-1 with ex-interviewers from PwC / Strategy&. This is the best way to replicate the conditions of a real case interview, and to get feedback from someone who understands the process extremely well. Meet our MBB ex-interviewers who’d love to work with you.

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Business case prep

Our interview process includes a total of three to four 45-minute interviews. Both sessions include a real-world case discussion that allows you to demonstrate your analytical skills. 

The business case is your opportunity to show us how you go about solving sophisticated business problems and how you structure your thoughts.

Here are some tips to help you do well in the business case interview:.

• Listen carefully; ask questions if there are any points you don’t understand.
• After the interviewer outlines the case parameters, summarize the case for the interviewer in your own words to confirm you understand the problem.
• Take a minute to think; don't be afraid of the silence.
• Find a way to structure the problem; this will guide your discussion with the interviewer. Briefly explain the framework you plan to use, giving the interviewer a chance to comment. In general, the simpler the framework, the better. Once the interviewer endorses your framework, stick to it.
• Start with the first element of your framework and work through the answer out loud so the interviewer can evaluate your analytical structure and help you along.
• Be aware of the time you have; move through your framework at a pace that allows you to touch on all the elements you described at the beginning.
• Pause every so often so your interviewer has a chance to course correct. If your interviewer gives you advice, take it – assume it’s intended to be helpful.
• Toward the end of the case discussion, be prepared to take a stand and make a recommendation. You might feel uncomfortable making a call with so little data and so little time to discuss all the issues. Remember that this is just an exercise. Make your recommendation based on the conclusions you were able to reach from your discussion.
• Be confident and – perhaps most important – relax and try to have some fun. You’ll feel more self-assured if you practice, practice, practice before the interview.
• You can get sample cases to practice on from the consulting club at your school. Don’t read the cases ahead of practicing – find a partner (ideally a second-year student who just completed a consulting internship) to test you. Don’t be embarrassed if you don't do well. No one performs well on all cases, especially in the beginning.

Remember, there is no single right way of answering a case. If you’ve shown your thought process and come to logical and reasonable conclusions, you will successfully " crack the case. "

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Hacking the Case Interview

PwC (including Strategy&) interviews consist of case interviews, written case interviews, group case interviews, and behavioral or fit interview questions. The office and group that you are interviewing for will determine which of these types of interview questions you will get.

If you have an upcoming interview with PwC or Strategy&, we have you covered. In this article, we’ll go through in detail:

• PwC and Strategy& interview processes
• The 6 steps to solve any PwC (Strategy&) case interview
• PwC (Strategy&) case interview examples
• The PwC (Strategy&) group case interview
• The PwC (Strategy&) written case interview
• PwC (Strategy&) behavioral or fit interview questions
• Recommended PwC (Strategy&) case interview resources

If you’re looking for a step-by-step shortcut to learn case interviews quickly, enroll in our case interview course . These insider strategies from a former Bain interviewer helped 30,000+ land consulting offers while saving hundreds of hours of prep time.

PwC and Strategy& Interview Processes

Strategy& interview process.

If you are applying to Strategy&, the interview process typically consists of two rounds. Each round has two to three 45-minute interviews.

These interviews will be focused on case interviews and behavioral or fit interview questions. Roughly half of the time will be spent on the case interview. Your interviewers will try to save the last 5 to 10 minutes of each interview for your questions.

Here is what a Strategy& interview process could look like:

• Strategy& first round interview : Two 45-minute interviews. For both interviews, roughly 10 minutes will be spent on behavioral or fit questions, 30 minutes will be spent on the Strategy& case interview, and the last 5 minutes will be time for you to ask questions.
• Strategy& final round interview : Three 45-minute interviews. One interview will be more heavily focused on behavioral or fit interview questions. The other two interviews will be primarily focused on Strategy& case interviews.

It is important to know that Strategy& emphasizes behavioral and fit interview questions much more than the average consulting firm. You’ll spend a bit more time answering these questions than you would at firms such as Bain, BCG, Deloitte, or Accenture.

Interviewers want to ensure that candidates that are interviewing for Strategy& actually want to work there. They want to screen out candidates that are treating Strategy& as a backup firm to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

PwC Consulting Interview Process

If you are applying to Management Consulting,  Technology Consulting , or Risk Consulting, you may have an online assessment and up to three rounds of interviews.  

• PwC Assessment Test : online assessment used to evaluate cognitive skills and overall competency
• PwC first round interview : One 30-minute interview with a recruiter focused on behavioral or fit interview questions
• PwC second round interview : Two interviews focused on case interviews and behavioral or fit interview questions
• PwC third round interview : Three to five interviews focused on case interviews, behavioral or fit interview questions, a written case interview, and/or a group case interview

There is a lot of variability in the types of interviews you could get in your last round of interviews. Depending on the office and group, some candidates may get a written case interview or a group case interview. Others may just get normal case interviews.

The 6 Steps to Solve Any PwC (Strategy&) Case Interview

PwC and Strategy& case interviews are all candidate-led. This means that you will be expected to drive the direction of the case. You will suggest what areas to explore, what analyses to do, and what the next step should be.

On Strategy&’s case prep website , they state that there is no single correct way to answer a case. If you show your thought process and develop logical and reasonable conclusions, you will have successfully solved the case.

Follow these six steps to solve any case interview.

1. Understand the case

The case will begin with the interviewer giving you the case information. While the interviewer is speaking, make sure that you are taking meticulous notes on the most important pieces of information. Focus on understanding the context of the situation, the company, and the objective of the case.

2. Verify the objective

Understanding the business problem and objective of the case is the most important part of the case interview. Not addressing the right business question is the quickest way to fail a case interview.

Make sure that you ask clarifying questions to better understand the business situation and problem. Then, confirm that you understand the case objective with the interviewer. This ensures that you start the case on the right track.

3. Create a framework

Develop a framework to help you tackle the business problem. A framework is a tool that helps you structure and break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. With a framework, you’ll be brainstorming different ideas and organizing them into different categories.

Afterwards, walk the interviewer through your framework. They may ask a few questions or provide some feedback to you.

For a complete guide on how to create tailored and unique frameworks for each case, check out our article on case interview frameworks .

4. Develop a hypothesis

After creating a framework, you should develop a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an educated guess on the answer based on the data and information that you have so far.

Your hypothesis does not need to be correct. You’ll be continuously testing and refining your hypothesis throughout the case. The purpose of having a hypothesis is to guide your analysis and ensure that you are spending your time answering the right questions.

5. Test your hypothesis

The majority of the case will be spent testing your hypothesis.

After stating your hypothesis, it is up to you to lead the direction of the case. Depending on the context of the case, you may want to ask for data to do some analysis. You may also want to explore qualitative questions that you have. As you uncover more information, your hypothesis will likely have to change. 

Sometimes, your hypothesis will be completely wrong and you’ll need to develop a completely new hypothesis to test. Other times, your hypothesis may be on the right track, but you’ll need to refine or narrow it down further.

