Overall Rating
3.7 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.2/5
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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
Auditing execution such as testing different financial statement areas according to the business. Testing can be from recalculation of items, to assessing bank statement and invoices, enquiry with clients onsite or virtually. Having client meetings and team meetings almost daily. Looking at the planning of an audit, such as controls and risks.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Its hard work and can be draining at times. But short term pain should hopefully lead to long term gain. There needs to be a balance between work, studying and 'me' time which can be hard to achieve at certain points of the year, e.g. busy season or exam season.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Developed accounting knowledge from my degree. Applied what I learnt at university to the real world. Understanding the industries and corporate approach/layouts for different clients. Communication and team work is vital. Being able to act professionally and taking responsibility. Accountability is key, maintaining high levels of ethics with the team and client.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
It's organised in the sense that you are getting a professional qualification organised for you and there isn't much input you need to do as students. There is a clear path from start to end of expectations but you definitely need to stay on top of it and ask questions where they haven't been answered already. Audit work is usually very organised.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
They give us leave to study and flexibility of working from home. Working from home is key as many people live far from London and the cost of travelling is unaffordable at times. There are adequate resources for us to effectively work from home. We have subsidised breakfasts and lunches.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Study leave for taught and revision period. Choice to study face to face or virtually but you MUST ask about what dates you are expected to go in to college for face-to-face studying as this isn't always clear and can end up being time and cost ineffective.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It goes hand in hand. The studying helps to understand why certain tasks are expected to be done and in what way. The work itself means you are able to understand the theory quicker as you're able to directly apply. You also cover areas e.g. tax which can be helpful.
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 multiple networks e.g. Inspire for women, BAME. They offer challenges and corporate events, such as joining the JP Morgan race. You are able to give back via the 5+5 scheme. We occasionally have drinks/activities for each subsector which allows you meet new people, even up to partners.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The scheme should set you up for the rest of your career as you will complete your ACA and have experience in a top 10 firm which will carry on your CV. They hire really well, everyone in my intake gets on very well, a lot of down-to-earth and genuine staff here.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Be yourself, you always perform better when you are being genuine. Prepare for hard work and studying. Look at the scheme and qualification you're doing in advance. Understand the qualification and the role you are going to be taking on, and be willing to learn from others around you.
