Audit trainee Review
at BDO
School Leaver Programme
Accounting
Gatwick, Surrey
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.3 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
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 work in a team depending on the job I am allocated. I have been at the company for just over a year and have been promoted to a semi-senior.
Daily activities include calculations, inspecting documents, applying accounting knowledge and interacting with my team and the client's team.
Daily activities include calculations, inspecting documents, applying accounting knowledge and interacting with my team and the client's team.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have always enjoyed accounting. Auditing has provided the opportunity for me to act on this, while also adding in other aspects, such as client and team interaction, learning new accounting standards, and having to overcome challenges in hard or new sections.
Each team has had a senior who is willing to help
Each team has had a senior who is willing to help
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes:
- excel skills
- improvement in communication and wording
- time management
- attention to detail
- learning about specific rules for not-for-profit entities
- excel skills
- improvement in communication and wording
- time management
- attention to detail
- learning about specific rules for not-for-profit entities
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very, we have clear positions within the company and have sections that are generally assigned to each level. There have been some audits where we are under-staffed and you are required to do additional sections.
I have done the SAICA programme and we have multiple contacts to answer any questions.
I have done the SAICA programme and we have multiple contacts to answer any questions.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
A substantial amount of support is received. This is done in the form of seniors and managers helping you in your team. Additionally, BDO is supportive of granting annual leave, sick days (including mental health), and admin days. Mandatory training is also provided to help. You are also assigned a buddy to help settle in.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
A reasonable amount. Every registered training office with SAICA has a SAICA Champion who is kept in the loop with any developments and changes. We are also able to email our internal program co-ordinators who respond quickly.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Through the SAICA program we are required to do an undergraduate and post-graduate in accounting, tax, auditing and financial management. This helps immensely in performing my role. As with any job, it is tough to initially turn theoretical knowledge in to practice, however over time and with support you are able to overcome this.
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
BDO has a very social environment. I have found like minded people work at BDO and have similar values. Socials are held every quarter as well as sector dinners and drinks.
There are many sports teams - hockey, golf, cricket, netball to name a few.
There are many sports teams - hockey, golf, cricket, netball to name a few.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There is a great culture and the people are understanding.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Be yourself. Although marks are important and you will likely be nervous, I found that BDO really appreciates people who are true to themselves and who will fit in to the culture of BDO.
