Audit Trainee Review
at BDO
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting
Birmingham
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
2.9 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
2.2/5
-
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
Working on an an assigned audited entity with a team made up of different levels of employee. This involves team discussions and catchups, meetings with the entity, recording budgets and staying on top of deadlines. After work I spend a few hours studying.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
As a graduate from a non-accounting background the work was more difficult as it took longer for me to adapt to the nature of the work. There are supportive managers and peers who are able to guide and coach you through the training which is helpful.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Excel skills (BDO offers excel training courses), accounting basics (exams, certificate level), organisation, time management, public speaking.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
There are trainee meetings organised by BDO, ICAEW or BPP to guide training. There is little structure as a new-joiner but this allows you to explore your role having been 'thrown it at the deep end'.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
BDO provides study leave and mental health services, and are accommodating when you need to work from home or take sick leave.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Our training provider can be difficult to communicate with, there is little live interaction with tutors for most courses and I have on occasion not received my exam materials. The online recorded training and practice tests are however very useful.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Learning the basics and running through general business works has allowed me to understand why certain approaches need to be taken, or the significance of certain balances/amounts.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
There are networking events and sports teams, however alongside work and study there is little time for taking on new hobbies!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BDO has been an efficient and reliable employer. The teams I have worked with are professional and from different backgrounds which clearly adds value to every team I have worked within.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Believe in your transferrable skills and revise for those exams. BDO is generous with the responsibility it allocates to you - it is your responsibility to make time to manage yourself.
