Audit Trainee Review

Audit work involves testing all the different areas of the financial statements of a company. Exposure to more complex areas comes as experience increases. The work involves communicating within the audit team and also the client to get the evidence required. There's also time spent on study leave revising for exams which averages out at about 2-3 months per year spread out over the apprenticeship.

I have learned a lot about how companies function and the core processes in place in their finance and reporting functions. I've been exposed to lots of different type of companies so understand how different companies work in different industries. Exams have further strengthened my understanding and knowledge. Working in teams also builds good team building and team management skills.

The work can be quite dull and intense at times, as can doing exams quite regularly. However, I knew this might be the case at times when I signed up and it's worth it for the amount I am learning. Also, it's a massive grad scheme (150+ in London) so socially it's been great.

The professional qualifications department can be quite disorganised so I've had issues with my calendar and knowing when exams are at times. Overall I would say that it's a really good programme though as there's a good balance between study and work and overall development, with sufficient time allocated to all three.

A lot - there's a lot of study leave to make sure I have enough time for my exam preparation, and they pay for our tuition with our study provider which is a significant cost. Managers on jobs are also generally good about respecting your time on study leave and not expecting you to work when you're on study leave, and if there are issues it is easy to resolve these by contacting your counselling managers.

BPP's study materials have been helpful - they're very clear and tailored towards making sure we can pass the exams. The courses is split between taught and revision phases really well, with enough time allocated to each in general. There's also an appropriate focus on exam technique to make us more likely to pass.

Exams and the associated knowledge provide a good basis in audit and accounting more generally. The knowledge that comes from these ACA exams therefore provides a strong foundation for the day to day work I do in audit. Overall I would say it is a good theoretical basis, but work experience is definitely more important.

Depends on which department you're in. First year when not in a specific department within London Audit it is more difficult to socialise and network with older people, but this gets much better when you move into sector. My sector has a football and cricket team and we hold monthly drinks.

Yes

If they wanted to do the ACA I would recommend it, although I would suggest considering something other than audit as it isn't that well paid compared to other industries. However, the exposure you get is excellent, and BDO are generally respecting of your exam leave and work-life balance.

Understand the BDO values and consider whether these align with your values and priorities for your career. Make sure you understand the service line you're applying too really well, so that you can demonstrate you do actually want to get the job you're applying for. Consider how BDO sits in the market (mid market compared to Big 4 for example) and why that appeals to you.