Accounts Trainee Review

Global Outsourcing - Accounts team Daily tasks consist mainly of assisting the preparation of financial statements for a variety of clients working in a variety of industries. Internal interactions are constant and vital within the team to ensure all deadlines are met. External interactions consist mainly of either updating clients on our progress, or asking them for any information we need to help with our preparation of their accounts. I have a number of monthly management accounts projects which are done independently, I can work on these daily to ensure the workload doesn't build up, but the annual projects are normally carried out by more experienced staff and I assist them with anything I can.

I have learnt numerous skills associated with various accounting softwares, both through my time on the internal training courses/ college and from my time in the workplace. I have also developed my communicational skills through interacting formally with the clients. Also having passed my first exam, I am working towards my CFAB qualification before starting my ACA qualification which will result in becoming a qualified Chartered Accountant

There are times where the work can be quite demanding because of some tight deadlines but there is a lot of support available so that becomes quite manageable. I really enjoy working with my team because there is a very good balance between the social side of work as well as being as productive as possible. The company also does a lot to ensure morale remains high by organising various social events throughout the year and it has a 'One Firm' culture which encourages everyone to support each other, creating a pleasant atmosphere. It has turned out to be almost exactly how I expected it in terms of workload, however I wasn't expecting to enjoy the social side of it as much as I do.

Managers are very honest with their feedback but when a task is done well they are very quick to give praise. Particularly outstanding work can be mentioned to the likes of directors who every month choose a member of staff from each department based on the positive recognition they have been given who wins instant rewards e.g vouchers I do feel valued when assisting seniors in the annual projects as you are trusted from day one to have quite a significant input into the projecs.

The induction in the first week and training in the following few weeks couldn't have gone much better. But the college side of it seems to be slightly less organised as the deadlines for the assignments have changed a few times. Everyone as a designated counselling manager so if anything does become a concern, there is someone to talk to about it in confidence. There is a very clear hierarchy in my team which works really well as everyone knows who to go to for certain matters.

Other than the actual courses, there isn't too much support from the college in preparation for exams and I have to seek support from colleagues in the office to help me for my exam.

My manager gave me all the support I needed which included giving up lunches to go through practice questions etc. and we are given paid study leave before our exams. The rest of the team are just as supportive with any queries I may have at any point at work. I haven't yet come across a serious problem but I have regular meetings with my counselling manager who ensures everything is going well.

As a school leaver living quite close to the office, I don't have many living or travel costs. During the week, I am at work for so much of the time my daily costs are quite low other than lunch meaning most of my salary ends up going towards social costs! So if spent sensibly, the salary more than meets my costs

A lot of the social events we have take place off sight and every year we are allowed 10 paid days off if taking part in community service schemes, so there are a lot of external opportunities. BDO also offers different benefits such as reduced gym membership prices etc so there is a lot to do when not at work.

Yes

Because BDO does a lot to benefit you and you can make them a lot of money its in their interest to make sure you are happy at work. Furthermore, the qualification you gain at the end is recognised worldwide so it can be a really good start to your career. Lastly, the social side really is better than you would expect.

Thoroughly research the company and the services it provides as it is such a large and diverse company. Try to express yourself as much as possible particularly in the assessment day as NDO seems to hire based on personality rather than just previous academic success which leads to the good atmosphere around the office it currently has. Lastly, I would apply to the summer school programme which I wasn't told about, but it is 2 weeks work experience over summer which would see you performing the same tasks you would be if you were on the programme, but on a short term basis so you can see if it suits you. That wold also put you at an advantage if you do go onto apply as the senior staff and managers would already know who you are and how you are to work with.