Hi, I'm Anna, an Audit Trainee at BDO in Birmingham. I've been here for over a year now, and it's been a fantastic journey. My job is a mix of office work and site visits, which means I get to work closely with my team and the companies we audit. I love problem-solving and staying proactive, which has really helped me succeed. Plus, BDO offers loads of support and training, which has been great for my growth both professionally and personally.
A Typical Day at BDO
Most days, I'm either in the office or at a client's site, working with my team. As a trainee, I switch projects every few weeks, so being in person helps me understand each project better and get to know my colleagues. I work on different parts of the audit file, using what I've learned from my ACA studies. Everyone on the team is happy to help me with any new or complex areas. We have meetings throughout the day, either to catch up with the team or to go over queries with the client, which can be on Teams or in person.
What I Enjoy Most
I really enjoy how collaborative the job is. There are plenty of chances to engage in discussions with both the team and the client. While we work hard, it's always nice to get to know people on a personal level, especially before or after work or during lunch. I love problem-solving, which is a big part of auditing. Whether it's understanding the client during the planning phase or figuring out some testing in the execution phase, there's always an opportunity to use this skill.
Balancing Work Tasks
To balance my tasks, I usually contact the Manager a week before starting a new project to set expectations. Many Managers create a project plan with task allocations and expected times, which I refer to. I also check in with my Seniors throughout the project to discuss priorities and create a personal to-do list.
Life Outside Work
Outside of work, I became a stick insect mum about a year ago. My boyfriend's mum has some "interesting" pets, including a tarantula, hissing cockroaches, and stick insects, and she gifted us three Indian stick insects. At first, I wasn't a fan, but once you get to know them, they're fascinating. Did you know female stick insects can reproduce without a male? Now, we have 25! We've also hatched two Giant Prickly stick insect eggs recently. They live for about 18 months to two years, and I plan to keep them as pets for their whole lives.
Career Progression at BDO
BDO sets Graduates up for success from day one. I've completed several residential training courses in my first year to ensure my practical knowledge is up to scratch. This complements what I learn from my ACA studies. I also had a Success Conversation with an Audit Manager towards the end of my first year to support my career progression.
Opportunities for Advancement
During my probationary period, I had monthly meetings with my People Manager to discuss my project bookings and ensure my experience was varied and interesting. My People Manager and other Managers are always open to discussing my portfolio. I've been fully supported to pursue my passions alongside the audit job itself. This includes becoming a Peer Group Leader, training as a Mental Health First Aider, and getting involved in Early in Career events.
Future Career Development
My experience at BDO has been broad, allowing me to pursue other passions while strengthening my audit knowledge and transferable skills. This has made me a better auditor and increased my enjoyment of the job. I'm also considering getting more involved with training, coaching, or Early in Careers at BDO. I'm confident that BDO will support my career path.
My journey at BDO shows the firm's commitment to nurturing talent and providing a supportive environment for career growth. From becoming a Peer Group Leader to training as a Mental Health First Aider, BDO offers diverse opportunities. This collaborative and dynamic work culture helps individuals develop their skills and pursue their passions, setting a strong foundation for a successful career.