Corporate Assistant Review
at Forvis Mazars
School Leaver Programme
Accounting
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: May 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
I work in audit which entails reviewing our client's financial statements to ensure they are free from error. On a day to day basis, I liaise frequently with clients to request evidence such as invoices, payslips etc to support the figures disclosed in the financial statements and perform testing.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme. I work with a great team and am fortunate to have supportive, knowledgeable managers. I enjoy the variety of areas of work I am exposed to and I enjoy the client communication side of my job. I would definitely say I find my programme enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes - on the most basic level I have developed my IT skills - in particularly excel. I have learnt a lot of techniques. Plus, I have found that my confidence has increased as a result of communicating frequently with clients. On top of that I take exams alongside my work which has also increased my skillset and understanding of my industry.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I would say it is very well structured. I have attended an array of training courses, both locally and residentially, in the year since i've been here. I am also allocated a pathway which makes clear the timeline for which I am to sit my exams so I know whats coming up next.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive lots of support. My managers are very supportive and knowledgeable and always free for a chat to discuss anything from work related queries to exam related matters. In the office we have also set up a junior forum whereby all the trainees regularly get together to voice their issues.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider is very supportive. I benefit from being able to attend taught classes as well as revision classes in the run up to the exam, which are invaluable. I also benefit from online textbooks, paper copies of the notes and online question banks so I can do question practice.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I can definitely see a link between the work I do in my qualification and in my daily job. For example, one of my exams entailed creating a set of financial statements from scratch using some given information, which is very related to my job. I have also sat exams on audit risks and procedures which is very applicable to my job.
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
Yes - the trainees and newly qualified staff members frequently have social events outside of work. We also have periodic whole team events where everybody gets together to discuss relevant work related matters and voice any concerns. On top of this, we have events prior to new starters joining so they can meet everybody.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Forvis Mazars to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Mazars as the staff are really friendly and supportive - when you first join you are always able to ask questions even if you feel like its a silly question. I think the culture is also very good and there is a good work life balance within the company.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Forvis Mazars?
I would say to research the company, the industry and the challenged the industry faces. In my experience the interviewers are all really friendly so dont get too worked up - just relax, be yourself, know your stuff and have fun. The application process moves quite quickly - in my experience I wasnt left hanging for weeks and weeks waiting for a verdict.
