Thriving in Tax: A rewarding internship experience at Mazars

(Images: Pictures of Heimen Hoy in various locations at the Mazars in Singapore office, last photo featured from left to right: Heimen Hoy, Tay Wei Ting and Phoebe Sim)

1. Can you tell us about your experience as an intern in the Mazars Tax department?

My internship has been incredibly fulfilling. One of my main responsibilities were the preparation of yearly assessment of tax computations for companies involving the analysis of financial data and understanding their business operations. Additionally, I handled drafting letters to clients for tax package submissions and filing forms with IRAS.

I was also exposed to tax risk management process. I collaborated with the risk management team to ensure seamless continuity of service. To support the team, I helped in drafting outstanding information forms for clients, creating billing rules, and crafting interfirm agreements.

2. How did you find the overall working environment at Mazars? Did you feel supported and included as an intern?

Mazars has a friendly and collaborative environment. The company encourages work life balance – there are always meaningful events taking place for employees, which contributes to a positive work culture.

The Tax team has created an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and supported. Whenever I needed help, I felt reassured as my team members were there to provide guidance and mentorship in the most patient and encouraging manner.

My mentors often go above and beyond in reviewing my work by explaining the key tax concepts in detail. Every day is an opportunity to enhance my understanding of the tax system.

3. Did you gain any new skills or insights that will be valuable for your future career?

This hands-on internship has helped me to gain insights into the tax industry and broadened my understanding of the practices, trends, and challenges. I could apply the knowledge I learned from school to real-life situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Working alongside my mentors has been an incredible experience. I gained practical skills that will benefit my future career, even beyond the tax industry. This internship helped me to hone my analytical skills, project management abilities, and communication skills which will be crucial for my future career.

4. Were there any specific challenges you faced during your internship? And what did you learn from these experiences?

I encountered a miscommunication when collaborating with various departments. There were misunderstandings and delays during the exchange of information between teams due to differences in communication styles and shared knowledge.

In response to this challenge, I took the initiative to establish an open line of communication between colleagues from different teams, seeking clarification when necessary and working towards establishing a common understanding of project milestones. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of collaboration and speaking up when needed.

5. How did the internship align with your career goals? Did it provide you with a clearer perspective on your desired career path?

As an undergraduate who is still indecisive on future career paths, this internship has been eye-opening. It has helped me to discover new interests and envision potential career trajectories.

Working closely with experienced mentors, I delved into tax-related tasks and projects, gaining practical insights into the industry’s day-to-day responsibilities.

With a clearer perspective of the tax field, I feel more confident in planning my long-term career aspirations. The Mazars tax team has provided me with valuable networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of the industry.

6. What learning opportunities were available to you to enhance your skills?

The company has a fantastic approach to welcoming interns by providing a comprehensive set of training materials. These resources help us to familiarise ourselves with the team's common practices before diving into real cases. The video tutorials provide essential knowledge of the system and emphasise tax computation theory.

The team holds frequent training sessions to keep us updated on the latest regulations, helping us to navigate the ever-changing tax landscape and reinforce our knowledge. Interactive seminars put our knowledge to the test, to help us solidify our understanding of the dynamic tax field.

7. Share about the highlights from your internship experience at Mazars.

On top of forming good relations with my team members, I had the chance to interact with colleagues from other departments through company events.

Events like the Movie Night and Walk for Rice provided opportunities for us to connect and forge friendships, fostering a positive and enjoyable work environment. I feel that these events help us to network and get to know our colleagues better, facilitating future collaborations and boosting our morale.

8. Would you consider pursuing a full-time career here?

Overall, I had a positive internship experience due to the work environment, strong mentorship, and growth opportunities. The emphasis on employee wellbeing and the supportive work culture made my experience here an enjoyable one.

Moreover, the guidance I received at Mazars has played a role in shaping my skills and understanding of the tax field. With the firm’s focus on equal opportunity and growth, I believe that the exposure to challenging projects and training programs definitely present the potential for advancement within the company. I can imagine that pursuing a full-time career at Mazars will be as fulfilling!

9. What advice would you give to future tax interns at Mazars?

• Be proactive: Ask questions, seek out opportunities to learn and make meaningful contribution.
• Set goals: Before starting the internship, set specific goals for what you hope to accomplish, whether it’s gaining new skills or networking with others in order to you make the most of your time at Mazars.
• Take notes: Jot down important tips and experiences, especially during the training sessions. These may be helpful during your internship and in your future endeavours.
• I hope you would have a rewarding and enriching internship at Mazars, just as I did!

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For internships opportunities at Mazars in Singapore, please refer to this link.