MAZARS GRADUATE RECRUITMENT For a brighter future
Contents Welcome 3 Why Mazars 4 Mazars Worldwide 6 Qualities We Look For 8 Training Lifecycle at Mazars 10 Audit 12 Tax 14 IT Audit & Security 16 Consulting 18 Internal Audit 20 Trainee Snapshots 22 Here s How It Works 24 Social and CSR 26 1
We Are Not Just Num6ers Mazars Graduate Recruitment Team Caroline, Olwen & Vanessa Welcome Welcome to the Mazars graduate brochure 2015. You have an important decision to make as you embark on your professional career and the choices you make now will shape and inform your career in the future. Our graduate recruitment process is designed to give you exposure to our culture, our staff and our way of working, as we believe these are important factors in your career choice. Our Graduate Programme We have structured our teams so that you will be given responsibility and exposure to clients from day one. It is a supportive yet challenging environment in which we expect everyone to work hard and provide excellent client service. There is a strong team philosophy and a good work life balance. Mazars staff are energetic and there is always a cultural, social or sporting event to get involved in. At Mazars we provide excellent training to graduates. Technical skills are a strong focus, but we also stress the importance of your development in other ways including an understanding of business and the needs of clients. Sounds like the place for you? Take a look through the rest of the brochure and get a feel for what we do, how we operate and how you would fit in - then contact us. At Mazars, we may work with numbers but we all come from different places, cultures and disciplines. We each have our own unique personality and perspective. Outside of the formal recruitment process please contact a member of the graduate recruitment team who can answer your specific queries or visit mazarscareers.ie 2 3
Why Mazars One of the world s largest accounting firms. An international and integrated organisation, specialising in Audit, Accounting, Consulting, IT Audit & Security, Tax, Internal Audit and Financial Advisory. Variety You will be given the opportunity to experience different sectors, industries and service offerings throughout your training contract. Your days will be varied, challenging and rewarding. Career We train you on the technical skills but also develop your business and personal skills. We want you to be a rounded professional who has the ability to become a future partner. We seek to retain staff and offer long term careers. Training Our training programme is excellent. We provide a combination of on the job training and formal programmes delivered at our Dublin office. Qualified staff also have the opportunity for further professional development courses at Mazars University in Paris. Responsibility You will be given loads of responsibility from day one and photocopying is not a core part of your training! Culture At Mazars we have a down to earth attitude. We focus on working together and getting the job done. Our staff enjoy an excellent rapport that influences the culture and feel of the firm. International mobility Mazars has an excellent international mobility programme offering staff the opportunity to work in Mazars offices worldwide. 13,800 professionals operating in 72 countries. 250 staff and 17 partners in Dublin and Galway. 8 Placed 8 th in Ireland s most popular graduate recruiter: accountancy and professional services. Because our whole approach is different. 4 5
Mazars Worldwide 13,800 Professionals worldwide 72 Countries 250 Staff in Dublin & Galway 20 Graduates places available in 2015 6 7
Qualities We Look For Driven by success? You must have an interest in business and a thirst for learning and developing. We will provide exposure to loads of different skills and areas but you need to actively approach each task so that you get the most out of your experience as a trainee. What s your background? Our trainee profile is very diverse. We have always recruited graduates from a wide range of disciplines and this adds to the unique culture at Mazars. People person? It s a people business; when you are not dealing with clients you will be dealing with other staff so you will need to be a good communicator and focused on building relationships. We strongly encourage staff to get involved in extracurricular activities and there are plenty to choose from! Up for the challenge? All of our graduate programmes are tailored to deliver a challenging programme of learning and development. We look for graduates that enjoy challenge and diversity on a professional and personal level. More than just a number? We like interesting people with a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to make a difference on a personal and professional level. To succeed at Mazars you need a strong academic background, equally important are your personal qualities and how you apply yourself to the role. 8 9
