Audit Semi-Senior Review

by BDO

Rating

5.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Performing audit tests on financial statement areas for varying clients. Selecting samples, verifying them to 3rd party sources, enquiring with management.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Communication, time management, independent thinking, quality, collaboration.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the day to day work, but the exam stress is sometimes unbearable. There is a lack of support in this regard as it's "something we all have to do".

3/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is structured in a way that makes sense, but the team who organises it are slow to reply, if they ever do, and causes great frustration among the trainees.

3/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

We are given time off to revise and learn in college and workloads. They aren't as supportive when it comes to the mental health perspective.

4/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Barely any. They are not able to adjust their programming and are slow to reply. They don't seem to care if you pass or fail, as long as they get paid.

1/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It definitely helps to understand why we do things the way we do, such as performing testing, ethics reviews or team meetings.

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.)

The firm has many employee networks which run events and publicise national days etc. Local hubs run events quarterly but I'm unaware of sports teams.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend BDO to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

As audit firms go, it has great people. The stress level is likely the same across all firms and it's a good place to have on your CV. The pay is below average for the industry but many people train here to move to industry.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?

See the big picture of how an audit works, but also show you are good with quality and can work well with others. A bubbly personality and an interest in finding out answers is important.