corporate assistant Review
at Forvis Mazars
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Bristol
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
3.4 /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
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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:
3/5
I work in audit so the day to day role is reviewing company statutory accounts.
Daily tasks include testing the relevant balances that comprise accounts (assets/liabilities/income and expenditure), proof reading and casting accounts and carrying out work to obtain a greater understanding of our clients and their accounting practices.
Daily tasks include testing the relevant balances that comprise accounts (assets/liabilities/income and expenditure), proof reading and casting accounts and carrying out work to obtain a greater understanding of our clients and their accounting practices.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The programme is quite full on, combining full time work with study for the ACA. I enjoy this because it is challenging but at times it can leave you feeling a tad burnt out.
I enjoy learning new technical knowledge and skills and the program has been very good for this.
I enjoy learning new technical knowledge and skills and the program has been very good for this.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
I have increased by professional skills interacting with clients and colleagues.
I had not done any accounting before I joined the firm so my understanding of accounts and the calculations behind the figures that comprise them has increased significantly.
My understanding of tax legislation and accounting policies has improved through my work and study.
I had not done any accounting before I joined the firm so my understanding of accounts and the calculations behind the figures that comprise them has increased significantly.
My understanding of tax legislation and accounting policies has improved through my work and study.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The program is well structured and organised according to the ICAEW exams that you are sitting. The work is tailored to your experience, increasing in technical difficult as the program progresses and more experienced is gain. After the first year there is lots of opportunity to push yourself and take more responsibility.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive tuition from BPP for my examinations, which includes tuition of the learning material and revision periods leading up to the exam. There is an option to defer exams if the work load is too much and there are study days granted as leave to allow you to focus on your exams.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
BPP provide a lot of learning materials and tuition/revision days. The online hub has a lot of resources, although at times there is potentially a bit too much and it can be hard to wade through all the material. The tutors are available for questions out of hours for any question.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
Some of the work in my qualification is useful in my day to day work (for example the accounting and assurance exams are relevant to audit work) however some of the exams I am taking are not very relevant to my job (for example the study on more advanced tax issues and business strategy)
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
Work organise monthly socials with various activities (such as bowling , comedy clubs etc). We have a monthly audit lunch provided by the firm and there are other ad hoc social events organised. We have organised the occasional sports match with employees and have a annual sports day.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Forvis Mazars to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I enjoy the working culture and think it is more employee focused than competitor firms. The ability to be flexible and work from home is something I value a lot. The regular socials are a nice bonus and there is a nice atmosphere in the office and with other employees.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Forvis Mazars?
There is not anything that comes to mind when I think of tips that I would give to people looking to join the firm. Do not apply if you are not willing to make sacrifices to juggle work and study as this can be very time consuming and full on in exam season.
