Thinking about applying to Mazars as a graduate? Here are answers to some of the myriad questions facing graduate recruits.
I don't have the required UCAS points/degree class. Should I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply. In the past, we have taken people on with fewer UCAS points or with a 2.2, but you’ll need to show evidence of particularly strong achievements in a different area. Of course, if there were extenuating circumstances that affected your result, please tell us so we can take them into account.
Do you offer placements or work experience?
Some offices do offer placements. These could be anything from two weeks to one year. To find out more about them, contact our graduate recruitment team on 01582 700 738/742.
Do you offer training for other accountancy qualifications, such as ACCA or CIMA?
Our graduate scheme only recruits people to train for ACA, tax, financial advisor and actuarial positions (or ICAEW and ICAS in Scotland).
Can I get international experience?
Yes. We can second people to offices all round the world, including France, Spain, US and Australia. Secondments are popular, so you’ll need to perform well when you’re here and get your language skills up to scratch, if needed. Secondments are also rare before qualification (you’ll have quite enough on your plate), but you might have to travel abroad on business with international clients before you qualify.
Can I apply if I have applied before?
If you have applied to join any of our Mazars graduate training schemes previously and have been successful at reaching our first interview stage then we will accept your application for the following year. Unfortunately, if you have applied previously and have been successful at reaching our 2nd interview stage then we will not be able accept your application for any future intakes.
Can I update or amend a submitted application?
If you would like to amend or add anything to a submitted application then please contact the graduate recruitment team on 01582 700 738/742.
Are you coming to my university?
Each year we visit a number of university Careers Fairs and on some campuses subsequently follow them up with a presentation. At present we are planning our on campus visits for 2008 and will advertise them as soon as they have been confirmed.
Which office will I be based in?
You can chose to train at one of the 18 Mazars local offices around the UK. We have a team of c1000 employees nationwide. All of our offices offer rich training opportunities and each has their own identity and specialisms.
Can I transfer between offices?
Unfortunately it is not our policy to allow students to transfer to another office once they have been offered a training contract with the office of their choice, or for students to transfer offices during their training contracts.
Once I have applied can I change my choice of training contract?
As with your office choice once you have selected your preferred training scheme on your application form you cannot then change to another scheme, therefore it is strongly advisable before you apply that you thoroughly research your chosen career choice as the areas of training and expertise are quite different. At first interview and in your covering letter we would like to see evidence of what you expect the role will involve and ultimately your career goal. The graduate recruitment team will be happy to discuss any of our training schemes with you.
When do the graduate training schemes start?
Our graduate training schemes commence in September each year. Occasionally a training position may become available to join one of our offices at a different time in the year and we will advertise this on our website.
As a graduate, what would my salary be?
Our starting salaries are based on the current market rate for a trainee graduate in the office region.
I need a work permit. Can I still apply?
You are welcome to apply, but by law we have to consider applications from within the EEA (European Economic Area) first. We may write to you and say we’d like to keep your application on hold. But the truth is, we get a lot of applications from within the EEA. In the last three years we’ve been unable to offer training places to anyone requiring a work permit.
How can I best prepare for an interview?
There are some obvious things to think about in advance:
- Research the exam structure on the relevant exam websites. If you don't know about the exams we won't feel that you are committed.
- Research the roles. What does an accountant, financial advisor or tax advisor do? You don’t need to be an expert, but we do expect you to know about your chosen career.
- Think about examples that demonstrate you have the skills we’re looking for.
- You could also give our graduate recruitment team a call on 01582 700 738/742 with any questions.