Throughout the rest of the case, you’ll be answering a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions. Make sure that after each question, you explain how your answer impacts your hypothesis or answer to the case.

6. Deliver a recommendation

In the last step of the case interview, you’ll present your recommendation and provide the major reasons that support it. You do not need to recap everything that you have done in the case, so focus on summarizing only the facts that are most important.

It is also good practice to include potential next steps that you would take if you had more time or data. These can be areas of your framework that you did not have time to explore yet or lingering questions that you do not have great answers for.

PwC (Strategy&) Case Interview Examples

We've compiled examples of PwC and Strategy& case interviews below that were given to candidates in the past.

Example #1 : How can Royal Caribbean cruises double revenue over the next five years?

Example #2 : Your client is a national packaging manufacturing company that makes cardboard boxes in various sizes. How can they improve profitability?

Example #3 : The top two concrete suppliers in South America are considering a merger. Should they merge? What considerations would you think through when making this decision?

Example #4 : A fast food chain based in Alabama is considering introducing fresh meat hamburgers into their menu. They previously have only served hamburgers made from frozen meat patties. What will be the impact of introducing fresh meat hamburgers?

Example #5 : A construction company is considering increasing their prices for road maintenance services. Should they increase prices? If so, by how much should they increase prices by?

Example #6 : A national insurance company is looking for opportunities to cut costs. What recommendations would you have for them?

Example #7 : A prestigious undergraduate university in the northeast is considering launching online learning classes that would be available for students that are not enrolled in their on-campus classes. What considerations would you think through in order to determine if this is a good idea?

Example #8 : A local airline is considering adding alcoholic beverages to their menu of in-flight food and drink. What will be the impact on profitability for this business decision?

For more practice, check out our article on 23 MBA consulting casebooks with 700+ free practice cases .

The PwC (Strategy&) Group Case Interview

For some offices, PwC (Strategy&) uses a group case interview in their final round of interviews. This special type of case interview focuses on assessing how well you can collaborate and work with other people. Teamwork is an essential skill to have.

Here’s what you should expect:

• You’ll be put into a group with 3 to 5 other candidates
• The interviewer will hand out the case background materials
• You’ll have 10 to 15 minutes to review the materials and prepare
• The group will have an open discussion for 15 to 20 minutes
• During this discussion, interviewers will be observing candidates and will not interfere
• Afterwards, the interviewer will ask the group specific questions for 15 to 20 minutes

Your goal in a group case interview is to add value to the group. There are six different ways that you can do this:

• Lead or facilitate the discussion : You can propose what topics to discuss, the order they should be discussed in, and how much time should be allocated towards each topic. If the group gets off track, you can bring the group’s focus back together.
• Expand upon other people’s ideas : If a group member suggests a great idea or raises a good point, build upon it and make it even better.
• Synthesize information : You can summarize information that other people have said and reconcile different viewpoints and ideas together.
• Keep track of time : You can volunteer to keep track of time and make sure that the group is on track.
• Play devil’s advocate : You can help your group develop strong ideas by testing the team’s thinking by considering potential risks or downsides of their ideas.
• Take notes:  You can keep track of what other people are saying so that you can recall what has been discussed if any group members have questions.

An important thing to remember about group case interviews is to treat your group members as teammates instead of competition. This is not an exercise in which you are competing with others.

Interviewers are trying to determine whether you would be a great teammate. Multiple people or even all people in your group can receive job offers. Therefore, focus on adding value to the group rather than on making yourself look better than your group members.

For a full guide on group case interviews, check out our consulting group case interview step-by-step guide .

The PwC (Strategy&) Written Case Interview

For some offices, PwC (Strategy&) uses a written case interview in their final round of interviews. This special type of case interview focuses on assessing how well you can analyze information and communicate your insights.

• PwC (Strategy&) will provide you with case background material
• You will have an hour to review the material and prepare 3 to 5 slides
• You will have 30 minutes to present and discuss your recommendation with the interviewer, who will challenge your assumptions and ask follow-up questions

To solve any written case interview, follow these eight steps.

1. Understand the business problem and objective

The first step in completing a written case interview is to understand what the objective is. What is the primary business question you are trying to answer with the data and information provided?

2. Read the list of major questions

Some written case interviews will provide you with a list of 3 – 4 key questions that you will be expected to address or answer. Read through these questions first since these will be the questions that you will want to prioritize.

If the written case interview is more open-ended and does not provide you with a list of key questions, skip this step and move onto the next step.  

3. Skim the materials

Next, flip through the information packet that is provided to see what information is available. Identify what data you have and what data you do not have.

The goal in this step is not to read and analyze every slide. That would take too much time. Instead, by seeing what information exists, you will be able to better prioritize what you spend your time reading and analyzing.

4. Create a framework

Before you begin reading and analyzing the information in the slides in more detail, you should create a basic framework to help guide your analysis. If you are provided with a list of key questions or pre-filled slide templates, then this will likely be the foundation of your framework.

Otherwise, based on what information exists in the information packet, identify the three to four key questions you need to answer or investigate.

5. Read and analyze the material 

Afterwards, read and analyze the information that is relevant to each area of your framework. As you begin answering questions and drawing insights, make sure to write a one or two sentence summary. This will make it easier to decide on a recommendation later.

6. Decide on a recommendation

Review the list of key takeaways that you have summarized from answering all of the major questions in your framework. Decide on what recommendation these findings collectively support.

Remember that there is typically no right or wrong recommendation. As long as your recommendation is supported by data and evidence, you will be in great shape.

7. Create your slides

Once you have a recommendation, it is time to start filling in your slides. You should use the following structure when creating your slides:

• Slide 1: Present your recommendation and the three reasons that support it
• Slide 2: Present your first reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 3: Present your second reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 4: Present your third reason and the data that supports it
• Slide 5: Summarize everything that you’ve covered so far
• Slide 6: Propose potential next steps

8. Prepare for potential questions

If you have any time remaining, brainstorm potential questions the interviewer may ask you during your presentation. They may want to know how you performed your analysis or how you reached your conclusions.

Preparing for these potential questions will help your presentation go much more smoothly. You will also feel much more confident while presenting.

For a full guide on written case interviews, check out our consulting written case interview step-by-step guide .

PwC (Strategy&) Behavioral or Fit Interview Questions

In addition to case interviews, you will likely be asked a few behavioral or fit interview questions. There are ten questions that are most commonly asked.

1. Why are you interested in working at PwC or Strategy&?

How to answer: Have at least three reasons why you’re interested in working at PwC or Strategy&. You could mention that you loved the people that you have met from the company so far. You can talk about PwC’s massive global presence and expertise in nearly any industry or function. You can speak to how PwC provides strategy and implementation, so you can see the impact of your work.

2. Why do you want to work in consulting?

How to answer: Again, have three reasons why you’re interested in consulting. You could mention the fast career growth opportunity, the opportunity to develop soft and hard skills, or the level of impact that you can make by working with large companies on their most challenging issues.

