Corporate Assistant Review

My role as an audit trainee is to aid in any kind of testing for our audit procedures to the best of my abilities. These involve sampling for testing, checking supporting documents, requesting additional support from the client, or updating the relevant working papers. I frequently update my seniors on my progress to ensure they are aware what I am working on.

The role involves a very strong emphasis on understanding and evaluating financial information presented by the client. You learn a lot about the audit methodology, providing assurance over data, and identifying when information seems off. You also acquire and develop your skills with certain data processing technologies, most known one being Microsoft Excel.

Although it can be challenging at times, I enjoy the programme greatly as it provides a good balance between studying towards an accountancy qualification and work devoted to the firm & our clients. It greatly expands my knowledge on financial areas, more specifically the reporting aspect. The experience gained on the job is very valuable and complementary to my studies as I get to observe how applicable the knowledge I am gaining is to the audit profession.

The programme has strict boundaries for the overall timeline of my qualification but provides flexibility within these boundaries to allow individuals to progress at their own pace. You are told a deadline and given relative freedom to decide the pace you wish to take certain studies/exams and when. This was really helpful to me when I found some modules particularly challenging and benefited from the additional time I was allowed within the deadline.

Different kinds of support are available from my employer. You are provided with a set amount of study days (which you can decide when to use them) to complete your studies. Your managers are very understanding towards your studies and realize when you might be particularly focused on an upcoming exam. Your more senior colleagues who have already passed these exams give advice and study tips whenever you ask them for help.

The training provider gives support in various ways. The in-person teaching sessions are very fast paced but are also very interactive to keep you involved and learning. There are tutors available online to answer any question you post to the forums. You also receive frequent mails from the training provider while undertaking study on tips for more efficient study and revision.

The qualification I am pursuing is very relevant to my role as an audit trainee. Everyday I get to experience a different aspect of the audit methodology and notice that these new experiences have already been covered or mentioned during my studies. It is also very helpful to have notes from the training provider, which I can refer back to when I am confused about a test, procedure, etc.

There are many different extra-curricular activities and clubs available at work. These reach from sports such as football, badminton, running to more indoor activities like chess or language exchange. The company organizes events for charity and corporate social responsibility as well. Occasionally, there are social events (both in and out of office) where people get to meet their colleagues and network with more senior or junior team members.

Yes

Mazars provides a very healthy working environment with immense support being provided from all members of the team, regardless of whether they have joined the firm a couple of months ago or have been working there for years. There is a sense of unity, teamwork, and goal-oriented mindset across the whole firm, which inspires you to work there.

Before making an application, try to obtain a very through understanding of the position you are applying for and what your daily responsibilities might look like. Furthermore, review the firms standing on social issues such as inequality and have a look at their vision for the future. If you have the time, try to improve upon the skills that are relevant to your role, even having a great understanding of MS Excel can be very beneficial.