Corporate Assistant Review

During my placement at Mazars, I have worked as a corporate assistant within the Financial Services (Banking) Audit team. As such, I am treated the exact same as a graduate joiner to the firm. I am given the opportunity to work in various teams and on various clients, which has enabled to me to gain a much greater understanding of the audit and the financial sector as a whole.

One of my skills that has developed noticeably this year is my communication. The Mazars' teams I have worked with have encouraged me to speak up in daily meetings and have allowed me great exposure to the client side through one-to-one walkthroughs, Teams calls and email. Moreover, my technical skills have improved, such as on Excel, or on more audit specific software, such as DataSnipper.

Yes - at Mazars, you are able to take on as much responsibility as you like. Managers are happy to allocate you areas/tasks that you would like take on and they actively promote giving you opportunities to challenge yourself.

I have received a good amount of support and guidance during my placement. The size of Mazars' is great as it means they have established support teams to guide you through the start of your career and the ACA qualification. However, you do not feel like a drop in the ocean and I have found that senior people in the firm quickly get to know you and support you.

Mazars has a good company culture and atmosphere. The coworkers I've worked alongside have always been friendly and understanding. I've preferred going into the office this year, rather than staying home, as I have found I have had better days when surrounded by familiar faces at Mazars.

Very much so! This placement year has probably been the favourite year of my whole university degree. I have been presented with great learning opportunities and experiences and have formed some lifelong friendships. Mazars has felt like a great place to start my career.

Yes

I would make sure to gain a reasonable understanding of your service line and consider you career ambitions with the firm (e.g., to become a chartered accountant?). I would also research Mazars' positioning within the market as well as its values/culture. Most importantly, be yourself and let your personality shine in the interviews.