Corporate Assistant Review

My role is to assist my team with the bookkeeping for a number of clients. Typically, I respond to client queries, process purchase invoices, payment runs and perform bank reconciliations. Some clients require employee expenses to be checked and approved. I have a small client which I do month end accounting for too.

Yes. I have learnt excel skills and how to use a number of accounting software's such as Xero, Sage, Dynamics, NetSuite and bridging software's such as Receipt Bank and Data Dear. I have developed my attention to details, as I am constantly self reviewing my work before I send to my supervisor and letting her know if I come across any inconsistencies.

I enjoy my programme very much as I am always learning something new and find that, the majority of the time, what I am studying at college links with what I am learning at work. For example, when I was studying for an exam with accruals and prepayments as a topic, I was also being introduced to it by my seniors at work and seeing it mentioned a lot amongst client files.

My programme is very well structured. I know when I should be attending college - every Tuesday and my exam dates are set well in advance, giving enough time to learn the units and plan revision time or study days. Also, as mentioned in the last question, what I study college fits in well with what I am doing at work.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Mazars is a training environment so I always feel comfortable raising questions with other employees and discussing the courses. My .manager is very happy to approve time off that I need to study and always says that my studies should be a priority to me.

I receive enough support from my training provider to pass the exams. The sessions that are dedicated to learning new units are the most useful, as I can take notes and know where each section is. It is also a time to raise any questions that I have as I am studying in my own time.

My qualification helps me to perform much better in my role. It has made me aware of the different rules in accounting that I may not have picked up at this stage if I was just working (without studying). For example, Professional Ethics are frequently test in the exams and a big focus is put on to 'How to behave in the workplace'.

Yes, there are extra-curricular activities to get involved in. We have monthly drinks in the office where everyone socialising (it is a good time to network with colleagues I may not work with in the office). There are regular CSR events to participate in. Recently, a colleague organised a lunchtime session on how to play the game 'Bridge',!

Yes

Mazars is a great company to work for and I have been exposed to many opportunities at such a young age and early stage in my career. The seniors here can spot potential quickly which allows me to be given more responsibility on clients. I am often praised at work for my efforts.

Be yourself - I was extremely nervous during the interview process, as Mazars was a top 10 accountancy firm and I doubted myself. however, the interviewers (who are now my Senior Manager and partner) made me feel comfortable in the office. Look into getting a 'mentor' during the interview process, which I believe Mazars are offering to School Leavers.