Trainee Business Adviser Review

I am in the Business Services and Outsourcing (BSO) team where clients reach out to BDO for managing their accounts so they can focus on other parts of their business. My job involves tasks such as bookkeeping, payment runs and management accounts, with the exposure to work across different clients.

Yes, I definitely learnt a lot on the job. I was not completely from an Accounting background - did not major in Accounting at university however I did Accounting at IGCSE and A-Levels. Even so, with some basic level everything was fairly new for me because we use systems to help in our work so I definitely developed technical skills on top of accounting knowledge.

I would say I am indifferent to the programme. On one hand, I view it as a good learning opportunity as I am working and also studying towards and ACCA to be qualified. But on the other hand, it can be very tiring because you have to manage studies too so the programme may not be ideal for those who values social life because you really need to be devoted to your studies!

I would say it is fairly organised, though at the beginning the onboarding process was a bit bumpy - I would have appreciated if access to IT and client folders were already in place for each trainee once they join the job that would be more seamless, since the teams already know which trainee is assigned to where before they join.

I do get a lot of support from my employer, speaking about my manager specially! I have been very blessed to have a very understanding manager who really checks in on me and see wherever changes she can escalate or whoever she can reach out to support me and my wellbeing.

The tutor is supportive as she is willing to hold extra 1-to-1 online calls outside of classes when I have queries. Also in class she pauses to answer any questions students have to solve their confusion. Tutor also sends reminder emails on mocks, also notes on what we should be doing next.

Since I just started my first course I cannot comment much but I am starting to see some of what I have learnt which are applicable in the daily tasks I do. For example, I am doing Management Accounting and a topic on apportionment has been relevant to one of my client job where they have complex cost centres. I will say no doubt what you learn will be somewhat related to your job as often the firm will ask you to take a qualification that is relevant to your job role or department.

Yes, there is plenty of Networks at BDO - from sports, religion and even gender/ethnicity. I am part of the Inspire Network which is a female based network which have many networking events and webinars throughout the year, Muslim Network and CEDAR Network for ethnic minorities. BDO has their own social media platform internally which lets you join these communities and stay up to date.

Yes

It is a good place to start your career and a stepping stone especially if you are a school lever or university graduate who prioritises culture and moderate work life stress since BDO is Big 5 in the UK, which may be crucial especially if you are studying on the side.

Research in-depth on the firm!! I always give that advice to anyone who asks me for tips on application - research especially on something that is not really researched by many ie Culture as that shows you're really interested in the firm and making the effort to research things outside of the usual 5 year plan or financial performance. All the best for your application journey!! :)