Advisory & Consulting - Sustainability Services Graduate Trainee - 1 Septem

at  Forvis Mazars

FORVIS MAZARS : WHO ARE WE?

Forvis Mazars LLP is the UK firm of Forvis Mazars Group. In the UK we have over 3,300 employees across 14 locations, delivering an outstanding client experience. Forvis Mazars is an engine for rapid and consistent career progression, offering career paths that help you pursue your interests, match your changing needs, and explore your true potential. We work with diverse, prestigious clients across a range of sectors and geographies, giving you the opportunity to constantly update and grow your skills for lifelong professional development. You can find out more about our firm here.

ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY TEAM

To keep pace with the successful growth of Forvis Mazars sustainability services, evolving regulation and market sentiment, Forvis Mazars in the UK is seeking sustainability professionals to join our team. Working alongside our existing sustainability team, and interacting regularly with our global centres of excellence, you will support international and domestic clients with the establishment and maintenance of their sustainability programs and ESG reporting.

Our sustainability team delivers services across three key pillars; sustainability consulting including environment and human rights, sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance. As part of our team you will gain exposure to all three areas, greatly enhancing your understanding of the application of sustainable principles in a broad range of business contexts before you further specialise as your career with Forvis Mazars develops. These roles present an excellent opportunity to grow your career whilst helping our clients navigate and positively contribute to the sustainability agenda. You will also be involved in non-client activities such as assisting with internal projects and research initiatives. Responsibilities will be tailored to the strengths and aspirations of the successful candidates but are expected to include some or all of the following:

• Collection and synthesis of information from research;
• Reviewing and analysing ESG data;
• Maintaining professional working relationships with clients and colleagues whist performing fieldwork;
• Drafting client-specific conclusions and recommendations based on research;
• Considering the impact of Sustainability, ESG, Human Rights and Climate Change regulations on the client;
• Maintaining and updating service offer templates, SOPs and methodologies, ensuring alignment with regulations and ongoing development of client services and our quality management systems;
• Supporting sales and business development processes by assisting in the preparation of proposals for new work;
• Assisting in running workshops and conferences with our clients; and
• Being an active member of Forvis Mazars global sustainability service line community.

Hear from one of our graduate trainees, Isabella:
“Since starting at Forvis Mazars I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting engagements with clients of all sizes. I was able to voice which aspect of our services I enjoy the most and focus on engagements in this area, completing personalised training and certifications to help me excel at my role. There is also a strong social atmosphere in the team and the overall firm which has helped me to build lasting relationships and a strong network in the first few years of my career.”
Every story is different at Forvis Mazars. Our people have amazing, personal experiences so the best way to learn about life here is to hear it first hand, click here to hear their stories.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• On track to achieve, or have already obtained, a degree in sustainability, environment, human rights, international development, business, finance or accounting. Strong academic performance is important; however, we understand that things don’t always go to plan. Our recruitment process looks at your whole self – academic achievements as well as other experiences in which you have grown and developed. You can read about our approach to academics in our FAQs.
• Deep curiosity to learn new things and is naturally inquisitive;
• The ability to think critically solve problems and share knowledge with others;
• A commitment to self-development and learning;
• Strong sense of ownership of duties and high levels of responsibility to deliver on promises;
• Always looks to try their best in all they do and always looking for ways to improve;
• Enjoys meeting and engaging with new people with an underlying respect for individuals, diversity, and integrity;
• Works well under pressure and have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude if faced with challenging situations;
• Excellent time management skills;
• A willingness to travel and adhere to our flexible working environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a graduate trainee here’s what will await you during your three-year training contract:

During your first year you will:

• Develop understanding of core services, providing support in service delivery;
• Undertake training on key concepts which underpin our service delivery;
• Support client engagements including with research, data analysis, preparation of materials for meetings and workshops, collation and analysis of outputs;
• Develop your skills in drafting client proposals, presentations and reports; and,
• Develop a holistic understanding of the sustainability challenges of a broad range of businesses.

During your second year you will:

• Take up a greater role in client engagements, leading elements of workshops and analysis;
• Begin to identify further opportunities with both existing and new clients; and,
• Support the development of less experienced team members.

In your third year you will:

• Become a trusted advisor to our clients and actively support business development opportunities with new clients;
• Independently produce client deliverables, with minimal review points from senior colleagues; and
• Take an active role in project management, ensuring deliverables meet the expected scope and quality requirements within the agreed deadlines and budgets.

While our projects are varied and no two days are the same, we typically structure our projects through the delivery of one of the following solutions:

• Helping our clients define their ESG strategy through double materiality assessment and the identification of changes to their strategy and business model, governance structure, systems and targets to achieve their ambitions.
• Decarbonisation through carbon calculation and net zero roadmap.
• Responsible supply chain assessment and management systems to support clients identify risks, gather data and monitor progress of suppliers.
• Implementation of requirements of mandatory due diligence legislation, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
• Internal audit of topical sustainability issues and programmes to identify gaps and improve process and controls.
• Training and development of personnel related to sustainability principles.
• Developing and publishing sustainability reporting through both voluntary and mandatory reporting frameworks including (but not limited to) Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
• Providing voluntary or mandatory assurance over sustainability related metrics and disclosures.

You’re joining us as a permanent employee, so the 3 years is only the beginning of your exceptional career journey at Forvis Mazars.

Our sustainability team delivers services across three key pillars; sustainability consulting including environment and human rights, sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance. As part of our team you will gain exposure to all three areas, greatly enhancing your understanding of the application of sustainable principles in a broad range of business contexts before you further specialise as your career with Forvis Mazars develops. These roles present an excellent opportunity to grow your career whilst helping our clients navigate and positively contribute to the sustainability agenda. You will also be involved in non-client activities such as assisting with internal projects and research initiatives. Responsibilities will be tailored to the strengths and aspirations of the successful candidates but are expected to include some or all of the following:

• Collection and synthesis of information from research;
• Reviewing and analysing ESG data;
• Maintaining professional working relationships with clients and colleagues whist performing fieldwork;
• Drafting client-specific conclusions and recommendations based on research;
• Considering the impact of Sustainability, ESG, Human Rights and Climate Change regulations on the client;
• Maintaining and updating service offer templates, SOPs and methodologies, ensuring alignment with regulations and ongoing development of client services and our quality management systems;
• Supporting sales and business development processes by assisting in the preparation of proposals for new work;
• Assisting in running workshops and conferences with our clients; and
• Being an active member of Forvis Mazars global sustainability service line community