3. Walk me through your resume

How to answer: Provide a concise summary of your work experience, starting with the most recent. Focus on emphasizing your most impressive and unique accomplishments. At the end, tie your experiences to why you are interested in consulting.

4. What is your proudest achievement?

How to answer: Choose your most impressive, unique, or memorable accomplishment. Structure your answer by providing information on the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results of your work.

5. What is something that you are proud of that is not on your resume?

How to answer: This is a great opportunity to highlight an accomplishment that is not related to your professional work experience. Perhaps there is a non-profit that you volunteer at, a side project or business that you work on, or a hobby that you have won awards or recognition for. Choose something that is impressive and interesting.

6. Tell me about a time when you led a team.

How to answer: If possible, choose a time when you directly managed a person or a team. For this question and the following questions, make sure that you structure your answer. Structure your answer by providing information on the situation, the task, the actions you took, and the results of your work. This is known as the STAR method and is commonly used to answer behavioral or fit interview questions.

7. Give an example of a time when you faced conflict or a disagreement.

How to answer: When answering this question, focus on emphasizing the steps you took to resolve the conflict or disagreement. Speak to the interpersonal skills you had to use in order to mediate the situation. Interviewers want to know that you are a great mediator and that you can handle conflict in a constructive way.

8. Tell me about a time when you had to persuade someone.

How to answer: Choose a time when you were able to change someone’s mind. Focus on emphasizing the steps that you took to persuade that person and what impact and results this had. Interviewers want to know that you are a great communicator and a good people person.

9. Describe a time when you failed.

How to answer: Choose a time when you failed to meet a deadline or did not meet expectations. Focus on emphasizing what you learned from the experience and how you used that experience to deliver even better results in the next opportunity that you got. Interviewers want to see that you don’t get discouraged from failure and that you treat those experiences as learning opportunities.

10. What questions do you have for me?

How to answer: This is a great opportunity to get to know the interviewer on a more personal level. Ask them questions about their experience in consulting or their career. Express genuine interest in what they have to share and ask follow-up questions. The more you can get the interviewer talking about themself, the more likely they will have a positive impression of you.

For a step-by-step guide on how to best answer all of these questions and more, check out our complete guide on consulting behavioral interview questions .

Recommended PwC (Strategy&) Case Interview Resources

Here are the resources we recommend to learn the most robust, effective case interview strategies in the least time-consuming way:

• Comprehensive Case Interview Course (our #1 recommendation): The only resource you need. Whether you have no business background, rusty math skills, or are short on time, this step-by-step course will transform you into a top 1% caser that lands multiple consulting offers.
• Hacking the Case Interview Book   (available on Amazon): Perfect for beginners that are short on time. Transform yourself from a stressed-out case interview newbie to a confident intermediate in under a week. Some readers finish this book in a day and can already tackle tough cases.
• The Ultimate Case Interview Workbook (available on Amazon): Perfect for intermediates struggling with frameworks, case math, or generating business insights. No need to find a case partner – these drills, practice problems, and full-length cases can all be done by yourself.
• Case Interview Coaching : Personalized, one-on-one coaching with former consulting interviewers
• Behavioral & Fit Interview Course : Be prepared for 98% of behavioral and fit questions in just a few hours. We'll teach you exactly how to draft answers that will impress your interviewer
• Resume Review & Editing : Transform your resume into one that will get you multiple interviews

Land Multiple Consulting Offers

Complete, step-by-step case interview course. 30,000+ happy customers.

Top 20 PwC Interview Questions & Answers

Get ready for your interview at PwC with a list of common questions you may encounter and how to prepare for them effectively.

Interested in working for one of the world’s leading professional services firms? PwC, formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, is a global network of firms providing assurance, tax, and consulting services. With offices in 157 countries, it’s one of the largest companies in the world.

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?
• How would you explain a complex problem to someone who is not familiar with the topic?
• Tell me about a time when you had to work on tight deadlines and how did you handle it?
• What consulting skills do you possess that will be beneficial to PwC?
• Describe a project where you used data analysis to make decisions.
• Are you comfortable leading teams of people?
• What challenges do you think are facing the accounting industry today?
• How do you stay current with changes in financial regulations?
• If hired, what type of projects would you be most interested in working on?
• Have you ever been involved in dispute resolution or litigation support?
• Do you have any experience using software such as Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Access, etc.?
• Can you discuss your experience in developing financial models?
• How do you handle stress in high pressure situations?
• Explain the importance of professional ethics in the accounting field.
• How well do you collaborate with others in order to come up with creative solutions for clients?
• What strategies have you implemented in order to increase efficiency in past roles?
• How do you maintain client relationships over long periods of time?
• What steps do you take to ensure accuracy in your work?
• What do you think sets PwC apart from other firms?
• How do you balance competing priorities while still delivering quality results?

1. What experience do you have working in the corporate world?

PwC is a professional services firm that works with clients from a wide range of industries. For this reason, employers want to make sure that potential hires have the experience necessary to understand the corporate landscape and the related challenges. This question will help the interviewer assess whether the candidate has the necessary experience to be successful in the role.

How to Answer:

To answer this question, you should speak to your background in the corporate world. Talk about any professional experiences that have given you an understanding of the corporate landscape and the challenges associated with it. You can also talk about any courses or certifications that you’ve taken related to the corporate world, as well as any internships or jobs that you’ve held in a corporate setting. Additionally, feel free to mention any volunteer work you’ve done or leadership roles you’ve had that provided insight into the corporate world.

Example: “I have a strong background in the corporate world, having worked in both internships and full-time roles. I have experience working with clients from various industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. Additionally, I recently completed an online course on corporate governance and have been involved in several volunteer initiatives that have given me insight into the corporate landscape. As part of my current role at XYZ Corp, I interact daily with executives and senior leadership teams to ensure alignment between our business strategies and our operational goals.”

2. How would you explain a complex problem to someone who is not familiar with the topic?

PwC employees are expected to be able to take complex topics and explain them clearly to people who may not have an extensive background in the subject matter. This is an important skill since PwC employees are often tasked with helping clients understand the services they provide. Being able to clearly explain complex topics can help build trust and ensure that clients understand the services they are receiving.

Start by breaking the problem down into its simplest components. This will help you identify the key points to focus on and make sure that your explanation is clear and concise. Next, use analogies or metaphors to explain the problem in layman’s terms. This can be helpful for those who may not have a technical background and need a more basic understanding of the issue. Finally, provide examples or case studies that illustrate how the problem affects people or businesses. This can help put the problem into context and help the listener understand why it’s important to solve.

Example: “I was recently in a situation where I had to explain a complex problem to someone who wasn’t familiar with the topic. To ensure that they understood, I first identified what information they already knew and what they needed to know. Then, I broke down the explanation into small, manageable chunks and used analogies and examples to make it easier for them to understand. Additionally, I asked questions throughout the process to ensure that they were following along. In the end, the person was able to grasp the concept and apply it to their work.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to work on tight deadlines and how did you handle it?

