Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
This involves tax compliance and advisory work across various sectors. My day to day role involves preparing tax computations and returns for work, corresponding with clients, other teams in the firm and HMRC. I have training sessions on technical areas both internal and external. These are very useful in providing me with the skills required for my job.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy my programme as I enjoy learning and progressing in my career. I have helpful colleagues around me who I can learn from and make the overall work experience a better one. I have had help both in my work and exams from my colleagues. I have found my programme very enjoyable over the last three years.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I learn new skills all the time. I have developed my soft skills through training and learning in my apprenticeship. I have learnt technical skills that help me with my day-to-day role. These include improving my tax knowledge and accounting knowledge. I have progressed in terms of my ethical knowledge.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My programme was fairly well structured but I joined the apprenticeship late into the programme which felt slightly disruptive. As I was the first to do a level 7 apprenticeship, there were some unknowns along the way which made the programme more stressful than it usually would be. These included changes to my exam schedule.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer as I know they are always happy to help when I need it. I have been given a 'counselling manager' and 'counselling partner' - Manager and Partner level, who check in to make sure everything is running smoothly. There have been no problems in this area.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I have received some support from my training provider but sometimes communication has been poor. I have had to organise myself many times and this has added stress to the programme which I feel could have been avoided. The learning content has however been very good at all times. Overall the qualification has been supported fairly well.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have learnt a variety of soft skills than enable me to do better in my day-to-day role. I can efficiently communicate with others and I can recognise ethical conflicts more easily. I have learnt a variety of technical skills which I use everyday and allow me to be far more efficient in my work. I have learnt managerial skills which will allow me to progress
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
We regularly have social activities. This has however been limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, prior to this we would have a couple of social activities every month. There are sports teams available and there have been a variety of networking events such as 'women in tax' which have been very useful.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BDO offers a supportive training programme. I can work for a large range of clients and progress in my role. I have the support from my colleagues and training provider and I have now come to the end of my training programme having successfully completed my apprenticeship and ACA exams.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
You should ensure you are prepared to study whilst still managing your work load. This is crucial to succeeding as you cannot continue on the scheme if you do not pass your exams. It is important to learn from those around you and gain exposure to a wide range of sectors and clients.
