Audit Junior Review

by BDO

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7/10

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

Auditing the financial statements and accounts of companies. This process provides assurance (or doesn't - depending on the outcome of the audit) to state whether the financial reporting by the entity has been done so fairly.

8/10

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

Yes. Lots of new skills learnt and loads of experience gained. The company have also put us through an education program with an external provider to qualify us to the full ACA standard.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

50/50. BDO as a company has been brilliant with providing learning and development, in terms of private companies they are without a doubt the best private company that I have worked for in regards to training. However, their external provider (BPP) is at best poor.

5/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very. You are provided with a course programme when you start and are kept updated throughout. There is some flexibility to the programme as well, so if you are struggling with something or have a personal problem then they can delay your exams for this if appropriate.

8/10

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

Lots. You get study leave as part of your programme and they also provide a lot of good quality internal training. Seniors and Managers also regularly assist with development and it is great that this is a major part of their job.

10/10

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

Hardly any. They failed to provide me with all of the material and despite several requests for weeks failed to send it until after I had sat the exam. They then promised some 1-2-1 sessions but when it came to it they said it was only for emotional support.

1/10

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

If I'm being honest not as much as I was expecting. It is essential in the sense of it gives you a grounding for the work but it doesn't feel as though it will prepare me for it.

6/10

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.)

Yes. The company encourages you to be yourself and put yourself out there. They encourage out-of-work activities and there are loads of forums to join in with the things that interest you - but it is entirely your choice so you don't have to.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend BDO to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They genuinely care about their staff and regularly invest in them, from small things like bonuses and courses through to paying for training for personal matters. Due to the recent sad incident in London with Sarah Everard, BDO are now paying to train staff to be safer outside of work.

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

Expect to work hard and also long hours, but also expect to be treated well and have a company eager to invest in you. It is a two way street, you get out what you put in.