Business Advisor Review
at BDO
School Leaver Programme
Accounting
Liverpool
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
4.4/5
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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
I am involved in the preparation of monthly management accounts for a range of clients, as well as bookkeeping, payments and VAT returns. I am involved in the preparation of annual financial statements for small corporates and work with AFR team in producing accounts for audit, for larger group companies.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my programme as I have had the chance to be involved in bookkeeping, payments, VAT returns and accounts preparation as well as getting creative with reporting for clients. I would like to be able to start more advanced work now though.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Communication skills have massively developed, having to call clients, speak to clients in face to face meetings, network with my own team and also others in different teams.
I have developed skills in using excel and other computer applications and softwares.
I have developed skills in using excel and other computer applications and softwares.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The structure of the programme is good as there is a clear path for the qualifications and what work is going to be carried out by the trainees. However, I do think there could be more structure at the start in terms of exposing trainees to advanced work earlier on.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Everyone in the team is really supportive! Whenever I need help or face issues, I can always rely on my team members or managers to help. The managers are also good at approaching me if they sense me struggling so they can offer support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Kaplan is an excellent training provider as there are lots of resources outside of the classroom to help you to learn. Tutors are also available to help you through online chats and emails, as well as there being videos you can watch to teach you content outside of class.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My learning at Kaplan provided me a strong foundation to be able to perform my job at BDO, by teaching me the basics of accounting and throughout the qualification I learnt more advanced content which helped me to further develop my understanding of accountancy.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
At work, there are always social events going on where you can network with people in your own team and also other teams, allowing you to meet new people from the office in a relaxed social setting. From Christmas party's to random socials, there is always an opportunity to go out and have fun!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BDO are a great firm to work for, everything from the culture to the range clients that we work on, provides a great opportunity for someone starting out in accountancy to develop their career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Be yourself, it is especially important in the interviewing process as they like to bring individuals to the team who can be themselves.
Ask questions! It is just as important to find out the things that you want to know, as it is the interviewer asking you questions.
Ask questions! It is just as important to find out the things that you want to know, as it is the interviewer asking you questions.
