Audit Trainee Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
London
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.8/5
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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:
3/5
As part of a team I take control of various parts of the financial statement areas that we are auditing, to see whether the balances the audited entity are presenting on their financial statements are true and fair. I do this by sampling the balances and getting evidence from the audited entity to support them.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy working with other people and having the opportunity to learn from many others with more experience, and in turn being able to support other newer joiners.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed communication skills, particularly being able to question the audited entity, with professional scepticism and being able to judge whether the evidence they provide is sufficient. I have developed teamwork skills being part of a team on each audit, as well as Excel skills, which I use on a daily basis.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It is well organised, and we have a clear pathway to follow, ensuring we cover off days in work and are able to attend training, both internal on the job training, and externally, whilst taking time to study for exams. However, the work that we perform on each audit could be more varied.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I feel very supported by my employer, who provide frequent training on areas of the audit, and other skills. I am also supported when it is necessary to prioritise studying and exams. I feel that I am able to ask for help from anyone in the department, and can learn from everyone.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
I receive frequent support in check ins when revising and when they are marking practice questions I get lots of feedback to assist me further.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I learn a lot of technical knowledge through my training provider that I can then use when auditing and can recognise when standards need to be applied and whether the accounting treatment that audited entities have used is appropriate, however much of what I learn I do not use myself.
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
Yes, there are many opportunities to join sports teams or other activities, and occasional professional networking events. There are frequent activities to get people together from the office, so that people can then feel more confident to ask better and more relevant questions from them in a work setting, which is valuable.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel that I have been able to develop a wide range of skills, both soft and hard skills. As well as gaining a qualification, I have developed communication and teamwork skills, and feel that it is a very supportive environment to develop, especially as a graduate, as everyone wants you to succeed.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
To ask questions and make the most of all opportunities to help you develop.
