PwC: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

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PwC: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

PwC is one of the world's largest professional services firms, attracting hundreds of thousands of applicants each year for roles in audit, tax, consulting, and advisory. Understanding the company's history and what the PwC background check involves can help you prepare before your offer stage. Below, we cover PwC's background and culture, and straightforward answers to the most-searched questions about the PwC background check process.

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PwC: Company overview

PricewaterhouseCoopers - known as PwC - is one of the "Big Four" accounting and professional services networks, formed in 1998 through the merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand, two firms with histories dating to the 19th century. PwC US is headquartered in New York, New York, while the global network is based in London. As of fiscal year 2024, PwC operates across 149 countries with more than 370,000 people globally, making it one of the largest professional services employers in the world.

The firm provides assurance (audit), tax, and advisory services to corporations, governments, and other organizations across every major industry. In the United States, PwC serves a large share of Fortune 500 companies and is a major recruiter of accounting, finance, and consulting talent from universities and experienced hires alike.

Company culture and employee programs:

PwC positions itself around continuous learning and career development, offering structured training programs and clear progression pathways from associate through partner. The firm has placed consistently on various employer recognition lists for graduate hiring. Benefits for eligible employees can include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, with specifics varying by role and location. PwC has placed on Fortune's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in prior years, presented here as a data point rather than an endorsement.

PwC background check FAQs

Can PwC run background checks?

Yes. After extending a conditional offer of employment, PwC can request a background report through a third-party Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). Written consent is obtained from candidates before the report is initiated, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). PwC may also contact previous employers, educational institutions, and other third parties directly to verify credentials.

How long does a PwC background check take?

Most PwC background checks are completed within one to three weeks, though timelines can vary depending on the scope of the check and how quickly third parties respond. Factors that commonly affect turnaround include:

Education verification that requires institutions to confirm enrollment and degree records
Employment verification dependent on prior employers responding
Criminal record searches that require manual courthouse retrieval
International background checks for candidates with history outside the United States

For a broader look at what affects timelines, see Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times.

How strict is the PwC background check?

PwC's background check is considered thorough relative to many employers. As a professional services firm that handles sensitive client financial and strategic information, PwC places significant weight on the accuracy of credentials and the absence of conduct that would conflict with its client trust obligations. Key areas where PwC applies close scrutiny:

Resume accuracy: Discrepancies between application materials and verified records - including job titles, employment dates, or education credentials - are treated seriously and can result in a withdrawn offer.
Education credentials: PwC verifies degrees and qualifications directly with institutions. Candidates who misrepresent their educational background are typically disqualified.
Criminal history: PwC evaluates criminal records on a case-by-case basis in many jurisdictions, consistent with applicable law and EEOC guidance. Convictions involving dishonesty, fraud, or financial crimes carry particular weight given the nature of the firm's work.
Financial history: For roles involving financial responsibility, a credit check may be included. The review focuses on patterns of financial conduct rather than credit score thresholds.

What does the PwC background check include?

A PwC background check report may include:

Identity verification: SSN trace to confirm identity and establish address history.
Criminal history: County, state, federal, and national criminal record searches; sex-offender registry search; global watchlists screening.
Employment verification: Confirmation of prior employers, job titles, and dates of employment.
Education verification: Confirmation of degrees, certifications, and qualifications with issuing institutions. GPA is not typically verified as part of the standard background check, though degree and enrollment status are confirmed.
Credit history: May be included for roles involving financial oversight, client funds, or fiduciary responsibility.
Professional license verification: Relevant for roles requiring CPA licensure or other regulated credentials.
Reference checks: PwC may contact professional references provided during the hiring process.

How far back does the PwC background check go?

Look-back periods vary based on state law, the position, and the CRA's data sources. Many employers, including professional services firms, focus on the past seven years for criminal record searches, which aligns with FCRA limits for most consumer reports. However, look-back periods can extend based on:

The salary level of the position (FCRA seven-year limits do not apply to roles above a certain income threshold, which is relevant for senior PwC hires)
The state where the work will be performed (some states have shorter look-back windows)
The nature of the role (client-facing or fiduciary positions may warrant a broader review)

Candidates should review state fair-chance and "ban-the-box" laws in their state, as these laws govern when an employer can inquire about criminal history during the hiring process.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes federal rules governing how employers use consumer reports, including background checks, in hiring decisions. Key protections include:

Written consent required: Employers must obtain written authorization from the candidate before ordering a background report.
Pre-adverse action notice: If PwC intends to take adverse action - such as rescinding a conditional offer - based in whole or in part on the background report, it must first provide the candidate with a copy of the report and a summary of their FCRA rights.
Waiting period: Candidates are entitled to a reasonable amount of time to review the report and dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information before a final adverse decision is made.
Adverse action notice: If the employer proceeds with the adverse decision, a formal adverse action notice must be sent explaining the basis for the decision and providing contact information for the CRA.
Dispute rights: Candidates can contact the CRA directly to dispute errors in their report, and the CRA is required to investigate.

EEOC guidance further recommends that employers conduct an individualized assessment when criminal history is a factor, considering the nature of the offense, its age, and its direct relevance to the duties of the role.

Order your own background check

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what PwC may see before your offer stage. Reviewing your own report helps you identify inaccuracies and gives you time to address any errors before they affect a hiring decision. A personal check can include:

Criminal history searches: SSN trace, sex-offender registry, global watchlists, national criminal database, and county or state court record searches.
Motor vehicle records: State DMV search confirming license status and driving history.

Start your report at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To proactively share verified information with recruiters or hiring managers, create a free Checkr Profile.

Are you a candidate with an open background check with Checkr?

Check your report status or get answers through the Candidate Portal, or visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and support contact options.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.