Overall Rating
4.1 /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
3.8/5
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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:
4/5
Visiting client's within the retail/consumer/motor industry, ensuring there aren't material errors in the financial statements that they produce. Three different stages being: planning, execution and completion. At the entry level stage, most involvement will be in execution ensuring the different financial statement areas are tested on a sampled basis - e.g. through reviewing invoices, journals posted and management inquiry.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
An enjoyable programme for individuals who enjoy problem solving and would be prefer a client focussed role. There is a large proportion of time spent using accounting/auditing tools and excel. Studying alongside work also is great to be able to apply the knowledge that you develop to your dat to day tasks.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Communication - Speaking directly with the client and working on their premises as well as a lot of team engagement. Communicating effectively to ensure the information you require is delivered whilst developing and maintaining relationships with audited entities. Ensuring timely communication so projects can run smoothly and written communication skills through formal emails.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well structured as there is scope to progress in the level of difficulty in the areas that you work on and increased responsibility in terms of leadership and development in skillset. There is a balance of work and study within the programme with suitable levels of study leave.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is support provided internally by the employer and the study providers. You are given support directly from a people manager, with regular monthly meetings where you can discuss progress, objectives, any challenges you may be facing, obtain feedback and discuss study. There is internal resourcing that you can communicate work loads with and can help to balance your time.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training providers are often available to respond to direct emails, tuition is provided in different stages being recap, revision and learning. Questions can be asked directly and there is a page/forum for any other study related questions that you may have. There are also direct contacts that can assist with mental wellbeing
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification is directly applicable to the role as we learn the accounting standards that we are required to audit on a day to day basis and so we have the technical capabilities to perform the role through the exams that we take. Also a large emphasis on ethical requirements and performing our role in such manner.
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
There are sports events hosted by the company that is available to all staff such as monday night football - 6-a-side pitch is rented for a friendly game between colleagues. There are similarly netball games hosted. Networking events are hosted for new joiners across the country that meet in London for their induction.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Provides a fast-paced working environment, which develops different skills whilst earning a recognised qualification. There is clear career progression and the opportunity to work in different sectors and departments such as tax, business restructuring, accounts preparation. Study leave and support is provided towards the exams whilst being able to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Focus on your reasons for applying to the sector/role. What relevant experience can you draw upon to support your application. Research into the role to see whether it would be something that you would enjoy and speak to someone in the role before you apply to gauge working life for them.
