Trainee Review

I currently work as a trainee accountant within the Financial Reporting team located in the Outsourcing department. Outsourcing allows businesses to concentrate upon their core components without distractions. My role within the department is to create & review sets of different client’s accounts in order to provide them with advice in ways in which they could improve/strengthen their multiple business transactions. My daily tasks include rolling forward prior year accounts, inputting financial data and updating the client’s financial information in order to comply with accounting standards such as FRS 102.

Throughout the apprenticeship I have developed/strengthened a wide range of skills from adaptability within the workplace to leadership or effective time management. These skills have been paramount to my progression and from the offset of my employment as an apprentice, I have found the focus upon a large number of soft skills to be extermely beneficial in day to day work.

I have highly enjoyed the programme and believe it has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the importance of the skills and behaviours being emphasised through the standard. Additionally, to join an intake who are entering into the firm at the same position as myself provided me with a strong support system.

The programmes themselves are very well organised both by the firm and our training provider. Each college date is scheduled and added into our internal diaries well in advance to ensure we are able to plan ahead & alter whenever events clash. Each section of the apprenticeship has been effectively communicated to each trainee, ensuring we are all aware of the tasks we must undertake.

My employer has been highly supportive throughout the entire length of my apprenticeship programme. They have provided me with the oppurtunity to learn and be guided by experienced/senior members of my department in order to utilise the wisdom they have accumulated and develop into valuable members of the team who are able to uphold the legacy that the firm sustains.

Similarly, my training provider has been highly supportive when working towards my qualifications. They are always available to answer any queries I might have qucikly and efficiently and are very accomodating whenever I am unable to attend a certain training course as a result of prior engagement - ensuring the problem is eradicated as quickly as possible.

The qualification has been imperative to my performance within my current role. I have gained a greater understanding of the reasoning behind certain aspects of the role which I was previously lacking. It has also ensured that I am able to communicate the work I produce more effectively not only to my colleagues but to clients as well.

There are a wide range of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work from weekly football sessions, running clubs & netball tournaments to firm quiz nights & professional networking events. The firm itself advocates a friendly and supportive environment which ensures everyone has the oppurtunity to join or take advantage of these extra-curricular activities. Every employee is given a CSR (Corporate social responsibility) where you can do something for charity either independently or with team members

Yes

My time at BDO so far has been really good. I have gained a great understanding of how a business works and have been able to work with a wide range of clients during my time here. There are many benefits that are offered as soon as you begin and these benfits only seem to increase as you progress throughout the programme.

Ensure you consider every option available to you in order to fully understand which area of the business you wish to focus/specialise in. Researching the role and the firm are extremely important and very useful throughout the application process. The process itself involves quite a few steps so make sure you are well prepared for each stage.