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Higherin

ACA Audit Trainee Review

at BDO

Graduate Scheme

Audit

Southampton

Review Submitted: October 2025

Overall Rating

4.9 /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!

4.8/5 - Overview of the Role
5/5 - Experience & Company Culture
5/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at BDO?
Very enjoyable. Colleagues and management all super friendly and welcoming and a lot of support has been provided to help ease the transition into the working world.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
As I'm a new trainee I don't have too many responsibilities as of yet but I have enjoyed getting a chance to see how clients operate.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
Obviously as I'm just starting out I don't have the required expertise to contribute significantly but my team has been very helpful and patient in answering my questions.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
very well compensated with a large range of potential benefits to choose from
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Very thorough coverage of what my role will entail and what the next steps in need to do are/will be.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
Training has been excellent and day to day role has been very useful. A bit overwhelming but I'm developing a good understanding of our client and my responsibilities.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
5/5
Support has been fantastic. I have regular catchups with my line manager who has given really useful tips and advice. My buddy is always open to answer questions about things I'm uncertain over and HR has reached out to introduce themselves and let me know who to contact if I need assistance.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Good balance of work and training to make sure neither is neglected. There is no expectation to carry on working on client work after listed hours.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Fantastic! Lots of socialising and network opportunities and everyone is very open to talking and being inclusive.
How would you rate BDO initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Lots of events held throughout the year celebrating different cultures
How would you rate BDO CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Provided with 5 days a year to volunteer professional services and 5 days to volunteer on anything that strikes our interest. Many more initiatives as well!

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Brilliant office, great location, everyone is super friendly and committed to helping us succeed, relaxed and welcoming company culture, etc.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Well exceeded my initial expectations
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BDO?
Don't try too hard to impress. Obviously you want to come across as an appealing candidate but a big part of company culture is your ability to connect and be approachable to others. Being someone that the team will enjoy working with is invaluable.
In This Review
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