This question is asked to assess your ability to handle tight deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work independently. The interviewer is looking for evidence of your problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and your ability to stay calm under pressure.

To answer this question, you should provide an example of a time when you had to work on tight deadlines and explain how you handled it. Talk about the steps you took to ensure that all tasks were completed on time and within budget. Describe how you managed your workload and prioritized tasks in order to meet the deadline. Focus on the strategies you used to stay organized and motivated under pressure, as well as the results of your efforts. Be sure to emphasize any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.

Example: “I had to work on a tight deadline for the launch of a new product last year. To ensure that everything was completed on time, I created a detailed project plan and timeline with clearly defined tasks and deadlines. I also communicated regularly with my team to make sure everyone was on the same page. In order to stay organized, I used a task management system to keep track of all the tasks and their associated due dates. I also made sure to take regular breaks throughout the day in order to stay focused and motivated. As a result, we were able to successfully launch the product on schedule and within budget.”

4. What consulting skills do you possess that will be beneficial to PwC?

Interviewers want to make sure that you’re aware of the consulting skills that PwC values and that you possess them. These skills include analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and business acumen. They want to see that you have the ability to apply these skills to the challenges and opportunities that PwC will present to you.

You should be prepared to provide specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in the past. Talk about how your analytical thinking has helped you solve complex problems or how your communication skills have enabled you to effectively collaborate with clients and colleagues. You can also discuss how you’ve leveraged your business acumen to make informed decisions that have had a positive impact on your team or organization.

Example: “I believe that my analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and business acumen will be very beneficial to PwC. For example, I recently managed a project for my current employer where I had to analyze data from multiple sources in order to identify trends. This required me to use my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to draw meaningful conclusions. Additionally, I have also used my communication skills to successfully collaborate with clients on various projects. My ability to effectively communicate complex ideas has resulted in positive outcomes for my team and organization. Finally, I’ve demonstrated the ability to make informed decisions based on sound business principles and strategies which has enabled us to achieve our goals.”

5. Describe a project where you used data analysis to make decisions.

This question is designed to assess your ability to use data to make decisions and evaluate the success or failure of a project. They want to know that you are comfortable with data and understand the implications of various decisions.

Talk about a project you have worked on where data analysis was important. Explain the steps you took to analyze the data and how you used it to make decisions. Focus on what you learned from the experience, such as which techniques were most successful or challenges that arose. Showcase your problem-solving skills by discussing any obstacles you overcame in order to reach an optimal solution.

Example: “I recently worked on a project to improve customer retention for an e-commerce company. To assess the success of various strategies, I collected and analyzed data from multiple sources. This included web analytics, customer surveys, and A/B testing. After analyzing the data, I identified which strategies were most successful in retaining customers and recommended changes to the company’s marketing campaigns. Additionally, I monitored key metrics over time to ensure that the changes we implemented had a positive effect. As a result of my analysis, we saw a significant improvement in customer retention.”

6. Are you comfortable leading teams of people?

Being able to lead teams of people and manage complex projects is essential for success in this role. The interviewer wants to know that you are comfortable taking the lead on projects and working with a variety of people.

To answer this question, you should provide examples of how you have successfully led teams in the past. Talk about any challenges that you faced and how you overcame them. Showcase your ability to build relationships with team members and motivate them to work together towards a common goal. Finally, emphasize any experience you have managing projects or leading virtual teams.

Example: “Yes, I’m comfortable leading teams of people. In my current role as a business analyst at ABC Corporation, I lead virtual teams on projects involving data analysis and financial modeling. I’m adept at building relationships with team members and motivating them to work together to achieve our project goals. Additionally, I have experience managing complex projects from start to finish, ensuring that deadlines are met and quality standards are maintained.”

7. What challenges do you think are facing the accounting industry today?

This question is designed to assess your knowledge of the industry and your ability to think critically. The interviewer is looking for a comprehensive answer that demonstrates your understanding of the current landscape in the industry, as well as your ability to identify potential opportunities and threats. The interviewer wants to know that you’re aware of the issues the industry is facing and that you can think of potential solutions.

Start by discussing the challenges that you’ve identified in your research. This could include changes in technology, increasing competition, and globalization of markets. Then, explain how PwC is addressing these challenges. For example, PwC has developed innovative solutions to help clients manage their financial data more efficiently, such as cloud-based accounting software. You can also discuss potential opportunities for PwC, such as expanding into new markets or offering additional services like consulting or tax advice. Finally, end with a discussion of how PwC is positioning itself to take advantage of these opportunities while mitigating the risks posed by industry challenges.

Example: “The accounting industry is facing a number of challenges, including changes in technology, increasing competition, and globalization. These trends have created both threats and opportunities for PwC and other firms in the field. To address these issues, PwC has developed innovative solutions such as cloud-based accounting software to make it easier for clients to manage their financial data. Additionally, PwC is positioning itself to take advantage of new opportunities by expanding into new markets and offering additional services like consulting or tax advice. By staying ahead of the curve and leveraging its strengths, PwC is well positioned to continue to be a leader in the accounting industry.”

8. How do you stay current with changes in financial regulations?

PwC employees are expected to stay up to date on the latest developments in financial regulations. Interviewers will want to assess your knowledge of the industry and your commitment to staying ahead of the curve. By asking this question, they will be able to gauge your level of awareness of the industry and your willingness to stay on top of changes.

To answer this question, you should explain the various methods and resources you use to stay informed. Examples of these include attending industry conferences or seminars, reading trade publications, staying in touch with colleagues, and researching online. Additionally, you can discuss how you have used your knowledge of financial regulations to provide value to clients or employers in the past.

Example: “I recognize the importance of staying up to date with the latest financial regulations so I make a point of regularly attending industry conferences and seminars. I also read the most relevant trade publications and stay in touch with colleagues and other professionals in the field. Additionally, I’m always researching online and following the latest developments in the industry. I believe that this knowledge is invaluable for providing value to clients and employers, and I’m proud of the fact that I have been able to use my understanding of financial regulations to help them achieve their goals.”

9. If hired, what type of projects would you be most interested in working on?

This question is aimed at understanding your career aspirations, as well as what type of work you’re best suited for. It also helps the interviewer assess how well you’d fit into the team and the company culture. The answer can also provide valuable insight into your knowledge of the industry, as well as any areas of specialization that you may have.

Your answer should be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for. If it’s a generalist position, focus on your broad range of skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. If it’s more specialized, use this opportunity to showcase any areas of expertise or interest that you have. Additionally, if there are any particular projects being worked on at the company, mention how excited you would be to work on them. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the job.

Example: “I’m very interested in working on projects that allow me to use my skills in data analysis and financial modeling. I have a strong background in both and I think I could bring a lot to the table. Additionally, I’m excited about the possibility of working on projects involving the development of new technologies and innovative solutions. I believe my experience in this area would be an asset to the team and I’m eager to learn and grow in this field. Finally, I’m very interested in the projects PwC is currently working on and I would love the opportunity to contribute to them.”

