Audit Trainee Review

My work placement was enjoyable in terms of the people I worked with and the range of tasks I did throughout the year. I wouldn’t say that audit is a particularly exciting job day-to-day, but I got to work with a lot of varied clients and so it didn’t get boring.

My colleagues in the Leeds office were all lovely. Although there was a clear hierarchy I didn’t feel like I could only speak to certain people. Anyone at any level was willing to help you if you were stuck, and the majority of people were really grateful for work I did for them.

I was assigned an appraising manager who I caught up with every couple of months to discuss my project and this was useful. However on a daily basis, guidance was given mainly from part or fully qualified seniors. Managers and partners were on hand if needed but I generally got advice from colleagues a year or two above me.

At the beginning I sometimes found I had little work to fill the day, but after a few weeks when I had more experience I was quite busy! A lot of auditors work longer hours than contracted because the time constraints are quite tight but as a junior this wasn’t expected of me. You move from job to job every few weeks and so constantly have a to-do list on the go as it’s sometimes hard to keep on top of.

As a junior you wouldn’t expect to be given much responsibility but at Mazars they are keen to push you to take on harder work sooner, more so than at big 4 firms! Once I had a good understanding, I was trusted to do important work with as much or little guidance as I needed. This was good as there wasn’t somebody constantly looking over you. Your work was obviously checked and review points were given, but I was trusted to use my initiative.

My placement didn’t help in my degree at all as I did Maths, but as it’s a likely career path after university I found it beneficial. More so as it gives you awareness of the working world and I learnt so much valuable stuff about the industry and about other jobs that are out there. It also looks great on my CV and they offered me a job for when I graduate which is obviously great! The skills may not necessarily be useful in another job but for anything to do with finance or accountancy it is really useful.

The atmosphere in the Leeds office was generally good. Although everyone took their job seriously, people were still willing to have a laugh and chat, which makes the day so much nicer! Some people were quieter than others and it’s unlikely that you’ll get on with everybody but that’d be the same in every workplace.

The placement was really well organised and they clearly have placement students taken on each year. I started along with one other placement student and I think 7 graduates in the audit and tax departments. This is a good thing as they are used to having you there so you don’t feel like a burden. It’s also nice to start with people in the same position as you.

We were all sent to a number of training days, including a 3 day induction event with everyone from across the country. We then had a few days in Manchester with people from the Northern region, as well as a couple of events in Leeds. Training happens fairly regularly for people at all different levels. I also sat one of my accountancy exams (whereas the grads did 6 during the year) which the company paid for and I got time out to do.

I think if you want to do an accountancy related job in the future then Mazars is a great company to work for. They aren’t too big that you get lost in the crowd, and are given high levels of responsibility. The clients are varied and there’s great opportunity to travel. Both me and the other placement student got offered a job so a placement is a good step to secure this if you make a good impression!

A huge amount of the office is in their twenties and most people get on really well so there’s plenty of socialising and opportunities to make new friends. There are also a couple of staff events spread throughout the year with food and a free bar and it’s nice to socialise with the partners and people from other departments. Could probably be more sports/social events but it’s hard to get people together!

I went to university in Leeds so was used to the cost of living as I continued to live with my friends who were students. As far as I can tell, Leeds isn’t very expensive especially for nightlife. Rent can be pricey in the centre but anywhere else it’s fairly reasonable. Not had a problem paying for this out my salary.

I personally think the nightlife in Leeds is great. There’s a real range from nice restaurants and bars to pubs, student clubs and big events. Drinks and taxis are always cheap and I find it relatively safe for walking come compared to somewhere like Manchester, obviously if you’re still careful.

I personally think the nightlife in Leeds is great. There’s a real range from nice restaurants and bars to pubs, student clubs and big events. Drinks and taxis are always cheap and I find it relatively safe for walking come compared to somewhere like Manchester, obviously if you’re still careful.