Risk Advisory Services Trainee Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
Leeds
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
No two days are the same. My typical week/ two-weeks is starting an internal audit. This involves reviewing the terms of reference for the engagement and having a meeting with the client. I would then complete the scope of the work and communicate findings back to the client.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy it thoroughly. I enjoy that no two days are the same, the variety of work and the responsibility I have been given from a very early point- enabling me to shape the work to the way I want to, whilst ensuring expectations and agreed scope is met.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes. This includes learning abouts controls and risk, evaluating risk, testing of controls design and effectiveness and dat analytics including IDEA and Power BI.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very. Shadowing, exams and day job is all prescribed in an apprenticeship planner.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot. Whether this is from tuition providers, buddies at work, people managers or just general help around the office.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I get a good amount of time off (prescribed dates) and good resources from college. For certificate level, I had to start my study leave later than I wanted for my BTF and Law exam, which was stressful, due to inflexibility/ unwillingness to move jobs around. Otherwise, everything has been fine.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification provides me with a good background in finance, business, tax and general structure of businesses. It is pleasing to see aspects of my study crop up in my day job, which immediately makes me feel informed and have a good discussion with the client due to the foundational knowledge I have picked up
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
Yes. I have played football in regional and national competions and we also have a internal office tournament. We have a bake club every Monday which is good fun and we run the Manchester 10k together, with funding given to our chosen charity. Aside from this, the team have more informal social acitivities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The culture is the thing that stands out- the opposite to 'Big 4 horror stories'. Whilst work can sometimes become demanding, the hard work you put in is often rewarded and appreciated and work-life balance is at the forefront of everyone's minds. There is ample support should I need advice/ guidance.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Research the specific work that the team you are applying for is doing. Be yourself and be confident and be honest. BDO celebrates bringing your full self to work so you should not feel you need to hide any part of yourself (no matter how weird or wonderful you feel it is).
