Audit Trainee Review

by BDO

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.9/10

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

I am an audit trainee (junior). Typically I am assigned to clients for between 1-2 weeks. I spend most of my time at client sites with a senior/semi-senior, normally in London. As a junior I mainly audit the balance sheet.

6/10

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

I have developed invaluable computer and interpersonal skills during my short time at BDO as well as a vast array of accounting knowledge. Working on excel all day has really helped me to become familiar with the programme. In addition BDO run regular excel training courses.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I feel incredibly lucky to be on the BDO school leaver programme and in a solid job considering the economic climate and current job market. There is a great deal of support and the rate of development is very rewarding. Everyone at BDO is incredibly nice and can't do enough to help you progress. There is a culture of hard work, but this doesn't go unnoticed.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by BDO?

Managers, senior managers and partners are all involved in each job and give praise where praise is due. This is rewarding and motivating.

6/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is structured well with exams spread out over the 5 years.

9/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

BPP have excellent tutors. There is an online learning system and you can also email your tutor for help outside of college time.

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

When you join you are assigned a buddy. This is someone one or two intakes above you who is there for general support and to answer any questions you might deem 'stupid'. In my sector everyone has been incredibly supportive. The seniors on jobs are very understanding around exams.

6/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

The salary is not enough to live in London comfortably. However, considering we do not have degrees, it is competitive with the Big 4 and the sector as a whole.

2/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There is a social culture at BDO with sports teams and regular socials.

8/10

9. Would you recommend BDO to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Incredibly friendly place to work and a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop.

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

Make sure that you definitely want to achieve your accountancy qualification. If you don't want it then the motivation to study after a long day of work won't be there.