Rating

7.9/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I work on all sections of the audit file, from the planning phase right through to the completion phase of an audit. I speak with team members, clients and third parties on a regular basis. I spent a lot of time in Excel completing workbooks and reviewing third party documentation.

    7/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learnt a whole host of new skills during my apprenticeship from soft skills such as verbal and written communication to technical skills gained through my exams such as accounting treatments, tax compliance and other finance based modules. I have developed a strong working mindset and attention to detail thorugh my role.

    7/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I enjoy my programme as the work at my firm has a nice level of variety to it. This makes the whole process more enjoyable as the work that I complete does change regularly. Like with any job there are some elements which are repetitive and mundane but this is to be expected.

    7/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The programme is very well structured as tasks are spread relatively evenly throughout the programme and are always relevant to my work I have been completing or my experiences to date. The tasks are not difficult and do not consume too much time and the calls to monitor progress are usually fairly short.

    7/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I receive a lot of support from my employer, especially my line (counselling manager) who I meet at least every 6 months. I also have regular interactions with partners and senior managers who are always warm and welcoming. There is a real focus on career drive and progression which is great.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • I am allocated my study time off work which is usually fairly generous and is set based on a firmwide policy so there is no flex in either direction. I have passed all of my exams first time to date, which is an indication that the support form work is adequate. It is down to the individual to complete the required work and this is very apparent.

    9/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • I feel that my qualification is essential to my success in the workplace, I feel that both the soft skills and technical aspects have equal importance for this success. The scheme is designed so that at the end of the programme we are well rounded individuals and this is clear.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • Yes there are plenty of social activities whether these be informal meet ups, work drinks, networking events or sports based. The firm that I work for is very keen to support this and we are allocated a generous allowance per annum which is brilliant. These socials have a very positive impact on the office staff and team ethos.

    9/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend BDO to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • It is a great firm to work for and the people are brilliant. If you want to make something of yourself there are people there to push you and support you, in addition to this there are people there to assist you when you are struggling which is of equal importance.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
  • Take into consideration the size of the firms clients when you are applying, the midmarket nature of our clients mean that our exposure to a greater degree of variation in the work that we do is there for all levels of staff. The people are brilliant and the firm cares about every single individual.


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting

Guildford, UK

May 2021


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