10. Have you ever been involved in dispute resolution or litigation support?

PwC employees are expected to be highly knowledgeable and skilled in dispute resolution and litigation support. They need to know how to analyze complex legal and financial issues and provide sound advice to clients. By asking this question, the interviewer is looking to see if you have the experience and skills necessary to provide this type of support.

In your answer, you should discuss any relevant experience that you have in dispute resolution or litigation support. Be sure to provide specific examples of how you have handled these types of issues in the past and what the outcome was. If you don’t have direct experience in this area, explain how your background and skills make you an ideal candidate for the role. You can also discuss any additional training or certifications that you may have obtained that would be beneficial for this type of work.

Example: “I have experience in dispute resolution and litigation support from my previous role as a legal assistant. I worked closely with attorneys to review documents and evidence, prepare pleadings and motions, and analyze case law. I also had the opportunity to draft legal memorandums and provide research support. My background in legal research and analysis has given me a solid foundation for this type of work, and I am confident that I can provide valuable support to PwC’s clients in this area. I also recently completed a certification in dispute resolution from the National Institute for Conflict Resolution.”

11. Do you have any experience using software such as Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Access, etc.?

This question helps the hiring manager gauge your technical knowledge and experience in software programs commonly used in their company. Working at PwC requires a certain level of proficiency in the use of these programs and the interviewer is trying to determine if you have the necessary skills to succeed in the position.

You should be prepared to discuss your experience with the specific software programs that PwC uses. Talk about any projects or tasks you have completed in the past using these programs and explain how you used them to complete those tasks. If you don’t have direct experience, make sure to emphasize your ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies. You can also mention any certifications or courses you have taken related to the use of these programs.

Example: “Yes, I have experience with Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint, Access, and other software programs. I have completed several projects in the past using these programs, such as creating complex spreadsheets for budgeting and forecasting, preparing presentations for client meetings, and creating databases for tracking customer data. I’m also familiar with other software programs such as QuickBooks and Salesforce. I have taken courses in Excel and Access and I’m certified in both of these programs. I’m confident that I have the necessary skills to be successful in this role.”

12. Can you discuss your experience in developing financial models?

PwC employees are expected to possess a wide range of skills, including the ability to develop financial models. This question is designed to assess your experience and competency in this area in order to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate. By discussing your experience in developing financial models, you can demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in such a task and your ability to effectively manage them.

Begin your answer by discussing the types of financial models you have developed and any relevant experience you have had in this area. Provide examples of how you have used these models to analyze data, develop forecasts, and make decisions. Additionally, discuss any challenges you faced while developing these models and how you overcame them. Finally, explain why you believe that having a strong understanding of financial modeling is important for a PwC employee.

Example: “I have extensive experience in developing financial models, particularly in the areas of forecasting and budgeting. I have used these models to analyze data and develop forecasts for various projects, and have also used them to make decisions regarding investments, cost savings, and resource allocation. I have also faced challenges in developing these models, such as working with incomplete or inaccurate data, but I have been able to overcome these issues by utilizing my problem-solving and analytical skills. I understand the importance of financial modeling for a PwC employee, as it is an essential tool for evaluating investments, making sound business decisions, and ensuring the success of a project.”

13. How do you handle stress in high pressure situations?

PwC employees need to be able to handle high-pressure situations, as they often have to work on complex projects with tight deadlines. Knowing how you handle stress in those situations can help the interviewer determine if you are the right fit for the job.

Start by talking about how you recognize when stress levels are rising and the strategies you use to stay calm. Then, discuss how you manage your time in order to complete tasks efficiently and effectively under pressure. Finally, explain how you prioritize tasks to ensure that all important deadlines are met. Be sure to provide specific examples of times when you have successfully handled stressful situations in the past.

Example: “I recognize when stress levels are rising, and I stay calm by using a combination of deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and breaks throughout the day. I also manage my time effectively, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks and assigning each one a timeline. I prioritize tasks according to importance and urgency, and I never miss a deadline. For example, when I was working on a tight deadline for an audit project last year, I broke the project up into smaller tasks, prioritized them according to urgency and importance, and worked efficiently to ensure that all tasks were completed on time.”

14. Explain the importance of professional ethics in the accounting field.

Professional ethics and integrity are critical in the accounting field. Companies put their trust in their accountants to be responsible and honest in their work, and any breach of trust could have serious legal and financial repercussions. Interviewers will want to make sure you understand the importance of being ethical, and that you have the skills and knowledge to ensure that your work meets the highest standards.

Start by discussing the importance of professional ethics in accounting and how it is essential for accountants to act with honesty and integrity. Explain that as an accountant, you have a responsibility to ensure accuracy in your work and maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information. You should also emphasize the consequences of unethical behavior, such as fines and criminal prosecution. Finally, discuss any specific ethical codes or standards that you adhere to, such as those set out by PwC or other relevant organizations.

Example: “Professional ethics is of the utmost importance in the accounting field. As an accountant, I have a responsibility to ensure accuracy in my work and maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information. I also understand the potential repercussions of unethical behavior, such as fines and criminal prosecution. I adhere to the ethical codes set out by PwC and other relevant organizations, and I take great care to ensure that my work meets the highest ethical standards.”

15. How well do you collaborate with others in order to come up with creative solutions for clients?

PwC’s core values are collaboration, innovation and trust, so it’s important to show that you can work with others to come up with creative solutions for clients. This question allows you to demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and work with others to generate ideas that are beneficial to the client. It also allows you to show how you work in teams, how well you listen to others, and how you can manage disagreements between team members.

Talk about any past experiences where you have successfully collaborated with others to come up with creative solutions for clients. Describe how you listened to the ideas of other team members and worked together to develop a solution that was beneficial to the client. Talk about how you managed disagreements between team members, if applicable, and how you were able to reach a compromise that everyone could agree on. Show your interviewer that you understand the importance of collaboration and can work well with others in order to create great results for clients.

Example: “I have a great deal of experience working with others to come up with creative solutions for clients. In my past role as a PwC consultant, I worked with a team of five other consultants to develop a creative solution for a client’s tax planning needs. We met regularly to discuss ideas and brainstorm solutions, and I was responsible for listening to everyone’s ideas and helping to manage disagreements between team members. We eventually came up with a solution that was beneficial to the client, and they were very satisfied with our work. I understand the importance of collaboration and I’m confident that I can work with others to come up with creative solutions for PwC’s clients.”

16. What strategies have you implemented in order to increase efficiency in past roles?

Efficiency is a key factor in any role, especially in a professional services firm like PwC. The interviewer is looking to understand how you have gone about increasing efficiency in the past, and how you might be able to do the same in this role. They want to know that you have a track record of taking initiative and looking for ways to streamline processes, so be sure to provide a few examples of the strategies you have implemented in the past.

