Clara, Audit Trainee in the London audit team at BDO

Let’s talk to Clara, an Audit Trainee in the London audit team at BDO. Here, she shares her experiences and insights into her role, the supportive culture at BDO, and how the firm helps her balance work and study. It’s really an insight into life as an early career employee here. Clara's life at BDO showcase the importance of a friendly work environment and the benefits of earning while learning.

Morning Clara! So, what’s a typical day for you at BDO like?

Hi there! On a typical day, I make sure to get in early for the free breakfast at Fibs, our on-site canteen. They’ve got everything from granola and fresh pastries to a full English breakfast. I usually sit and eat with my fellow trainees, then we grab a coffee and head upstairs to start work. My day involves checking responses from the audited entity I’m working with, setting up calls with them and my team for any queries, and completing audit work. I go into the office most days because it’s super helpful to communicate face to face and socialise with the other trainees.

That sounds pretty fun. What do you enjoy most about your daily routine?

Honestly, it’s going to the office and spending time with the other trainees! Everyone is so supportive, which makes starting out at a new company way less daunting. If we ever have any problems, everyone’s happy to help, whether it’s an audit task someone else has done before or reminders about qualification admin. Moving to London and not knowing many people was tough, but having such a sociable intake made settling in a lot easier.

How do you keep everything balanced throughout the day?

I use a work tracker for the audit I’m on, so it’s easy to see what info I have and what’s still outstanding with the audited entity. This helps me plan my day clearly. Plus, when I’m waiting for information, I message my team to see if I can help anyone else. Having a close-knit team really helps with that!

You’ve talked about balance, but how do you manage that with your personal life as well?

The work-life balance at BDO is pretty unique. Being a large audit firm that pays for overtime and TOIL is a big plus! Busy season means longer hours, but it’s great to know my hard work is recognised. Not only do I get paid for overtime, but teams also give out lifestyle awards if they see you going above and beyond. BDO also sends out bulletins with advice on staying active and supporting mental wellbeing. And when you have exams, you’re given time to study as well as complete your work. Everyone’s been in the same position, so they get it.

What makes BDO a friendly place to work?

BDO’s culture is super supportive and friendly. Outside of audit work, there are loads of opportunities to socialise. We’ve got sports teams like Hockey and Football where we play against other firms. There are also societies for different religions and communities where you can join as a member or an ally to learn about different cultures. In my first year, I was part of the trainee group committee, planning socials throughout the year. We had a blast at Boom Battle Bar in Oxford Street. One of my fellow trainees even set up a football club, and we had a few friendly games at nearby pitches. Activities like these are great for meeting people outside the office and getting to know them better.

How does BDO support your well-being and work-life balance?

BDO provides a supportive environment where you can voice any external issues that might affect your work. Within the trainee group committee, we get to talk about any issues we’re having or have heard among the trainees. They listen and value our opinions on what could be improved. We also had a step competition during busy season to encourage us to stay active, even when we’re spending more time at our desks.

Getting those qualifications must be tough. How has BDO supported you in getting there?

BDO has been great in supporting me while I get my professional qualification. I get study leave to complete course content, extra days off for exam retakes, and my team lets me set boundaries on my working hours if I have an exam coming up. The supportive environment helps alleviate some of the stress that comes with exams. Everyone’s been in the same boat, so they’re happy to give tips on how they managed. Having a large and sociable intake means I always have a helping hand if I’m struggling with exam content.

What benefits have you experienced from earning while you learn at BDO?

Working while getting my qualification has been a great balance of real-world work experience and studying at college with fellow trainees. I’ve developed soft skills like communication and professional scepticism and applied on-the-job experiences to my exams. My seniors are always happy to teach me not only how to carry out my audit tasks but also the reasoning behind them to develop my accounting knowledge.

How do you feel your qualifications will help you in your future career?

Getting my ACA is a fantastic way to start my career. It’s a well-respected qualification, and everyone appreciates the time and dedication it takes to obtain. Whether I stay in audit or move into a different sector, the qualification is versatile and teaches you a deep understanding of how businesses work. It also ensures you’re learning and demonstrating soft skills like leadership and problem-solving.

There you have it; an experience from one of our audit trainees which showcase the Unifying Culture at BDO. Her time at BDO has been spent enjoying the team around her, meeting new people, experiencing new skills (technical and more!) and presenting her with opportunities for professional development which make a significant difference in one's career. Clara's story is a testament to the benefits of earning while learning and the value of a well-rounded approach to professional growth.