Client Advisor Review
at Forvis Mazars
School Leaver Programme
Accounting
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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:
5/5
Production of statutory accounts, management accounts, company and personal tax returns. Outsourced finance manager and financial controller. Outsourced accounts payable function. Learning about cloud based accounting software and training clients on this. Implementing new clients. Re-engaging with clients and negotiating fee increases. Liaising with clients daily and building long lasting relationships.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Absolutely love the programme. I have built the trust of my peers and managers at the firm, which has allowed me to flourish by taking on new and interesting clients, including some more risky clients. This has accelerated my own development within the firm and at a personal level. Lots of support from my firm.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Significant business development skills - winning new clients, building relationships, winning more work from them. Increased confidence and competency. Certainly built accounting skills. This has all allowed me to become a competent accountant and build a client portfolio, which I now manage on my own. Team working skills. Coaching others eg new starters.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised. Clear pathways in place for progression and promotion. Plenty of support available from my firm internally eg professional qualifications team, line manager, but also externally from the training provider. Always aware what my next exams will be and what studying I will have to do for that exam.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lots of support from my employer, whether that be from my line manager (who is excellent) or the internal professional development team. In my early days, I was offered a buddy network and attended regular buddy events which was really appreciated. Since, I’ve benefited from a Partner who is mentoring me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Lots of support from the training provider, whether that be for exams eg study sessions and tuition, or personal development via quarterly progress reviews. Team is always on hand to answer queries and help with anything I need eg support with my apprenticeship pack. Always on the end of an email or phone call.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Exams tend to link to the role in some way - either I study for something that I’ve recently been doing in my job, or I do something in my job that I’ve recently learnt in my studying. These clear links help to see the purpose of the studying (ie not just to pass an exam!).
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Loads of social events in the office, normally monthly - both office wide and in team events. Weekly sports events such as football; playing against other firms. I often attend professional networking events including Young Professionals and Manchester Chartered Accountants Society. Manchester Young Professionals event almost daily if want to attend or weekly !
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Forvis Mazars to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Really supportive environment at all levels, from junior right up to partner. Significant progression within the firm and clear pathways to achieve progression. Individuals at all levels are key to the firm. Welcoming and family like culture, despite being a large sized firm, it hasn’t lost this. Would 100% recommend.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Forvis Mazars?
Research into Mazars’ culture and values - consider if this aligns to your own. Look at the various service lines available and locations and think about what would work best for you and what area you’d like to work in. Come prepared to talk about why you want to work at mazars!
