Audit Trainee Review

The role is as an auditor working on mid-sized size companies. this generally involves travelling out to clients to meet with their finance teams and complete work over their numbers. This includes everything from analysing financing documents to putting together the strategy for others to execute. Some days will be taken up with one project whereas at other times there will be multiple projects ongoing

This apprenticeship teaches a large number of new skills; I had no previous accounting experience and as such those skills have been built from scratch as part of both the formal examination process and internal training which is extensive. There are also a number of opportunities to develop communication and leadership skills given the range of different teams you will work in and the clients you will work with.

The programme is broadly enjoyable; there is a great deal of variety mostly because you will only work on one client for a set amount of time, this means you are constantly joining new teams and starting new projects. The industry is busy and progression is quite rapid meaning it is difficult for the job to become routine

The programme is organised into 1) the exam portion 2) the apprenticeship portion and 3) the on the job portion. The first 2 are organised externally meaning they are generally well planned with a pathway prepared at the start of the three years. there can be difficulties in getting the work portion and the other 2 to fit together given the demands on time, however the firm is accommodating in apportioning time.

The employer is supportive providing time taken out of the work year for the completion of exams as well as non-exam apprenticeship tasks which need to be completed. similarly during period leading up to exams allowances are made to reduce overtime demands. Generally there is no formalised process for this but the culture is such that managers are accommodating and understanding to the demands of the programme.

The amount of support tends to vary; the training provider focuses their support on the most difficult parts of the process which means these areas are well supported. for some areas of the course however which are considered less difficult very little formal support is given unless sought out, this requires the apprentice to have decent time management and work proactively

The qualification feeds directly into the role, though some parts of the qualification may not be directly relevant to the day to day job the technical aspects are crucial while the qualification also provides general business and finance understanding which makes it easier to communicate and work in the industry.

These activities are available primarily at a departmental level. these revolve around quarterly social events with the entire team designed for networking and building team morale. there are also frequent opportunities to get involved in committees in the work place (on the environment, reading programme for local kids etc.) which are both available or can be established.

Yes

The firm is supportive in processing through the qualification and has a good culture with supportive team members focused on developing staff and performing well on projects. the business is also situated in the market in a way which provides exposure to a wide range of different clients, projects, problems to solve.

BDO are highly focused on their culture; both in the hiring process and in the job itself, try to gain an understanding of the culture. when applying to BDO I'd also encourage applicants not to put on a performance during interviews and instead play tot heir strengths- interviews at BDO are carried out by very senior staff who understand that there are multiple ways to succeed in the business.