Examples of strategies you could mention include automating processes, introducing new technology and software, creating systems to help with tracking progress and results, delegating tasks, and developing training programs. Talk about the challenges you faced in implementing these strategies and how you overcame them. Explain how your actions increased efficiency and improved the overall performance of your team or organization.

Example: “In my previous role, I implemented several strategies to increase efficiency and streamline processes. For example, I automated several manual processes that were taking up a lot of time and resources. I created a system to track progress and results, and I also developed a training program to ensure that everyone was on the same page. I delegated tasks to team members to ensure that everyone was able to contribute their skills and expertise to the project. These strategies resulted in increased efficiency and improved performance for the team overall.”

17. How do you maintain client relationships over long periods of time?

This question is looking for your ability to maintain trust and build relationships with clients. Working in a professional services organization like PwC, you will need to establish a long-term relationship with clients in order to provide the best services. Interviewers will want to know that you can develop and nurture relationships with clients over extended periods of time.

The best way to answer this question is to provide examples from your past experience of how you have maintained relationships with clients over long periods. Talk about the strategies you used to build trust and foster a positive relationship, such as regularly checking in with them on progress or providing additional value-added services. You should also emphasize any times when you went above and beyond for a client, such as offering them discounts or helping them out of a difficult situation. Showing that you understand what it takes to maintain strong client relationships will go a long way in demonstrating your ability to do this job well.

Example: “I understand the importance of developing and maintaining strong relationships with clients over long periods of time. In my previous role, I was responsible for managing client relationships with some of our largest corporate clients. I would make sure to check in with them regularly to ensure that their needs were being met and that they were satisfied with our services. I also made sure to provide additional value-added services, such as offering discounts or helping them out of a difficult situation. This approach enabled me to build trust with the clients and ensure that the relationship was strong over the long term.”

18. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy in your work?

Working at PwC means taking on a lot of responsibility and having a high level of accuracy in the work you produce. This question is designed to assess your attention to detail and your ability to double-check your work. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of accuracy in the work you do and that you have a process in place to ensure that your work is as error-free as possible.

Your answer should demonstrate that you have a system in place to ensure accuracy. Talk about the steps you take before submitting your work, such as double-checking calculations and reviewing the document for typos or other errors. You can also mention any specific tools or processes that you use to make sure your work is accurate, such as using software to check equations or having a colleague review your work before submission.

Example: “I take accuracy very seriously in my work and always strive to produce error-free documents. Before submitting any work, I double-check calculations and review the document for typos or other errors. I also use software to check equations and I often have a colleague review my work before submitting it. In addition, I keep detailed records of all my work so that I can easily refer back to them if any questions arise.”

19. What do you think sets PwC apart from other firms?

Interviewers want to understand why you’re interested in working at PwC and how you can contribute to the firm. By understanding what sets the firm apart, you can demonstrate that you understand the company’s culture and mission, and that you’re passionate about what the firm stands for. This question will also give you an opportunity to explain how your skills and experience can add value to PwC’s team.

Before answering this question, do some research about PwC to understand the company’s mission and values. Some of the things that set PwC apart include its commitment to diversity and inclusion, global reach, and focus on technology. Additionally, you can discuss how PwC has a strong reputation for providing quality services to clients as well as career development opportunities for employees. Be sure to explain why these qualities stand out to you and how they fit into your professional goals.

Example: “PwC stands out to me because of the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It’s important to me to work in an environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds and I appreciate that PwC takes that seriously. Additionally, I’m drawn to the global reach of the firm and the opportunity to work with clients from around the world. I also think PwC’s focus on technology is really impressive and I’m looking forward to leveraging my skills in this area to help the firm deliver even better services to its clients.”

20. How do you balance competing priorities while still delivering quality results?

This question is an opportunity to demonstrate to the interviewer that you can manage your workload, prioritize tasks, and handle stress while still delivering high-quality work. It also shows that you understand the importance of meeting deadlines, even when it means juggling multiple tasks.

Show the interviewer your ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands. Talk about how you use organizational skills, such as lists or calendars, to ensure that deadlines are met and quality is maintained. You can also discuss any strategies you have in place for managing stress, like taking breaks or delegating certain tasks when necessary. Finally, talk about how you’ve been able to stay motivated and productive even when faced with competing priorities.

Example: “I’m an organized and disciplined worker, which helps me manage competing priorities. I start each day by making a list of tasks in order of importance and prioritize based on that list. I also use a calendar to help me manage my time and ensure that I’m meeting deadlines. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take short breaks to clear my head and refocus. And when I find myself with too many tasks, I delegate to team members and trust them to do the job. I’m able to stay motivated and productive by setting short-term goals and rewarding myself for completing them. Ultimately, I’m able to balance competing priorities while still delivering quality results.”

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Tips for how to answer PwC interview questions

Jacky Barrett

Last updated: 30 Oct 2023, 09:59

Read on for an overview of the PwC interview process for its graduate roles and for approaches for answering some of the PwC interview questions you might encounter.

Jump to: Past PwC interview questions you could be asked

You may face up to three separate interviews before being offered a graduate role at PwC. The first is the pre-recorded PwC video interview. The second could be a video call with a member of staff during the virtual assessment day. Depending on the role, you may be invited to a third and final interview that takes place after the virtual assessment day – the firm, however, doesn’t state whether this is held in person or remotely.

At any one of your interviews, you can expect to be asked motivational questions that assess why you want to work for PwC, behavioural questions that determine how well you match the firm’s core values and competency-based questions that assess your skills against the skills that make up the ‘PwC Professional’ leadership framework. You can learn about the ‘PwC Professional’ framework in our overview of the PwC graduate recruitment process and also on the employer’s website.

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PwC interview questions you are likely to be asked for graduate roles

We can’t tell you exactly what questions you’ll be asked at your PwC interview, but we can talk about questions applicants have faced in the past and offer advice on good approaches to take.

Make sure to research the PwC Professional framework, the graduate role and the organisation’s core values to gain an understanding of the skills and behavioural traits that PwC is looking for. You could use your findings to come up with a list of questions that you might get in addition to the ones we’ve listed below. Practising in advance how you’d respond to each question will increase your chances of interview success.

Jump to a specific question:

• Describe a situation in which you’ve had to deal with a difficult person .
• Describe a problem that you have encountered in your studies or work experience and how you managed to overcome it .
• Why do you want to work in this role ?
• What are your major achievements to date ?
• What was the latest technology you learned, what inspired you to learn it and how has it been useful to you ?
• What do you anticipate that you’ll be doing in your first year at PwC ?
• Tell us about a time when you led a team .
• Tell us about a time when you’ve shown courage or done something out of the ordinary ?

PwC interview question 1: Describe a situation in which you’ve had to deal with a difficult person

Approach to take: Imagine, for example, that you were part of the team at PwC working on the case of a gaming retailer who recently went into administration. Hundreds, potentially thousands, of jobs could be lost and you’re attempting to sell at the best price while saving as many jobs as possible. On one side, you’ll have concerned employees, and on the other you’ll have hard-negotiating business people looking to keep the sale price as low as possible.

