Trainee auditor Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Ipswich
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
2.8 /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!
2/5
-
Overview of Role
2/5
-
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:
2/5
Working towards completing audit files within teams of different colleagues and managers, on a range of clients in a variety of industries. Taking on more responsibility across the audit file to understand different tests and processes within audit whilst working directly with lots of interesting clients, and quickly gaining valuable experience.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
There are lots of friendly people that are a pleasure to work with, and so much to learn and keep you interested.
During busy periods there is a lot to do and overtime is expected of everyone except during exam periods. Exam periods are also intense as there is so much to learn in little time.
During busy periods there is a lot to do and overtime is expected of everyone except during exam periods. Exam periods are also intense as there is so much to learn in little time.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
Excel skills are very important and quickly developed through internal training as well as on the job working with different colleagues.
Constantly communicating professionally with people within the audited entity including the top managers which can sometimes be intimidating when settling into a new role.
Time management and prioritising are very important to be able to manage both work and study commitments well.
Constantly communicating professionally with people within the audited entity including the top managers which can sometimes be intimidating when settling into a new role.
Time management and prioritising are very important to be able to manage both work and study commitments well.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
BPP are a great resource for support. The tutors are very friendly and approachable and there are lots of resources that they can sign post you to if you need any extra guidance. There are question banks and revision cards for each exam provided that are really helpful for the exam preparation.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
BDO has lots of networks you can get involved in really easily online, as well as through in person events in London and in the smaller local offices. There are social activities, sporting events and charity fundraisers locally as well as in the larger community of offices in the region.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BDO is a big well known company that has a lot to offer. There are many benefits such as wellbeing resources and support, and access to an employee perks and discounts scheme. The colleagues and managers have all been through the intense learning process and so are understanding that there is a lot of pressure for the first 3 years. Once qualified there are a lot of progression opportunities as the company covers so many different areas, and you gain so much valuable experience there are a lot of options to consider.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Make sure you understand the time commitment of working and studying towards difficult professional exams. There is a generous amount of paid time off work for exams and studying within the apprenticeship but you will definitely have to find a lot of time to study, revise and work overtime outside of office hours if you want to be successful... But, it should all be worth it for such a rewarding career.
