Risk Advisory Trainee Review

I've had a great time at BDO, the first six months have flown by! I have joined the Risk Advisory Services at BDO, and the team is so supporting and caring. At work everyone is a team, and my colleagues and managers care so much about the wellbeing and development of staff, which has made the transition from university to a job so much easier. In this time I have travelled, sat exams and learnt so much, and it's been the most exciting time doing it with such a lovely cohort.

The Risk Advisory team mainly complete internal audits. The first few weeks involved shadowing senior colleagues, and learning how to complete an audit. Then, you lead your own audits with the support of a manager. This job is great as it combines problem solving, analytical and social skills into a job, which aligns really well with my skills. This job is very people orientated, and a typical day involves meetings with colleagues, management and clients. There is a lot of analytical work, and no two days at work have been the same. Shoutout to my best friend at work.

We have team meetings where we all get the opportunity to discuss the progress we've made and to raise any issues. As well as that, we have frequent meetings with our buddy and people manager to be able to discuss anything. We are always encouraged to contribute and it really does help make us graduates feel part of the team.

A variety of benefits, which can be found on the BDO website. This includes discounts, deals and salary sacrifice schemes.

Sitting exams alongside working has meant that we have a better understanding of both the technical content, while gaining experience of the job. This has been a great way to develop both areas of skills.

My buddy and people manager always check up on me, it is so great to have their support. Both of them contacted me prior to joining BDO and stayed in touch prior to starting, which meant I had a familiar face at work and someone to ask questions to. A time they went above and beyond was after an exam failure - they both took time out of their day to call me and check up on me, even with all the responsibilities they have. It was great to feel so supported at such a tough time.

During periods of work, the company is really good with taking no work home with you. Overtime is not common and the most time pressure faced is prior to handing in reports, but this deadline is set by yourself and the manager in advance. Management are always so understanding, if there is a genuine reason for a deadline to be pushed back, they will work with you. On study, it is a bit different with homework set each day and the expectation to revise in your own time - but this is alike to the study at A-Levels or University. In the run up to exams it can get a bit more stressful, but all you need to do is communicate any issues to management and they will work with you.

The work environment is so collaborative and accepting. We have events like culture days or bake sales which really brings the whole team together. My job is hybrid, but I generally prefer to go into the office and see everyone. We have work socials which are a great opportunity to relax and get to know each other outside of work.

BDO have the CEDAR network which supports and encourages a diverse network. During Ramadan, the office hosted Iftaar's and provided support for staff who were fasting. There are also culture days and events hosted, which are inclusive to all.

Yes

It is a great collaborative work environment.

The role was more internal audit focused than I expected, but this was explained early on so I had a good understanding of the role within the first week.