Corporate Assistant Review
at Forvis Mazars
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Milton Keynes
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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
My role is an auditor in Financial Services specifically with Real Estate and Asset Management clients. I perform planning, testing and reviews of the client and their accounts, in order to assist on reporting that their Financial Statements provide a true and fair reflection of their business. Day to day work can vary from client site to office.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Generally my training programme allows for a quarter of the year focussing on client work, followed by a quarter where this client work will be mixed with other learning such as an AAT qualification, other new audit professional skills and professional skills courses. I like this format as it gives time for you learn material and then practice in real life situations.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed a range of existing skills such as communication, adaptability, planning and presentation, proactivity, producing quality and accurate information, leadership. I have also learnt new skills such as professional scepticism, adding value, ethics and intergrity and have developed a vast amount of knowledge in systems and processes that are new to me.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme itself is structured as previously mentioned which I feel works well. I have received up front notifications of my training programme and when my next courses are due to be completed. Communication with the training provider could be improved as there is often a difference in information between them and my employer, or even within the training provider departments.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer allows for additional study leave days in which I can use how and when I wish throughout the year. As the majority of the workforce have been through the same programmes it is very easy to find support and guidance as and when is needed. There are a number of different communication channels to use to gain further support where needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The training provider provides courses and course material in line with the programme and the upcoming exams. The course content is quite frequently not all covered in the days booked onto the course, which could be managed better. Each tutor's contact is provided on the course if needed, however, I find the quality of the tutor has varied from course to course, which often results in better or worse understanding of the content. This being said, there are recordings of each section/topic which can be viewed as many times as necessary, but this would then have to be completed in my own time alongside other revision and work.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification has given me an all round overview of many different aspects of accounting and types of businesses such as sole traders, partnerships and Limited Companies. I have learnt many aspects of these businesses accounting function such as how they produce their accounts and financial statements, tax calculations and budgeting.
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
There are many social activities that I could get involved with through my work, since the lifting of covid restrictions. There are regular social events and events that are organised after department meetings for example. These usually are catered for, and appeal to the wide team. These include BBQs, meals out, games nights, sporting events etc
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Forvis Mazars to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Mazars LLP to a friend as you can continue to study and achieve a qualification alongside earning and working with a variety of different clients. During this time, you develop and learn many skills, have access to working alongside different departments and in both small and large teams.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Forvis Mazars?
For anyone applying to Mazars LLP, I would remind any applicants that this is a growing company. The work environment is really inclusive and the senior management listen to everyone's views and opinions. I would say to maintain communication with all departments and people you meet in the office, as you never know when you can draw on their knowledge or experiences.