Training Lifecycle at Mazars Induction training You will begin by attending a two week induction programme with your intake. This will give you the opportunity to get to know each other and equip you with the skills and knowledge to take on your first client assignment. Annual programmes As you progress the firm delivers tailored training programmes appropriate to your level. Each programme focuses not only on technical training but on core skills such as people, client and project management skills helping you to become a fully rounded business professional. On the job training Here at Mazars training doesn t stop in the classroom, it s part of our very ethos. We consider on the job training one of the most important learning experiences at Mazars. We give you a variety of work, under supervision, while progressively increasing your areas of responsibility. Departmental training Every department, and the clients associated with it, have their own special demands. We make it a priority to develop departmental training programmes which means you can deliver the best service to our clients while developing your own skills. Our departmental training programmes aim to support you in becoming an expert in your field. Mazars University Mazars University in Paris offers technical and soft skills training to Mazarians worldwide. Irish staff have the opportunity to attend courses at the University, which are hugely beneficial from both a developmental and networking perspective. Exam training We know it isn t easy balancing a busy work schedule and professional exams which is why we have developed our pre exam training programme. We source the best lecturers to come in-house and deliver specific training designed to achieve exam success. Mazars offer an extensive learning and development programme to all of our trainees throughout the duration of their training contract. 10 11
Audit Why did you choose Mazars? With many opportunities open to me as a graduate, I chose Mazars because the training programme provides the opportunity to work on a variety of different jobs and clients. Other factors included direct exposure to the management team up to partner level and the opportunities that an international firm presents. All of the above assured me that I was making the right decision in choosing Mazars and that I would receive the best possible training and support available to graduates. Tell us about your first month at Mazars Starting any new job is daunting but Mazars induction training quickly put me at ease. I got to know my intake and met with staff members from trainees to partners who were supportive and welcoming. Following induction I was out on my first audit. While I was apprehensive, the team provided me with great support and I was given responsibility for small sections of the audit. Early exposure to jobs and clients was crucial in building my confidence. What makes life here so enjoyable? The atmosphere in the office is my favourite aspect. While we are dedicated to providing an excellent service to our clients, the people here make it a great place to work. Along with this, the exposure to different types of work ensures that I am learning something new each day. What s next for you? Being a qualified Chartered Accountant with Mazars, the prospects for me are endless. Within the firm I can progress to manager level in the audit field or I could opt for more diverse experience and request a transfer to another area such as consulting or insolvency. Mazars also offer international mobility opportunities for qualified staff to work in Mazars offices across the world. Sean Assistant Manager Joined Mazars in 2008 What are you working on now? As an assistant manager I have a portfolio of clients that I manage on a daily basis. This includes dealing with client queries, organising and planning annual audits, reviewing the audit work and managing the audit team. Since I have become an assistant manager I have been exposed to some very interesting ad hoc projects. These projects include the development, design and construction of a small company audit template and the compilation of reports on the analysis of agribusiness corporations. 12 13
Tax Why did you choose Mazars? Out of all the graduate programmes on offer, I chose Mazars because I knew I would not be pigeon holed into one area of Tax. At an early stage in my career I was involved in Tax compliance work but also worked closely with a partner on tax consultancy work. This has broadened my knowledge and given me exposure to a range of different areas such as succession management and research and development tax credits. Tell us about your first month at Mazars My first two weeks in Mazars involved induction training where I got to know more about the firm, met my intake and made new friends. What really impressed me was the special evening event that was held to welcome the new trainees into the firm. This was a great night and an excellent opportunity to get to know employees from different departments. Once induction was complete I was given a number of tax assignments to complete with my manager, making the first month challenging but really interesting. What is your most memorable moment so far? I recently introduced a new client to the Tax department. Having met a contact at a Tax networking event I set up a subsequent meeting. I attended the meeting with my manager and the contact is now a valued client of the firm. This was a great experience for me and helped to develop other skills such as relationship management and networking. What s next for you? I am a qualified Chartered Tax Advisor with the Irish Taxation Institute. I will continue to develop my skills within the Tax department as there are plenty of opportunities for career progression within the firm. Laura Tax Consultant Joined Mazars in 2009 What are you working on now? I have my own portfolio of clients that I manage on a day to day basis. I also deal with consultancy queries and review client activity to ascertain if they qualify for research and development tax relief. I love the range and diversity of the work for which I am responsible. 14 15
