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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Auditing of accounts. This could be planning audit work by looking at materiality thresholds, gain background of client, doing market research of the industry. Then during this working with the team to set a threshold for our testing. During execution work this is testing different areas of financial statements to form opinion on them.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the programme because it gives you the chance to get real work experience alongside training for the exams. As you are doing the work experience you are not treated like a trainee so after it ends I feel like I could carry on and go into a non training job.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Communication with team members and communicating with the client. Developed professional scepticism when challenging management on queries or issues I find. Developed audit technical knowledge around audit procedures and the different types of testing for different areas. The accounting standards that are a requirement. Colaborating with team members and time and project management skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It is structured well and at the start they give you a clear overview of the programme and what is involved. They give you study leave for exams which is important and they are there for questions etc throughout. There is a good balance of work and revising which sets you up well.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
There is a lot of support from my employee and they make it clear they understand how hard and challenging the programme can be. Balancing exams are work is hard but my employer has made it clear that passing exams is a priority and so during exam seasons they provide a lot of support.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
There is a lot of support. There is an online platform where you can ask questions all the time and they respond quickly. There is also an email line where you can reach out for specific queries relating to your programme. The materials provided are also very sufficient for the exams.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
It has taught me the fundamental principles I need to take into work. By giving us this information and by them using examples I am able to know when in my role the key principles I should be following. They have also taught me skills such as communication and leadership.
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
My sector has a lot of social activities which I get involved in such as sports days and after work drinks. This has been good to develop relationships with my teams which helps in my role. They are also big on charity activities and are very supportive which is good.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The people and the work life balance. The people I work with make the job fun and everyone is welcoming and supportive. There is also a good work life balance at BDO and they care about the well being of their employees. They do this but also push you to develop.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
To be yourself during the process. BDO don't look for particular people they want to hire they are more focused on you being yourself. As long as you align with their core values they are interested about getting to know you which is my top tip. Being friendly and professional.
