Audit Trainee Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
3.2/5
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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
Essentially helping carry out the (virtual) audit of various companies, from revenues of £10m - £1bn in a variety of sectors from Consumer Markets to Construction and Natural Resources.
As a Trainee, I am expected to take ownership of the easier sections such as Cash and Expense testing.
As a Trainee, I am expected to take ownership of the easier sections such as Cash and Expense testing.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The programme is generally enjoyable as I get along with all of my co-workers - However, this has been limited by COVID, as we have been working from home since joining. I expect it will become a lot more enjoyable as we hopefully return to the office in the summer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Excel is mainly used in Audit, so I've improved a lot in terms of technical ability. However, as I communicate with clients, I have also improved my professional writing skills and learnt effective communication techniques.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme is generally well-organised by BDO, however, with COVID it has meant some areas such as studying and exams have been difficult to organise. This is also the case with BPP, who provide the training materials but haven't been the most organised in their support.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
BDO are good at providing support, with monthly Manager catch-ups and a Buddy system which is very useful for settling in. Some audit teams and clients are more supportive than others, but generally most people are very willing to help if you have any questions.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
BPP provide us with the training materials for the ICAEW qualification, and both have been somewhat okay in their support but have had various issues with errors around the exam and college. Some of the BPP tutors are great, while others haven't been as useful in their teaching.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Having completed 3 of the 15 ACA exams now, I can see where the knowledge from these exams can be applied to the job - especially the Accounting exam. However, for some exams such as Principles of Tax, the content is less relevant for an Audit trainee.
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 have had a couple of virtual socials, but again due to Coronavirus the social-side of the job has been limited. There are quite a few networks to join though, and I expect as restrictions are lifted there will be many more socials going forward.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It's a great company with good values and growth mindset - it offers a alternative to the Big 4 whilst also having the resources and culture to rival the bigger firms.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Definitely try to be as open as engaging as possible. In the interviews, they're not judging your technical skills but more so how you are as a person and what you'd be like to work with!
