Corporate Assistant Review

I am a corporate assistant within public sector audit. This role includes being involved in audits for clients within the NHS, local government and public entities. On a day to day basis, I am delegated tasks within the audit such as casting, payroll testing and completing walkthroughs. I am often included with meetings with the clients, and I am very involved within the team.

As someone who had very little knowledge of audit and the finance sector before joining I have learnt many skills. My confidence with interacting with clients has developed, my overall knowledge of what is included within audit and assurance has increased massively. I have also developed skills in report writing, personal development, and even just sending emails.

I personally really enjoy my programme, there is always opportunity to develop your skills and learn new ones too. The exams along side the full-time work can occasionally be difficult, however the programme has a really good support system in place when worries do arise. The team I work within are really supportive and are always happy to sit down with me and help with any difficulties or advise in areas I am unsure of. Overall I really enjoy the programme.

Usually the programme is well organised, however there have been moments in which I have been unsure of what is expected of me. Sometimes an email is missed, or a task that needs completing outside or work isn't communicated on time which makes catching up difficult. However the majority of the time, it is organised well and has a clear structure to follow to build skills etc.

I couldn't receive more support from my employer, starting from colleagues to the rest of my team, I know if there was anything I needed support or help with I would be completely comfortable asking for this. During exam season, everyone has been really helpful with giving or advice and understanding if there are extra levels of stress within the job. Within actual work there is a really good support network too - when I have any questions about a job I am completing I know who to contact and how.

Depending on whether the learning is completed in person or online the support differs. When completing in person the support is to no end with the tutors. However when completing online, and you have to follow videos there are strict time constrictions that make it difficult especially on a section which is more difficult to understand as there isn't someone directly there to ask.

When completing the sections within the qualification that relate directly to my role e.g. audit and assurance - you can see the link of the understanding taken from the qualification and applying this within the jobs being completed. However other sections of the qualification such as an understanding of tax is also helpful within certain sections of the role - each part of the qualification is easily linked to the role and what tasks are completed daily.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in - personally I am part of the social committee and gallup committee. This is just within my team, but there are also whole office extra curriculars and groups, such as the sport and social committee who run events regularly that anyone can be involved in.

Yes

I came into Mazars knowing very little about the finance sector, or the role, due to having a completely different background. The firm and my team could not be more supportive, I have enjoyed thoroughly being part of Mazars, from the day to day work I do to joining in with the extra curriculars. It is a really friendly place to work, and often I am genuinely excited to go back after a break.

My best tip would be to research the company, even if you don't have a finance background, look into the culture and values of Mazars. Include this when you are applying and see if it aligns with your values and what you want within a workplace. Finally, just be honest - let your passions show through.