Bear scenarios like these in mind when selecting your example for this question – try to think of a similar situation where you’ve had to consider the interests of two conflicting groups. Explain the problem you faced and explain how you went about your actions. Don’t complain about the difficult person: you need to show that you were capable of managing the working relationship.

Key thing to remember: Think about the competencies you will be tested on. For example, this question could be an opportunity to demonstrate that you have courage and integrity. But don’t just cite these buzzwords – back them up with evidence.

PwC interview question 2: Describe a problem that you have encountered in your studies or work experience and how you manged to overcome it

Approach to take : A workplace or academic problem could be one of many things – a difficult group-project teammate, struggling to balance university and work commitments, difficulty understanding course material or having a lack of confidence in your part-time job, for example. With your answer, try to choose an example that resembles a situation you might encounter in the graduate role (you’ll need to have researched the role) and show PwC interviewers that you’re someone that focuses on solutions rather than problems by emphasising the measures you took to overcome and successfully resolve a problem rather than the problem itself.

Key thing to remember: There’s a behavioural and competency element to this question. PwC wants to see that you are a problem solver, but is also looking at the way that you approach tackling a problem and that you are resilient enough to see your solution through. Your example should demonstrate your ability to think methodically with an outcome in mind and to then act accordingly. The CAR method will help you to explain your example by giving the c ontext of the situation (in this case the problem), the a ctions you took as an individual and the r esults (that you resolved the problem).

• Find out what makes an employee a good problem solver and why resilience is important for dealing with setbacks.

PwC interview question 3: Why do you want to work in this role?

Approach to take : Ask yourself, what is it about the role that interests you and why do you want this position at PwC over another organisation? You’ll need to consider the different aspects of the graduate programme, such as the responsibilities, the type of clients that you’ll work with, how your role fits into the business area and the aims of the business area. Arm yourself with knowledge of client projects relevant to the department you’re applying to (which you can find in the case study directory on PwC’s website) so that you can give specific examples of the type of work that you are excited to get involved in at the firm.

Key thing to remember: PwC interviewers are looking for genuine enthusiasm for working for PwC in this role. They will judge this partly by the amount of research you've carried out into both the role and the organisation, and how you can link your personal career ambitions with what you'd be doing in the role and with the firm's values and work culture. They will also judge this partly by your demeanour and body language.

• Learn the art of answering ‘ Why do you want this position? ’

PwC interview question 4: What are your major achievements to date?

Approach to take: You won’t be able to include everything here – that’s why PwC is asking for ‘major’ achievements. This could be almost anything but don’t go back to your school days (unless you have a unique and outstanding achievement from then). It could be a successful campaign to become a student committee member, winning an essay prize or raising a significant sum for a charity, for example. Almost anything is valid, but don’t be vague. You can work outside the box a little on this one by using a more personal achievement, such as overcoming shyness, as your example. The important thing is that you can put your finger on how you achieved your goal.

Key thing to remember: It’s not enough just to reference a position – you may well have been president of the finance society at your university but, if you can’t give a specific example of a major achievement while in that post, it’s irrelevant. Bear in mind that PwC wants to see evidence of certain competencies, such as adapting quickly to change, so choose examples that show your flexibility.

• We’ve got more, in-depth advice on answering interview questions about achievements .

PwC interview question 5: What was the latest technology you learned, what inspired you to learn it and how has it been useful to you?

Approach to take : The fact that PwC asks how the latest technology you learned has been of use suggests that your inspiration for learning it should be tied to how the technology has been helpful to you. Think about what you were trying to achieve by learning this technology. How has it made your life easier? Did you perhaps learn it to help resolve a problem? For example, have you learned how to create a CV in Adobe InDesign to better your job application prospects? Or have you recently learned how to create spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel in order to record funds raised at university society events?

Key thing to remember: Don’t fret if the latest technology that you learned wasn’t something highly technical such as a computer programming language. The firm isn’t trying to gauge whether you are a technology whiz, but rather that you are technically and digitally oriented (an attribute outlined in the PwC professional framework), that you see the value in and importance of upskilling and learning new technologies and that you do so with specific intentions in mind.

• Discover top tips on how to build coding skills from industry professionals.

PwC interview question 6: What do you anticipate you will be doing in your first year at PwC?

Approach to take: The groundwork needs to be done first by researching the business area and role and you can do this by heading to the ‘Our business areas’ page of the PwC website. Some of you will be conducting research to help clients rearrange or sell parts of their business as they go into administration. Others will be preparing documentation and presentations on things like sector surveys. Other graduates will be interviewing members of staff for audits of companies. Many of these tasks will overlap, but each will be distinct to divisions and their sub-divisions.

Key thing to remember: Don’t jump the gun and state everything that you want to achieve in your career; you may well also be asked where you see yourself in five to ten years, but that’s not what this question is about. You need to stay focused on what you will be doing day to day in your team – PwC wants to know that you’ve made an informed choice and that you’ll be happy working for the organisation.

• Get more first-hand insight into working at PwC from accounting associate Shuyan Liu and technology consultant Kerry Beckett .

PwC interview question 7: Tell us about a time when you led a team

Approach to take: Focus on yourself –applicants often fall down on this question by saying what the team did, rather than what they did. Think about the kind of team you’ll be involved with at PwC – if you’re applying for a role in audit and assurance, you may well be the person in your team who takes responsibility for researching a particular topic. You’ll need to be able to relay your research to colleagues and will sometimes have to take the lead in determining how to apply that research. Is there anything from your background that matches this kind of scenario?

Key thing to remember: Know your CV inside and out!

• Discover how to develop your leadership potential .

PwC interview question 8: Tell us about a time when you’ve shown courage or done something out of the ordinary

Approach to take : Think of the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz . Courage is not necessarily about fighting off evil hordes in battle armour – it’s about facing something you don’t want to face.

You’ll find in your first years with PwC that you’ll frequently be put into new scenarios and, while this is exciting to some, it can be extremely daunting to others. If, for example, you’re given the task of working through the line items in the accounts of a relatively small firm, you’re likely to find you’re given a broader field of personal responsibility and this will change to some degree for every single company you help to audit.

Go back to times when you’ve been taken out of your comfort zone while at university – perhaps in doing a presentation on a topic you knew nothing about, or taking the lead on a project when you hadn’t been given that kind of responsibility before. You probably found you had the courage all along.

Key thing to remember : ‘Out of the ordinary’ does not have to be something completely bizarre. Think of this more as doing something out of the ordinary for you . When have you had to do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do, given the choice?

If you haven’t already, make sure to create your profile on targetjobs to follow PwC and receive the latest advice, events, vacancies and news from the employer.

