Trainee Review

I work in the financial reporting team, in the outsourcing department. I assist in the day to day preparation of statutory accounts for businesses of all types and sizes. To do this we are provided financial information in a variety of forms from different accountancy systems or more oldschool cashbooks and turn this into the financial statements.

My computer based skills have massively improved as I am using excel on a day to day basis. Alongside my technical knowledge which is developed at college and on the desk learning, my soft skills such as communication and confidence have developed massively which is primarily down to support from my team and the role I am in.

My programme exposes me to a wide variety of new skills and challenges. It is well balanced between pushing me to develop and enjoying what I do. My workplace is very supportive of its trainees as we are valued highly by our colleauges and other memebers of staff. The working environment that I am in is enjoyable and welcoming to all, something that I experienced fully upon joining.

Compared to other apprenticeship or school leaver programmes, the programme that I am on is fast tracked and very well organised. We know when all our college dates are right from the start alongside our exams and any other soft skill days. There is a learning and development team in place which supports us with anything we need regarding our studies which can be a massive help!

As a trainee I get a lot of support from my team. I have worked with a wide variety of colleagues from people on similar programmes to the outsourcing partner and all of them offer massive amounts of support and help when needed. The environment here is great for trainees as there is a lot of people who are further along the programme or whom have finished it and are working towards new progressions in their careers.

I couldn't fault first inutition. They provide round the clock support whether thats from their learning platform ROGO or mobile numbers for the tutors means that if I have a question right before an exam, I can find out what I need to know. The college its self is very well kept and they provide some great snacks free of charge.

There are some modules that we study that are not specific to my every day role, however these are still interesting as they provide us with a wider scope of the accounting world. The modules that are job specific are good to really cement any knowledge and really help with the technical side of what we do every day.

There is always something going on in the firm whether its pay-day drinks or 5 a side on a Wednesday night. In the past we have had quizes and upcoming there is the annual BDO 5 a side tournament which every year, all the different BDO offices put forward teams to go away for a weekend to play an intercompany 5 a side tournament, hotel, food and drinks paid for.

Yes

BDO is one of the largest accountancy firms in the UK, number 5 post merger with Moore Stephens, yet the culture towards trainees makes it a great place to work and progress. We get a lot of support torwards our studies and the social culture makes it a brilliant place to grow.

Make sure you do your research into the company and show an interest into working specifically here and not other places. Show an enthusasim to learn and develop and that it is more than just a 'job'. If you manage to get an interview, really display your personality as that will make you stand out from the rest.