IT Audit & Security Tell us about IT Audit & Security? IT Audit & Security involves hands on exposure to the IT systems and security controls that organisations rely on to deliver services, organise their finances, manufacture products, manage their people and communicate. We review and test cutting edge technologies to help organisations identify, understand and reduce the risks that modern technologies introduce across all sectors of Irish and international commerce. How do you keep up to date with the latest developments in your field? You are a qualified IT Auditor - what qualifications did you study? Before I joined Mazars I studied the B.Comm in UCD specialising in the MIS stream in my final year. During my training contract Mazars supported me in obtaining a number of relevant professional qualifications to enable me to progress in my role as an IT Auditor. During my training contract I successfully gained the following qualifications; CISA- Certified Information Systems Auditor CISM- Certified Information Security Manager CFIP- Certified Forensic Investigation Practitioner PRINCE 2 Project Management Here at Mazars we have an IT lab where I spend 15% of my time. It allows me to learn about and test new system environments and complete a myriad of online courses to develop my skills and knowledge. Mazars also supports my attendance at technical conferences and events to keep up to date on what s current. In my own time I like to follow various blogs, newsfeeds, twitter, tedex and newspaper articles. Conor Assistant Manager Joined Mazars in 2009 Where is the most interesting place your work has taken you to? I had the opportunity to visit the Mazars New York office (only 2 mins away from Times Square!). While the purpose of my trip was to learn more about digital research and to cement a relationship between the Irish and New York office, I also managed to fit in some tourist attractions along the way, such as, watching a show on Broadway and visiting the Statue of Liberty on Staten Island. 16 17
Consulting Tell us about your career in Consulting? Consulting involves helping organisations grow and improve by identifying and implementing measures to overcome the obstacles they are facing. Projects can vary from strategic planning, HR and business process to name but a few. Obviously the approach to every project will be different and tailored to what is required by the client. The one thing all projects have in common is that you work very closely with the client in order to develop a strong understanding of their organisation. It is only then that you can begin to develop solutions to address their challenges. What do you like most about working here? The learning culture in Mazars. There is a strong focus on expanding your knowledge and developing new skills, whether it s through in-house training and seminars or through experience gained on the job. You are continuously being encouraged to take on greater responsibility; I have received constant support and guidance from senior staff members who are accessible and willing to discuss projects with me in order to deepen my understanding of the issues and challenges at play. What qualifications are you studying as a trainee consultant? PRINCE2 Project Management is the first qualification I completed, as strong project management skills are essential for this role. I draw on these skills on a daily basis. You have a great deal of say in the qualifications you would like to pursue in the consulting team. In the first year of my training contract I gravitated towards HR, strategy and business planning projects and completed the CIPD HRM diploma This year I studied the CIMA diploma and I am now financially qualified and professionally trained in business management, capable of advising on business strategy and risk management. Christina Consulting Trainee Joined Mazars in 2012 18 19