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This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the targetjobs content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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Rigorous portfolio review reveals a better opportunity for PwC’s Public Sector business

Proactive portfolio management helps PwC grow responsibly

• April 02, 2024

Conventional business wisdom tends to prize growth above all: Bigger is better, yet divestitures often play a key part in a successful business strategy. PwC understands that a more thoughtful approach to portfolio management can better serve both a company and its employees. Through its own portfolio review process, PwC realized its Public Sector business would have more opportunity to thrive under a different owner. The firm successfully navigated the divestiture process with vigorous preparation, creating a positive outcome for the business and the future prosperity and well-being of its partners, principals and employees.

CLIENT  

Professional services

Divestiture strategy Portfolio management

value reinvested in other priority areas of PwC’s business as a result of the divestiture

employees retained under new ownership during the divestiture, from announcement through closing

Prioritizing the well-being of employees while building trust in the divestiture process

Cultivating a responsible growth mindset

Managing a business portfolio is like tending a garden. Without active, intentional cultivation, growth might happen, but not to its overall potential. As PwC considered its own business portfolio, it realized that achieving its long-term growth objectives required an active hand. PwC knew from experience advising clients that a proactive review process to help identify incompatible business units could double the chances of delivering a positive return to shareholders. With the CFO and Head of Portfolio Strategy in the lead, the organization applied a formal process for portfolio review and analysis to help inform better strategic decision-making.

For decades, the company’s approach had been to build or acquire businesses and hold them. But as PwC reevaluated its portfolio with a critical eye, it decided that increasing shareholder return meant wielding the options at its disposal — including divestitures. PwC reframed its thinking around the concept of divestitures: a proactive choice to sell an attractive asset to a buyer who could grow it, while freeing time and capital to invest in other priority areas of its business. Good business and good stewardship.

It’s about potential 

During its regular, rigorous portfolio review, PwC concluded that its Public Sector division might be a candidate for a divestiture. PwC asked itself, is our firm the right owner for this business? Perhaps not: PwC’s position in the market and obligation to adhere to certain regulatory requirements were likely holding back its Public Sector business. But under a different owner, one who could invest more into the business and whose capabilities aligned more closely with its needs, the business would have a greater chance of achieving its overall potential. With those goals in mind, PwC set about finding a qualified buyer.

Though PwC considers a divestiture an option in portfolio management, it’s not the only one. The goal of the portfolio review process is to better understand the performance of each business unit and how to shepherd it to success. PwC’s process categorized its portfolio holdings and set thresholds for action, including when to invest for growth, maintain the same level of investment, restructure, wind down or divest. Based on these guidelines, the company committed to divesting only if the deal was favorable for all parties, especially the employees retained in the sale.

Get more on this topic

Explore our divestiture solution

 C-suite executive insights and strategies

Preparing for success

As in other divestitures, a key to executing the divestiture with positive outcomes for all was preparation. To do right by its partners, principals and employees, PwC took care to factor emotional and cultural impact into its plans alongside logistical considerations. A small executive team, including the CFO and the head of the departing Public Sector business, began consulting investment bankers about the possibility of selling. The head of the Public Sector group compiled a plan to showcase the value of the business to potential investors. At the same time, the leadership team invested heavily in resources to prepare for the sale. In addition to facilitating the divestiture itself by confirming financial readiness, completing the requisite sell-side due diligence and meticulously carving out the business from the rest of its holdings, PwC also took the time to form a plan for clearly communicating its intention to the board and its employees.

Time was of the essence. PwC needed to maintain confidentiality to make sure that employees did not hear of the divestiture prematurely from an outside party, which could severely damage internal trust. That meant the leadership team had to balance speed and quality, moving as swiftly as possible to secure a suitable buyer. PwC carefully laid the groundwork to carve out its Public Sector business before approaching its employees. Months of diligent work on a communication plan were not in vain. PwC quickly and clearly explained the opportunity to its partners, principals and employees — demonstrating how a divestiture would benefit all shareholders.

Managing change with integrity

Navigating the transition with sensitivity was crucial to maintaining the trust of employees. Once its plan was solidified and communicated, PwC addressed concerns with care. It assured its Public Sector employees that the goal was to find them a better opportunity; short of that, there would be no deal. As part of that promise, PwC dedicated itself to fostering an environment where employees felt not only secure in their jobs, but eager for the future. It committed to finding a buyer who could better invest in the future of the acquired business and offer employees a greater chance of growth. 

With the employees’ buy-in and the board’s go-ahead, PwC was ready to divest. In the end, the company identified Veritas Capital as the right-fit buyer, a private equity firm with a resume of relevant experience in the public sector and a strategic vision to move the business forward. Just three months later, the deal was complete.

Success in a large-scale business transformation relies on speed and certainty. Moving quickly reduces the amount of time required to keep confidentiality — essential for maintaining trust and reducing disruption — and builds momentum toward the deal. Competitive tension drives investors to come to the table with a final bid, making sure that the deal closes without the risk of value leakage. Both speed and certainty are the result of careful preparation. The tighter the deal, the shorter the time between signing and closing, and the greater the deal’s value and shareholder return. 

Read our full report: The power of portfolio renewal and the value in divestitures

Reinvesting for future growth

Divesting its Public Sector business provided PwC with an influx of capital to distribute among its shareholders and reinvest in other priority services and solutions. Over $200 million of the proceeds went toward incremental capital for growing the company’s Cloud and Digital and Cyber, Risk and Regulatory businesses. What is PwC most proud of? Doing right by its employees. PwC would only move forward with a deal if the outcome was fair to its partners, principals and employees. The business retained nearly all 1,500 employees in the transition, thanks to PwC’s commitment to making a mutually beneficial deal and helping people see its value.

A playbook for proper portfolio divestiture

One of the most valuable outcomes of divesting is experience. In the process of divesting its Public Sector business, PwC applied years of experience and a well-honed set of leading practices. These included the directive to continuously evaluate its portfolio, prepare resources ahead of a deal, communicate clearly with employees and shareholders, and move quickly to maintain confidentiality. From initial analysis to final closing, the company navigated the process with care and consideration for its partners, principals and employees. Executing its own divestiture left PwC with an even more refined playbook to help advise its clients and partners through the same process.

By applying its proven process for rigorous portfolio management, PwC was able to make proactive, strategic decisions toward its long-term goals, fast. Regular, detailed analysis gave the company insight into how to move forward, and a cultural mindset shift opened new possibilities for responsible growth. Thanks to agile, data-driven decision making, PwC emerged ready to grow — not necessarily bigger, but better.

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“Divestitures are not about cutting losses. They are about identifying whether a better owner exists who could prioritize and focus investments and see opportunities for synergies to increase value.” Martyn Curragh | CFO & Head of Portfolio Strategy, PwC US

“A successful divestiture takes careful preparation. In divesting our own Public Sector business, we knew how to manage the process properly.” Marina Shvartsman | Head of FP&A & Corporate Development, PwC US

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Michael Niland

US Divestitures Services Leader, PwC US

Elizabeth Crego

Deals Partner, PwC US

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