Of the new intake, the majority (39) will join the office in the capital, with 35 based in Glasgow and six in Aberdeen – with 80% of the new starts joining the audit practice. The remaining 16 will work in either tax or risk, including roles related to cyber security and technology, data and analytics.

Representing a 7.5% increase in headcount, the new joiners – who are taking up their roles just weeks after PwC announced it was dropping the requirement for a 2:1 degree for graduates – take the number of partners and staff at PwC Scotland to 1,140.

Across the UK, PwC is hiring almost 1,400 students throughout September and October. All of the new recruits are welcomed at various face-to-face events across the country.

In its recruitment, the firm has reinforced its commitment to social mobility, with 45% of Scotland’s student recruits being female (up 2% on last year’s hires) and 23% coming from a minority ethnic background. Almost half (46%) attended a non-selective state school, while 6% of the intake was eligible for free school meals.

Jason Morris, regional market leader at PwC Scotland, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome a group of bright, talented students to PwC Scotland. I could really feel their enthusiasm and excitement for the journey ahead.

“I’m particularly proud of the diversity across our graduate population, almost half of whom are female and more than a fifth from ethnic minorities.

“We’re absolutely committed to providing opportunities to individuals based on their talent and determination, rather than their background, so it’s key that we draw on all areas of society to create a diverse and skilled workforce that has the ability to make a real impact.”