Learn about Loanne's journey as a trainee in Audit at BDO

With a structured graduate programme that balances study and work, Loanne has found a supportive environment that nurtures her ambitions and passions. Her story is a testament to the opportunities BDO offers to graduates, making it an ideal place for aspiring accountants to start their careers.

BDO offers a robust three-year graduate programme that combines study and work. You'll progress academically, achieving the ACA qualification by the end of the programme, setting you up for success in the accounting field. You'll gain valuable on-the-job experience, developing both soft skills and audit skills. After completing your training contract, there's the possibility of transitioning into a fully qualified Assistant Manager role.

During the graduate programme at BDO, I've had the chance to work on a variety of projects. One standout experience was working on a FTSE 250 audit client. It was a fantastic development opportunity, especially given the challenging focus on audit quality due to the entity's size and tight deadlines. I've also conducted stocktakes for well-known companies in the shoe, lingerie, and tyre industries, which was interesting.

My interest in accounting began in secondary school when choosing O-level and A-level subjects. I was drawn to numbers and found accounting interesting, perhaps because sciences were my worst nightmare. Coming from a family of accountants also influenced my decision. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in accounting and become a chartered accountant.

I chose BDO because the three-year programme allows me to work while studying for the ICAEW qualification. The paid study leaves and support from a professional education provider were particularly appealing.

The programme offers a great balance between exam study and audit work, ensuring job bookings are evenly rotated with college study. This helps keep my skills up-to-date and allows me to apply exam knowledge to my work. BDO provides training for my audit role, helping me grow as the role progresses. This often includes a residential trip with my cohort, which is both educational and exciting.

BDO focuses on both work and development. Frequent training is provided as you progress, organised by the Learning & Development team. The 'Achieving My Potential' (AMP) Framework is a valuable tool for setting goals and structuring development. It's personalised, and with the help of your People Manager, you can ensure your professional growth is on track.

Every project and day is different, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and explore new areas. The most rewarding part is being valued at work when your input is recognised by the team, especially the Audit Engagement Manager and Partner.

Get involved! BDO offers a professional and social environment with many opportunities to engage. You can join networks, participate in committees, take on lead roles, and attend social events. The people culture is a standout feature at BDO, and you'll get out of it what you put in.

The intake I joined at BDO has become a part of my life, and we spend time together outside of work. We've organised socials through work, especially at the start of the programme. BDO's overtime policy allows me to finish work around 17:15, giving me time for hobbies and events in the evenings.

BDO offers agile working, allowing flexibility to work from the office, home, or client site. The 'Workable' policy supports flexible working, ensuring that as long as the team is committed to delivering high-quality work, both time and place can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Loanne's experience at BDO reflects the firm's commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for its graduates. Through structured programmes, diverse projects, and a focus on personal and professional growth, Loanne has been able to pursue her career ambitions while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Her story serves as an inspiration for graduates considering a career at BDO, showcasing the opportunities for growth and the importance of getting involved in the vibrant people culture.