Corporate Assistant Review

I am a corporate assistant within the Asset Management Audit Team at Mazars LLP. I am training as a junior auditor, and so my roles and responsibilities include: communicating with clients to obtain evidence and supports and understand their accounting processes; perform audit analysis on a range of divisions within audited entities; support the jobs managers on client work and assist in the audit process.

I have learnt a lot of new technical skills, in particular developing my skillset on excel. I have also developed a comprehensive understanding of general accounting terminology and processes. Perhaps most importantly for an auditor, I have also developed a sense of awareness towards our clients with regard to being professionally sceptical where appropriate.

So far, I am thoroughly enjoying the programme. I think that, although day to day tasks can become somewhat repetitive, I am still learning something new every day. I also find that there is a good balance between job fulfilment and manageable hours, meaning I can enjoy my life both on and off the job.

There is a clear pathway and direction to the programme and I feel that I enjoy the structure of this pathway. Having goals and reviews on a periodic basis allows for constant reflection on what is being achieved and allows me to understand what I have done well and what I need to work on.

I receive a good level of support from Mazars - my line manager is responsive in answering any queries I have, and the wider team I work in are very helpful in giving me tips to help me in my role. The culture is fantastic and I feel supported by the firm.

BPP have been excellent at training me towards my examinations. They provide a wide array of material to help me study towards the exams, and offer a good level of wider support for any questions I have. At times I have felt insignificant within my cohort, but this is perhaps understandable.

I have learnt a lot of skills and picked up a lot of knowledge that has helped me in my role. Specifically, the accounting and audit exams have given me a strong level of foundation knowledge to work as an auditor. I hope the professional level examinations in these areas will only help me further in this regard.

There are semi regular work socials within the asset management team, which are great networking opportunities that I thoroughly enjoy. Mazars also have a range of sports teams to get involved with. I play football most weeks locally as part of a work-funded 7-a-side team, which is a good way to meet new people and have a break from work.

Yes

It is a fantastic firm for young graduates, where you are supporting in your early career development. There is a good culture amongst the team, and I genuinely enjoy coming into work (which is rare I feel!). I feel there are few downsides to the job and firm overall, which is always a positive sign.

Make sure you choose the programme which most suits your interests and abilities. Mazars have a large audit department but also have teams in consulting, tax, and more, so pick the graduate programme you think you will enjoy the most. Also make sure to research the firm and its values and role in the market comprehensively.