Rating

10/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I am an Outsourcing Trainee in the Outsourcing department as part of 2 teams, the Property team and the FR team. Everyday I will prepare year end accounts for clients that need to be submitted to Companies House which includes analysing client information and going through legal policies. I was given a lot of responsibility early on as I visited clients in my first few months and now prepare full sets of accounts on my own. I'm going to be leading some projects of my own in a couple of months so the everyday tasks get you very prepared.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • So far during my time I have nearly earned my Level 3 AAT qualification and will be starting my Level 4 in the summer, that will make me qualified by the start of 2019! You get plenty of training before you start the job, we spent 2 weeks learning the basics as well as getting shown how to do certain work when we went up to the desks. We also go to college every couple of months to prepare for our next exam, some in bigger blocks than others, but the tutors there are incredibly helpful. I have become a lot more organised and confident as a result and can now prepare accounts on my own.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I get given a variety of work being a trip to a client to help them, or staying in the office to do a bank reconciliation or preparing accounts. You get to deal with a variety of clients and learn a range of new things all the time. My teams and incredibly friendly and make you feel welcome instantly, they always help you no matter the time or place. The company is always focused on helping you and make sure you feel comfortable and that your needs are met, improving and progressing is what they care about most. It met my expectations and more as I was worried about juggling around my study and work when really it is a perfect balance. I enjoy everyday as I learn new things all the time and create strong friendships with my colleagues.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BDO?
  • After every piece of work I get a review and always told the good points and how to improve in the future. When visiting clients they will always report back how you've performed and you get praise as a result of that.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The whole programme is very well organised, you get constant support from your colleagues and tutors. The initial 2 week induction and refreshers as well as college courses keep you up to date with all the knowledge you need.

    10/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Our tutors are reachable 24/7 and never turn you down, they will always try to help you with a problem no matter what it is. I always enjoy going to college as you meet new people and learn new things.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • My manager is always open to help me and give me feedback. The HR team always help you with any queries and always support you with whatever you need.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • The salary is very generous as with all study costs paid for you could never be disappointed with the package. Travel is quite expensive from outside of London as is going out up here! But it's up to you how much you spend on a daily basis as lunch can easily be budgeted. As for living it is always expensive in London so it probably won't be affordable just yet.

    10/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • We have a CSR day every year as well as volunteering days as other clubs inside the firm like Yoga! We get discounts at local gyms and have plenty to do around us. If you want to attend networking events and other conferences all you need to do is ask!

    10/10

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


  • 9b. Why?
  • The firm as a whole is very professional and friendly, you feel comfortable straight away and get a great work life balance. With a great salary and good progression there is no reason you wouldn't want to work here.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BDO?
  • The process is quite lengthy and hard but if you do research, show a genuine interest for accountancy and arrive smart you will make a good impression. Ask questions as this expands on your interest and shows your drive to work in the industry. Getting work experience at another firm will help to and try to be confident in the group task!


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Accounting, Finance

Central London & City

January 2018


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