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!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
4.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BDO?
My experience at BDO has been positive. The Bristol office has a great culture and everyone is helpful from a trainee all the way up to management. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and made sure I settled in well.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Main responsibilities has been working on FSA workbooks, ticking in samples sent out and completing workbooks of that nature, like cost of sales, expenses, payables, receivables, share cap, retained earnings, dividends, cash. I have worked on ETD, planning reports and system documentation. I have been involved in extractions of client information as well.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
The team encourage putting myself out there, being vocal in team catch ups and when on client site. They make it a safe space to feel comfortable to contribute and not feel like what you're saying is wrong.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
I haven't indulged in many perks and benefits but having read up on it, they have good perks and benefits. One that is really nice is ReFlex, where you can recognise a peer or senior for any work or coaching they have done and give them a little gift as a thank you and a recognition post that others can also see.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I think my role is preparing me for my future career as I have been fortunate enough to be placed on big audit jobs for the Bristol office, so I can gain real life and quick exposure to big clients, which will help solidify foundation knowledge and allow me to develop quicker.
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
I believe since I have completed my certificate exams and now have a bit of a break before my professional exams, I can really immerse myself into the job more and really make the most of these months in busy season to develop my skills and learn new ones. I can see myself learning and picking things up quicker and better and makes me more confident. I believe doing the actual job practically than training theoretically with a practice client training has been more beneficial as working on an actual job and being given the right level of freedom but knowing help is there has been really beneficial.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Everyone has been so supportive, from line managers to mentors and buddies. They have helped me settle in well whilst making it clear the support is there. During January, I had a family member pass away and my line manager was super helpful and was able to sort my necessary arrangements as soon as possible which meant a lot. So I am given both professional and personal support.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
Work life balance is typically good, however I think work/life/study balance is quite challenging. I understand that is the nature of the grad scheme I am on but at times has felt a little overwhelming as you want to be able to give your all to work, life and study.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Everyone is inclusive, positive and welcoming. My managers allow me if I need to, to work from home, whether I have certain personal responsibilities that day like taking my father to his hospital appointment or being at home for the builders. I have built trust with my managers who know that my work ethic remains the same and good whether I am in the office or working from home. That flexibility is really refreshing.
How would you rate BDO initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
BDO is very focused on equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. They always cater for everyone, no matter who you are and that is refreshing to see a big company be like that. From having partners who have the sole focus on prioritising how they can constantly better the efforts of these is also very reassuring for people of colour, which is highly appreciated.
How would you rate BDO CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
BDO offer employees lots of CSR opportunities to participate in and they are great initiatives to get out for the day and represent a great company, whilst giving back to the community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
Yes
Why?
A great company to work for, everyone is very nice and super helpful. They also give you the independence to get on with your tasks but make it known support is there if needed.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
The role has matched my expectations as this is what I expected in the role. But what has been the major game changer is the people I work with and the office. Everyone is so welcoming.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BDO?
Be yourself. Do your due diligence and research the company and role you are applying for.
