There is no typical day at work and every day is different. Sometimes I may be at a client’s premises undertaking an audit which might include expense or revenue testing, reviewing minutes or problem solving. Some days involve direct interaction with the client which I really enjoy. If I’m in the office it is a good opportunity to catch up with my colleagues and work on the project I have been assigned. Typically this involves working in a team and liaising regularly with the Audit Manager. We have regular meetings with the team so that everybody can be kept informed and up-dated on the work being carried out.
What do you think are the three most important skills to succeed in your career area?
Communication, team work and hard work.
Was this something you planned to do or did you change direction at any point in the past? If so, what was that and was it easy to do?
My decision process began when I was still at school studying for my A Levels and I decided that I wanted to study Accountancy at university. I then decided to apply for a graduate trainee position in audit as it would enable me to work in a team providing a range
of services to clients from small businesses to large organisations. I knew that this would give me exposure to a variety of different industry sectors and would enable me to understand fully how a business operates across accountancy, nance and general business functions. I felt that the experience in audit and working for BDO would benefit me greatly whilst studying for the ICAEW Chartered Accountancy qualification and would help build my technical knowledge, professional skills and practical experience.
What do you love most about working in your career area?
I love the fact that I work alongside interesting people and that every job is different because every client needs something particular that may contrast with what I’ve undertaken elsewhere. I really enjoy visiting clients and interacting with them to understand how their business operates. Because there are so many types of clients, it makes the work more varied and challenging.
Are there any negative aspects of working in your career area that people considering it should be aware of?
I think that undertaking training whilst working can be difficult because of the time commitment. It is absolutely essential to have a good routine so that it becomes manageable. Having said that, it’s a great way to really understand your studies because you’re seeing it in practice and you’ve got the opportunity to talk to people who’ve been through the same process. Certain times of year can be very busy with a lot of deadlines to be met, so really balancing my time now and learning to prioritise on a daily basis is a good skill which I am developing. There is a real sense of achievement in meeting the deadlines successfully.
What training / quali cations did you undertake for your current role or are you currently undertaking?
After leaving school I completed a degree in Accounting at Swansea University. Although many of my colleagues do not have a degree in Accounting, with a wide variety of subjects being studied, this gave me a valuable insight in to accountancy and finance but also provided me with some exemptions from my current studies with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). I’m currently studying for the Professional Level of exams and hope to be a fully qualified accountant within three years of joining BDO.
Is there any other information that would be of interest to someone thinking of this career?
There are some great career opportunities for people leaving school and university at professional training firms like BDO, where you get to continue your training whilst working. Those opportunities are ideal for people who are willing to work hard to achieve their goals with the support of a great team. Working at BDO, it’s great to feel that I really am part of the team and that they will support and assist me as much as possible.
