Audit Trainee Review
at BDO
Degree Apprenticeship
Accounting
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.2 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
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
Wide variety in the work I do day to day. In general though it is either planning or execution work for an audit. This involves talking to the client, understanding their business, then testing the specific areas of the business to gain assurance and confidence in the figures they have stated.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
It's quite good. The commitment to a tough job and also studying for the ACA can be a lot of work though. The team are all helpful and I'm learning a lot. I'm pretty happy working on a computer and completing tasks, although this could vary do for others!
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Certainly, I have gained a lot of confidence in communication, through talking to senior members of client teams regularly. I have got a lot quicker on Excel! I have also gained a much better understanding of Audit methodology and accounting in general - something I had no prior experience in.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very structured, exams are all planned well into the future and the progression/career path is clear. Work hard and you should see promotions. As you gain experience you work on more and more, until eventually you are qualified. It can start slow but speeds up quickly. Programme is organised with lots of training and inductions.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Lots of support. Audit teams usually have a member (or more) from each level of experience (1yr, 2yr, 3yr) etc so there is always someone who was in your position just a year ago to ask for help. There's a buddy system from day 1 where you can ask your buddy for help on non-working issues (eg: how to do expenses etc).
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Plenty. There are forums to ask questions on any time and you get quick responses. Close to exam time (most) tutors will check their emails all evening and are happy to answer your questions. The online hub is great and you can practice many exams. They get in touch out of exam times too to see how you're getting on and help you grow in your job.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It's pretty much essential, without the studying and the qualification you'd really be quite lost at work! It gives you all the background knowledge that you see being applied at work. The tutors often explain how what we're studying applies to the job as well, which helps.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Yes, they do their best at the moment with COVID-19, however it's all online - though no fault of their own. Hearing other staff members stories about social events does provide hope for the future though. This could be sports teams, away days, going out after work on a Friday or social clubs etc.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Good team, good employer, clear career progression and they will support you though a top qualification. The social aspect is good, with a young generally team. Large intakes of graduates means there are always others in your situation who you can talk to, unlike a smaller firm maybe. Seniors are always happy to help.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Show that you're genuinely prepared to work hard for your qualification. Show you're a friendly person who will be an asset to the firm when facing clients, and that you're willing to help train the younger intakes of employees as you become more experienced. Little technical knowledge needs to be known before you come in, just show you want to learn and are interested in businesses.
