Audit Trainee Review

On a day-to-day basis, I conduct audits of entities engaged by the department I am in. Most days the working hours are 9:30am-5:30pm with there being room for flexibility. I log on in the morning and crack on with the tasks I have. At this stage in my training contract, I am considered self directed, where my manager would allocate me sections of the audit and I would then have full accountability on the specific pieces of work. This would include liaising with the client team if needed and jumping on update/catch-up calls. I do also guide any newer colleagues on their work as I progress on in my training contract.

I have definitely learnt new skills while on the apprenticeship. This includes time management as being an apprentice is not only about doing work but also managing my studies and ensuring my apprentice file is up to date. Through my apprenticeship, I have also developed better communication as I have been given roles where I am required to reach out to clients in a professional manner. Communication with my superiors has also improved my communication as I have learnt what are priorities that managers would want to be updated on. I have also learnt to take on more responsibility and take ownership of the work I do. Being on an apprenticeship has empowered me to see work through from start to end and really understand the value I am adding to the bigger picture. I would also say that being in a firm where there are other apprentices has also allowed me to become a better teacher as I am constantly helping the newer apprentices manoeuvre the workplace.

I enjoy my programme because there are clear milestones set out for me. This allows me to see progress and track it so that there is tangible rewards. I also so think that 3 years is a good duration as it allows me to fully integrate myself in the firm and help me find footing in my workplace. There is also good support in the firm for exam support as well as ensuring all aspect of my apprenticeship is covered.

My programme is very well structured. We are give study leave where appropriate and the managers are supportive when it comes to not working late during the build up to exams. My firm has also provided us with wall calendars to show which exam paths we are taking an the number of days of leave we are given. Exam dates are also pre-set for the year and allows me to plan ahead. Paired with the working days requirements which has been clearly set out at the beginning of my apprenticeship, I would say the expectations are clear and the programme is well structured.

I receive good support from my employer. We are assigned counselling managers upon joining the firm where the counselling managers are concerned for our progression. This is highly beneficial as if I am struggling with too much workload, I am able to reach out to my counselling manager so that they will be able to speak to line managers and make them aware I am studying for an exam. My firm also provides resit support should i fail any exams. We are also given incentives to pass more exams, i.e. promotions and bonuses.

My traning provider provides ample support for the professional exams. There are forums available for respective modules where the forums are monitored around the clock so that student will be able to get a timely reply . BPP also provide online classes as well as in centre classes. Giving more flexibility to those who require it. I have also joined extra seminars which are held frequently when studying towards exams. The teachers/lecturers are also very helpful if you reach out directly to them through email. Overall there is a lot of support that is easily accessible.

As i am in an accounting apprenticeship, i would say the qualification directly impacts the work i do on a day to day. This is because there is a lot of technical knowledge required in the accounting field and hence, without the qualification, I doubt that I could be a competent accountant. Doing the apprenticeship provides a holistic approach in entering the industry and provides achievable steps in approaching my work.

My department has it's own dedicated social committee where we have several social events ranging from Thursday drinks, to an annual ball. We also have intercompany clubs that arrange sports outings, such as badminton clubs and football clubs. We also have a diversity network where those of similar backgrounds can get together and celebrate cultural/religious holidays and share knowledge with other colleagues.

Yes

The culture at BDO is warm and welcoming. People are here to help, whether it is partners, managers and even fellow trainees. BDO hires from every background and ethnicity which makes the workplace diverse and allows for anyone to find a place in the office. They also provide good support for those working towards their qualifications through providing study leave and flexible hours.

My advice would be to be yourself during your interviews as BDO really values confidence in oneself. Be genuine in the applications and it will get you far. I would also say that if you do begin a role at BDO to not be afraid of reaching out as most if not everyone in the firm is willing to help. Making friends is also easy as if you join as an apprentice there will be a cohort that joins with you, allowing you to bond over similar career paths.