Audit Trainee Review
at BDO
Degree Apprenticeship
Accounting
Gatwick, Surrey
Review Submitted: May 2023
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!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
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
Auditing various clients financial statements, ensuring that they provide a true and fair view of the companies financial position at year end. I select and process samples and various documentation in order to gain assurance that the figures that feed into the statements are materially correct. I liaise with my audit team and clients alike.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the majority of my work, although balancing exams and full time employment can be taxing and stressful during exam periods and particularly so during busy seasons. My colleagues are nice and the flexibly of the working schedule and locations that my company provides supports a more smooth working week.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned many new technical skills that relate to accounting and auditing to do with technically specific areas, like revenue, bonds, housing and more. I have also been able to further develop my communication skills and confidence in navigating difficult clients. I am pushed daily to further my skills new and existing alike.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme is very well structured in terms of when the exams are, however in terms of organisation, the department who deals with all things qualification related can sometimes leave apprentices out the loop. BPP college bookings are usually organised, although there can be last minute changes, but these are often fairly well communicated most of the time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer is supportive, offering study leave and a due amount of understanding from managers that exams sometimes need to take a slight position of priority against the day job. HR department can be understanding to situational circumstances that affect exam sittings and try to provide through care where necessary.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Materials are usually always sent out well in advance, and BPP offer a website called the HUB which hold pre-recorded lectures covering the topics for students to refer back to outside of college teaching which is very useful. They also offer a forum service which is open every day of the week with a tutor allocated to answering questions each day.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel that my qualification definitely helps in many aspects of becoming familiar with the basics of topics which I see day to day in my role as an audit trainee. Although I will note that the depth of my understanding for the most part is gained through learning on the job.
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 am heavily involved with the LGBTQIA+ network at my company which allows me to network, support, educate, and promote inclusiveness within my company. I also jointly head up the South East Not for Profit social team and arrange regular socials for the sector to give the opportunity to get together and socialise and unwind after a hectic day in the office!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
BDO offers an inclusive and supportive environment to learn and grow as in individual and corporate persona. They operate on an understanding and personal tone so that you don't feel in limbo at the bottom of the 'ladder' with communication through the ranks, allowing your voice to be heard.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
Just be yourself. BDO prides itself on creating a working environment where each of their collages can see safe to be their true and authentic self. Don't give answers you think they want to hear, just be true to you. Showcase passion and motivation to succeed and support the company.
