Audit Trainee Review

BDO give apprentices a wide range of experience across their sector, this allow us to progress at a very similar speed to graduate trainees qualifying just one year later! BDO put a strong focus on development and achieving our potential meaning we are given full support throughout our apprenticeship whilst also being given the freedom to professionally develop in areas that we want to.

My professional behaviour has substantially improved through being exposed to the professional workplace and through client interaction. I have also been able to develop my technical accounting skills and IT skills in order to assist me with my day to day work. I have also been able to improve my communication skills.

The program is very enjoyable due to the board span of work that we do meaning no day is the same which stops the job feeling repetitive. Even when the work we complete is the same the focus will be on different clients meaning that the approach to the work may be different

The structure of the program has the potential to be improved as sometimes it feels as though there is little organisation or consideration to the fact that we have to study for exams whilst working. However, with this standing as a whole the program is organised fairly well with us being given a structure and plan in advance.

BDO as a whole supports are learning by providing training and CPD training outside of the minimum requirements. This additional learning and support helps us with mandatory areas that need to be completed as we have additional sectors specific knowledge to apply. BDO also allocates us counseling mannagers that support our development.

We are given support through our training provider bpp, we are given study leave to assist us in managing this with our day to day job. BPP provide full support through an online platform with a range of learning materials to assist in studying for our exams and professional qualifications.

BPP gives us knowledge of the industry through tutors that also work in industry. This allows us to apply our knowledge to real life scenarios that they have experienced and can pass there knowledge onto us. Although some of this is beneficial not all of it is and this can distract from the key learning we are required to complete.

BDO has a few different sports teams and social activities such as football, netball , basketball teams and organising monthly work drinks. This gives us the ability to build a worklife balance whilst also getting to know more people in the firm and building our professional network within the firm for the future.

Yes

BDO gives their trainees a wide range of experience and responsibilities early on compared to other larger firms. They are able to do this due to their mid tier status meaning that whilst our clients maybe slightly smaller our trainees will work on more areas of the clients. BDO also has a great culture!

Be yourself! Make sure you understand the firm and the sectors in which the firm operates. Preparation is key to keeping your nerves under control, if you think it will help prepare notes for an interview and take them with you. Show genuine passion to the sector that you are applying to.