Internal Audit What attracted you to work in Internal Audit? Internal Audit is a great way to get to know how an organisation is run. You gain exposure to different functions, both financial and non-financial; and develop an understanding of the risks and opportunities encountered by various types of organisations. Working in Internal Audit helps you gain a set of desirable skills which are transferable in various business organisations. What qualification have you pursued and why? I am currently studying to become a Chartered Accountant. Upon signing my contract with Mazars I was given the option of choosing from one of the following while completing my training contract in the Internal Audit department: ACA, ACCA or an Internal Audit qualification. Personally I went with ACA, the majority of trainees at Mazars study ACA and it s great to have the support from others who are going through the same process. Describe a typical day working in Internal Audit No two days are the same as the jobs and clients you work with are all so different. One week I could be working in a large government department, while the next I could be working in a small charity somewhere in rural Ireland. This has allowed me the chance to network with other professionals and gain an insight into the work they do. I am confident that this breadth of experience will allow me to not only qualify as a Chartered Accountant but also as a fully rounded business professional. Sum up your experience to date in Mazars I have been with Mazars for nearly two years now and have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients helping to build a diverse set of skills and knowledge base that will be of great benefit to me in the future. Reflecting back on my time with Mazars I cannot believe all that I have achieved! Laurene Internal Audit Trainee Joined Mazars in 2012 20 21 23
Trainee Snapshots Mark Undergrad: UCC, BSc in Finance Department: Tax Level: Trainee Our weekly tax training sessions have not only increased my tax knowledge but have given me the confidence to interact with clients effectively. I am currently working with the Mazars London consulting team on a large bank assignment. The international exposure has been a great learning experience for me, not to mention the opportunity of living in London. Kerry Undergrad: UCC, BSc in Finance Department: Internal Audit Level: Trainee Kieran Undergrad: UCC, BSc in Financial Mathematics & Actuarial Science Department: Consulting Level: Trainee From day one I ve had the opportunity to work with clients from the planning stage of an assignment right through to completion. The sense of achievement is huge. The social committee encourages new trainees to get involved in all events from crazy golf to bubble football - a great way to get to know people. Ruth Undergrad: IT Blanchardstown, Bachelor of Business Postgrad: DCU, Masters in Accounting Department: Audit Level: Trainee One of the best aspects of working at Mazars is the support given to trainees which ensures you feel comfortable interacting with senior management and partners from the get go. Joseph Undergrad: DCU, Bachelor of Business Department: IT Audit & Security Level: Trainee 22 23
Here s How It Works This year we have 20 graduate places on offer across Audit, Tax, IT Audit & Security, Consulting and Internal Audit. We d love to hear from you. 1. Application Go to mazarscareers.ie We receive 100 s of applications each year. Your application must stand out. While we are interested in your academic background, equally important are your personal qualities so tell us who you are. If your application stands out you will be invited to participate in the Mazars interview process. Our process is informal and open, and is designed to provide you with exposure to the firm, our staff and our culture. 2. Personal interview You will meet with a partner and manager to discuss your motivation for applying for a position in Mazars. The interview is an important part of the process and good research and preparation is essential. 3. Aptitude test You will sit an online aptitude test. There is no preparation required for the test just a clear head and a focused mind! 4. Lunch with trainees You will attend an informal lunch with current trainees. They will tell you about their experiences and you will have the option to ask questions about the day to day role of a trainee. 5. Open evening You will attend a drinks reception and have the opportunity to mingle with staff from across the firm and get a feel for the people and culture of Mazars. Visit our graduate website mazarscareers.ie Or contact Olwen, Caroline or Vanessa in the graduate recruitment team on 01 449 4400 Or email hello@mazarscareers.ie Closing date 22 nd October 2014 24 25
Give a Little Play a Little This year staff got their running shoes on in Dublin and Galway in aid of Aware. Tea and cake are plentiful on Daffodil Day. Staff bring along their children for fun and games, sweets and a bit of magic. Our staff put their culinary skills to the test cooking meals for the families of seriously ill children in the Ronald McDonald House Crumlin. 26 Galway staff testing their strengths and skills at the Killary Adventure Company. Our pool competition got fierce and there was a few sharks among the staff including one of the Partners! Everyone enjoyed our annual Summer BBQ this year. First the food, then the dance moves. 27
For more information mazarscareers.ie hello@mazarscareers.ie facebook.com/mazarsireland twitter.com/mazarsireland youtube.com/mazarsireland Mazars Harcourt Centre Block 3 Harcourt Road Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: 01 449 4400 Mazars Salthill Galway Ireland Tel: 091 570 100 mazarscareers.ie