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Life at BDO

In this interview, Sam, a Tax Associate in the Partnership Tax team at BDO, shares his journey as a School Leaver Apprentice over the past three years. From his motivation for choosing accountancy to the culture at BDO and the advantages of a School Leaver Apprenticeship, Sam provides a firsthand account of his experiences and outlines his aspirations for the future.

BDO UK

Why did you chose a career in accountancy?

It's a tough question. The number one reason I chose accountancy is to get the ACA qualification. Joining as a School Leaver Apprentice has allowed me to get the ACA qualification without going to university. It's also a challenging field, and I feel like I'm learning something new every single day. Every day is completely different.

What was it about BDO that stood out to you?

I would say the culture. I had a friend from school who joined here, and as I was applying to all the big accountancy firms, I spoke to him, and he had only positive things to say about BDO. It was really exciting, social, and I liked the idea of working for a big company and joining a cohort of likeminded individuals.

What's your work-life balance like?

BDO promotes a healthy work-life balance. To be realistic, you do have busier seasons. For example, I work in tax, and my busy season is leading up to the 31st of January deadline, so you might have to work a bit of overtime until then. However, there are other periods of the year which are quieter, for example, post-deadline, where you get time to relax a bit more. But I would say what I've learned from working at BDO is that it's essential to be efficient with your time and set boundaries.

BDO UK

How would you describe the people at BDO?

The people are great. There are so many people I've met from different departments, and there are lots of social events where you can meet and mingle with your colleagues. It's just a very welcoming environment.

And what about people at different levels? Are they approachable?

Definitely. Partners, Directors and Managers are all extremely friendly and want to help. They're just normal people, and you can have a regular conversation with them. There's no need to fear speaking to someone who's senior because they were also in my shoes at the beginning of their careers.

How would you describe the culture at BDO, especially for trainees?

It's super fun because there are so many trainees in each intake, especially in London. The latest intake had around 650 trainees, so there are so many opportunities to collaborate and meet new people. You can meet people from different backgrounds who you might not normally get the opportunity to meet.

What values or experiences are most important to you, and what do you value most?

I would say being yourself is extremely important, and this is shown by the numerous networks and societies that BDO offers. And if there isn't a network that suits your fancy, you can set one up yourself.

Why should someone consider a School Leaver Apprenticeship over going to university?

I think the main reason is that you can join a School Leaver programme at 18, and by the age of 22, you'll be fully qualified and an Assistant Manager. In contrast, if you were to join as a graduate, you would be a first-year trainee at the same age. The real-life work experience is invaluable, and you can start earning a competitive salary early on.

Lastly, where do you see yourself in five years' time?

I see myself progressing through the ranks, finishing my training programme, becoming qualified, and gaining more experience and client exposure. I want to work with bigger clients and continue to step outside my comfort zone. And, of course, I'll make the most of it while having fun.

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