Advisory Placement - Forensics and Valuations Team Review

After applying to the Advisory placement, I was placed in Mazars' Manchester Forensics and Valuations team. Specifically, I sat in the investigations team. This involved: Conducting various fact finding and analysis tasks - e.g., open source research; document reviews; analysing and commenting on client data. Assisting with writing and verifying reports. Assisting with / conducting interviews with individuals relevant to an investigation. Providing general help with managing client projects, such as e-mail communications and managing information requested and received. Helping with new project / client proposals. Helping with Business Development by attending networking events.

Improved social and networking skills, increased confidence in this area due to internal communications in the team, but also communicating externally with clients and other professionals at networking events. Developed investigatory skills - having an analytical and questioning mindset. Data analysis and review - reviewing and analysing large volumes of information and relaying findings in a concise manner. Report writing in a professional environment. Time management - balancing work and study. Attention to detail, particularly as part of writing and reviewing reports. Gained a breath of knowledge when studying for the CFAB qualification - exams in: accounting, assurance, management information, law, tax, and business, technology and finance.

Yes, particularly if a manager is on annual leave for example. Communicated with clients, asking questions, chasing for information. Conducted some fact-finding interviews/calls alone with clients or external parties. Made significant contributions to deliverable reports. Time can generally be flexible, but I felt I could have had more opportunity over the year to manage my own time/tasks.

Generally felt well-supported during my placement, knew who to talk to if I had questions or concerns. Exam support has been sufficient - I found the learning provider really good, and some study leave time is given.

Found the company culture / atmosphere really welcoming, everyone I encountered has been kind and down to earth, definitely happy to help and support if they can. As always with this type of firm, you can see there are people working longer hours on some (and sometimes many) occasions, but this is generally not expected of you as a placement student. There are initiatives in place to try and improve diversity and inclusion at Mazars, but there is still a way to go. This isn't a reflection of the people (everyone is welcoming, kind and inclusive) but the representation across the workforce could definitely be improved.

On the whole I have enjoyed my year, I have loved getting to know everyone in my team as they have all been really welcoming and are generally lovely people. There have been plenty of social events which have enhanced this further and this is something I've really enjoyed. I have also enjoyed the flexibility of hybrid working. However, the Investigations work that I have been involved in perhaps wasn't for me - I still found some enjoyment in projects, but am not looking to pursue this as a career going forward. Out of the advisory teams, it would probably not have been my first choice, however this is part of applying to a rotation. That being said, a placement student on this scheme does not 'rotate' within the year and will remain in one advisory team, which is something to keep in mind. One of the reasons for this as despite being an accounting placement, I did not have much exposure to numbers and accounts! However, I have still developed lots of skills from my placement, both soft and technical.

Yes

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