Corporate Assistant Review

My role is an audit junior. The role is varied and day-to day tasks depend on clients and audit stage, however generally each day I am testing financial balances of clients using a variety of methods, such as checking invoices, undertaking analytical reviews and discussing business, processing and any issues with clients. I work in a hybrid role but generally have daily communication with both my own audit team and the clients' teams. Audits generally last between a few week and a few months, therefore I work with several clients a year.

I entered the apprenticeship having never worked in or studied any accountancy or related subjects. As a result I have learnt a lot and developed several new skills through both work experience and study. In my position, I am given regular opportunities to develop both technical skill and 'soft' skills such as communication, team work and personal development. The team is very supportive, and especially as the start of my apprenticeship I think I had a great balance of responsibility, challenge and support to develop my skills effectively.

Embarking on this apprenticeship was essentially a career change for me, therefore I was apprehensive and not sure what to expect. However, it was a really positive decision and I am enjoying my programme. This is largely due to the team and support around me, as well as the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

On the whole my programme is well structured, however there are often delays when trying to communicate with my course provider. As the apprenticeship is structured between both my employer and my course provider administration sometimes feels more complicated than it needed to be. Overall however, this hasn't caused me any major issues, and although it could have been made efficient it is fit for purpose.

I have been given time off work and additional study leave to work towards my exams which have been really helpful in relieving pressure. Managers have also been understanding around exam times and allow sufficient focus for study outside of work. With regards to on the job training, my employer has been great at continuing to give me new challenges to support my develop whilst supporting me to ensure I am confident with tasks I am given.

The tutors on my training provider have all been brilliant and supportive. We are also offered additional support from the student support team if we are struggling. The structure of the courses work well and help to build knowledge effectively for exams. When learning in person, I have found no issues with the training provider. For the virtual elements, the learning relies on pre-recorded content which is sometimes difficult to engage with for long periods of time. There are sometimes minor delays in communication when trying to contact the training provider. Overall though, I have found the support sufficient.

Studying towards a qualification whilst working has been a very useful experience. The qualification provides the knowledge needed to perform my role efficiently, whilst implementing that knowledge in the work environment helps to solidify the learning in a 'real word' environment. The role itself and the qualification have interacting well, and compliment each other to further development in both areas.

At work, there is a social committee and there are many extra curricular activities to get involved with. Examples include: A 5-a-side football team Social quizzes and activities Days out (during work time) An annual sports day Regular socials, from meals to drinks to activities There are also a number of networks to get involved with including: Religious networks Disability network LGBTQ+ network Family network There is also plenty of networking opportunities, and a list of professional events to get involved with are circulated each month. Most of the events are subsidised by my employer. New ideas are also always welcome, and people are encouraged to start new activities that they are interested in.

Yes

I have really enjoyed my time so far at Mazars. I was apprehensive in starting an apprenticeship in an area completely unknown to me but I have genuinely felt supported throughout. This includes by both my own peer group (joining with a group of other people who are also in the same stage of my apprenticeship has been great) and management. Everyone is a friendly face and ready to help, and there are lots of opportunity for development. Despite my reservations, making the leap and undertaking the apprenticeship was a great decision!

Throughout the recruitment process there are lots of opportunities to ask questions to both recruitment managers and current trainees - take them and ask whatever you want - everyone is willing to answer and give an idea of what the role involves. There are a few stages in the application process so take one step at a time. Have a good idea of what the qualification involves. There's no experience or technical knowledge requirements so just understand why you think you would be a good fit - a willingness to take on feedback, motivation to learn and a desire to get stuck in are all important!