How to Get a PwC Referral

PwC is one of the Big Four and hires thousands of professionals every year. A referral from a current PwC employee can be the difference between your application being seen or ignored.

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By the Numbers

370K+

PwC employees worldwide

Big Four

active referral program

~35%

of hires through referrals

PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) is the second-largest professional services firm globally, with over 370,000 employees across audit, tax, deals, and consulting. Like all Big Four firms, PwC has a mature and active employee referral program that is one of the most reliable paths into the firm for both students and experienced professionals.

PwC's culture is relationship-driven and alumni networks are strong. Partners and senior managers often know each other across offices, and a referral from a respected employee carries real weight in the hiring process.

How to Get a Referral: Step by Step

Find PwC employees in your network: PwC has 370,000+ employees globally. Use FindWarmIntros to surface connections by shared school or past employer. Focus on your target line of service and office location.
Know PwC's lines of service: PwC is organized into Assurance (audit), Tax, Deals (M&A advisory), and Consulting. Each has a different culture and hiring profile. Be specific about which area you are targeting when you reach out.
Leverage accounting program alumni: PwC recruits heavily from accounting and business programs. If you attended a school with a strong accounting program, alumni at PwC are your warmest and most accessible contacts.
Ask about the experience, not just the job: PwC employees, especially at the Associate and Senior Associate level, are used to being asked for referrals. Stand out by showing genuine curiosity about their day-to-day experience and client work.
Follow up within 24 hours: Send a thank-you with your resume and a specific role link from pwc.com/careers. Make the referral submission as easy as possible by providing everything they need in one message.

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Tips That Make the Difference

PwC's Deals practice is growing fast

PwC's Deals division (covering M&A, restructuring, and transaction services) has been growing rapidly and hires aggressively. For candidates with finance backgrounds, Deals is a strong target and employees there are often actively looking for strong referrals.

Strategy& is PwC's strategy consulting arm

Strategy& (formerly Booz & Company, acquired by PwC) is PwC's strategy consulting practice. If you are targeting management consulting specifically, Strategy& has its own culture and alumni network within the broader PwC ecosystem. Connecting with Strategy& alumni specifically is more targeted than generic PwC outreach.

PwC's tech consulting is expanding

PwC has invested heavily in technology consulting capabilities. If you have a tech background, PwC's technology and digital transformation practices are an underrated destination with strong referral culture and high headcount growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PwC have an employee referral program?

Yes. PwC has a formal employee referral program where employees receive bonuses for candidates they refer who are successfully hired. Referred candidates are prioritised in the recruiting system and typically receive recruiter outreach faster than cold applicants. The bonus amount varies by role level and line of service.

What is the difference between PwC and Strategy&?

Strategy& is PwC's strategy consulting arm, formerly known as Booz & Company before it was acquired by PwC in 2014. Strategy& focuses on high-level corporate strategy work and competes directly with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain for strategy engagements. The broader PwC consulting practice covers technology, operations, HR, and finance transformation.

How hard is it to get a job at PwC?

PwC's selectivity varies significantly by line of service and role level. Audit and tax associate positions are competitive but accessible for candidates with accounting backgrounds from a wide range of schools. Consulting and Deals roles are more competitive. A referral helps at all levels by ensuring your application is reviewed rather than filtered.