Audit Trainee Review

Reviewing client financial information through detailed tests reconciling 3rd party information to client accounts. Planning out audit procedures and mentoring younger members of staff through the initial testing. Helping prepare review documents for the project management side of the audit to help improve efficiency in future years. Using digital data processing tools to decide whether clients financial performance is within expectations. Most work is done in excel.

Ability to understand accounting and financial concepts has improved drastically. Gained sector specific knowledge in how mining, oil & gas and shipping companies operate. Improved ability to communicate with high ranking company finance and board members, as well as external stakeholders. Project management and mentoring skills towards the end of the apprenticeship.

The day to day work starts of very routine and does not begin to expand until at least the 2nd if not 3rd year on the job. For me this was not the most enjoyable, and it was as I was progressing that I began to understand more of what was going on and enjoy the process more.

There are clear timetablings set up for when study leave, exams, internal training and projects are set to happen. This also is the case for internal progression, with clear expectations on what milestones need to be reached before you can progress. During the pandemic however, the program has been shaken by the need to work virtually and some of the timetabling has been replanned. This wasn't always communicated to the junior staff, which was often frustrating.

We received dedicated study leave in keeping with the guidance provided by the ICAEW, which is booked in for us to take. We also receive 3.5 hours of time off per additional activity that needs to be completed for the ACA qualification. Managers tend to be understanding for when exam pressure is high.

The training provider gives us a lot of support across what they call "the hub". We are provided with both virtual and physical learning materials, a set of online lecture classes and questions to work through and for some of the more difficult exams (usually one per sitting) we also receive live virtual classes. There is also an email address for us to contact if we have further questions.

The qualification is really key in developing my understanding of the accounting, finance and business worlds. It helps me to develop a lot of the background understanding that underpins my work, and one would struggle to perform the job without studying for the qualification. It also helps develop my commercial mindedness, which I am certain will be crucial as I advance through my career.

Due to the pandemic a lot of the traditional work extra-curricular events have been put on pause. I have been involved in a few virtual networking events, and the team has also ran virtual talks with some of the more senior partners. For sporting activities we do have a team Strava group, but no in-person group events have yet resumed.

Yes

The work-life balance that is viewed as quite a big hurdle to entry in the traditional accounting roles, especially in practice, is not as much of a problem at BDO. We do receive holiday time back for overtime, so it helps balance out the high stress of busy season when looking at the year as a whole. The general team atmosphere is also very friendly.

A quote that stuck with us from the first week would be to "be a sponge for knowledge". The role provides a lot of learning opportunities for someone towards the start of their career, and it would be an aspect that others applying to BDO should stress. One should also be enthusiastic about feedback, and treat it as that part of an opportunity to learn something new.