Audit Trainee Review

Being given different tasks within audit with varying difficulties and guidance from seniors and managers to complete them. On a day to day basis I liaise with my colleagues and also the clients in order to gather all the information needed and ensure the work is to the expected quality.

I have had the opportunity to both develop my existing skills such as client communication and teamwork, as well as pick up and expand on some completely new skills in the realm of audit, like critical thinking, sceptical thinking as well as beginning and progressing my technical knowledge through the studying side of this course, which can then in turn be applied in practice.

My programme is enjoyable to the extent that my colleagues are all very nice and mostly helpful when I don't understand - and there is usually always more than one person that can help. Client contact is stimulating and keeps the daily work varied and engaging. During study periods however work life balance is near to impossible and can feel quite isolating, but since this is not constant, it is manageable and will hopefully be worth the effort put in in the end.

The programme has good structure regarding exams, study leave and on the job work in theory, as this is all set out in the training contract from the start. The training provider does a good job of ensuring that I keep on top of studying and revision and offers support. Internal support for organisation of exams from the company however could benefit from some improvement as support is slow - if you receive it.

Apprentices are assigned both a buddy and a counselling manager (CM), both of whom have the knowledge to answer any questions. My CM is always very enthusiastic about my exam results and can't do enough to help with any problems I have with practical, personal and general matters. Between these two colleagues, I receive a lot of support. Some other departments can sometimes be dismissive of problems but are usually happy to help.

I am half way through my first year of the course content-wise, and have been pleasantly surprised by the support from the training providers: the online study material is clear and in depth, whilst also being very easy to navigate. They also have helplines and email support when issues arrived, which I have used on one occasion and found it to be helpful.

I definitely can see that aspects of my qualification directly relates to my working role as an audit trainee. Whilst I personally learn better from physically performing tasks and working through the logic as I go, the qualification and content I have learned so far have been an essential recourse in providing some context and a background to what I do on a day to day basis.

Unfortunately due to COVID I am yet to participate in any extra-curricular activities, however when applying for the role I was particularly drawn in by the array of social events and sports teams that all the staff members spoke fondly about. I feel like it creates a welcoming sense of community within BDO and I look forwards to attending some hopefully in the near future.

Yes

The staff make me feel valued on a personal level, rather that as an 'understudy'. I feel like the work I do in valuable and I am a valued member of the company in turn. There is good support available, and the career progression is promising and interesting from what I can see.

Be yourself. BDO are strong believers in being true to you, and are proud of their diverse team. It doesn't matter if you're not the most outspoken in the room, or don't have the highest qualifications, as long as you are confident in who you are as a person and what you have to offer, they'll be sure to take an interest.