Audit Staff Review
at Forvis Mazars
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Leeds
Review Submitted: June 2022
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
On a day to day basis you will be getting to know clients, their business and how they work. You will:
- Work with various clients, building a strong understanding of their business;
- Learn how to prepare professional audit documents in line with our audit methodology using audit software and systems;
- Develop a thorough understanding of financial statements; and
- Be able to obtain relevant information from clients whilst building effective rapport with clients.
During your second year you will:
- Build and develop audit skills in increasingly complex and technical areas;
- Be able to take ownership for sections allocated to you in an audit file;
- Self-review your own work, ensuring minimal review points are raised by managers; and
- Be able to help less experienced team members.
- Work with various clients, building a strong understanding of their business;
- Learn how to prepare professional audit documents in line with our audit methodology using audit software and systems;
- Develop a thorough understanding of financial statements; and
- Be able to obtain relevant information from clients whilst building effective rapport with clients.
During your second year you will:
- Build and develop audit skills in increasingly complex and technical areas;
- Be able to take ownership for sections allocated to you in an audit file;
- Self-review your own work, ensuring minimal review points are raised by managers; and
- Be able to help less experienced team members.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Choosing an apprenticeship was the best decision I could have made for me. Not only am I accelerating my career, I am also able to build relationships with many people helping to develop skills I wouldn't have developed otherwise. I have enjoyed this programme a lot as I am on my way to qualify whilst also gaining industry knowledge.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Over the four and a half year programme, you will be exposed to many scenarios helping to develop many skills that will be useful once you have qualified. Examples of these skills are: Leadership, Problem solving, Building relationships, Communication and Ethics. As well as skills, you will develop behavioural attitudes needed when working as an auditor. This includes Continuous improvements, Flexibility and Professional scepticism.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The Audit apprenticeship programme is very well structured. You will be provided with a platform outlining when exams have been booked, how many off the job hours have been completed and where you can reach out to a team where you have specific apprenticeship questions. You will also have regular training whether that be individual courses or tutor led
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
At Mazars, no question is too small. In fact, asking questions is encouraged as that demonstrates your curiosity to learn and also develops the professional scepticism skill. Everyone is welcoming to questions you have. If you require support for the apprenticeship, you have an apprenticeship coach dedicated for this. I f you have work-related questions, you have a counsellor (Mentor) you can talk to. When working on clients, engagement Managers also help guide where there may be gaps in you understanding. You will never be short of support at Mazars.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
When working towards your qualification, you will have an abundance of support from a number of teams. Firstly, you will have a dedicated apprenticeship coach who will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the qualification itself including off the job training. You will also have tutors who will teach you the course of each exam. They are accessible via email or through an online chat support.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The training provided by Mazars has helped on the day to day role. There are individual trainings that you can enrol on to develop the skills you believe you need but there are also mandatory learning that must be completed so you are up to date with all recent changes in the industry. There are also tutor led trainings to develop you skills as you climb up the ladder in terms of seniority.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
At Mazars there are many extra curricular activities that you can get involved in. We have access to voluntary days during the year which can be used to carry out any voluntary initiatives and helping the local communities. There are many social events that take place helping to build relationships and contacts throughout Mazars.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Forvis Mazars to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Working at Mazars is great as they believe their success lies in the quality of their employees. This means you will be provided by a vast amount of opportunities for learning and access to work on the biggest clients. Mazars also believe in promoting inclusive growth from within with the ability to move across sectors broadening and building a wealth of experience.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Forvis Mazars?
When applying to Mazars do some research into the company and decide if it is for you. Take look through the website and read through each programme and choose which best fits you. There are explanations on the application process and what can be expected at each stage of the application process. Remember just be yourself during the interviews!
