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Life at BDO

Meet Matthew, a Financial Services Audit Trainee, who seamlessly transitioned from a football career in Glasgow to the bustling world of finance in London. His journey, marked by resilience and a thirst for improvement, reflects the diverse opportunities that arise when one embraces change and explores unexpected paths.

BDO UK

Can you describe your current position?

As a Financial Services (FS) Audit Trainee, I’m involved in working with a range of different companies across the world. This provides me with a really strong insight into FS. I get to work with a variety of different teams which I feel is a great learning experience. As a trainee, I do spend a lot of time learning from others but I am also given plenty of hands on experience! Alongside working on the job, I spend time at college studying towards my ACA qualification. Here I learn all the necessary fundamentals of accountancy/audit as well as being able to network with other trainees.

What do you like the most about your current position?

Coming from a sporting background, I have always been obsessed with improvement. Having the opportunity to improve myself every day is something I thrive off. At BDO, every day is different. Often, I find myself exposed to working on problems that push my limits and help me discover skills I never knew I had. Working with a team of professionals that have such a depth of knowledge, enables me to pick up so many useful skills and ideas. The people within BDO have a real willingness to help and I feel it is the perfect environment for a young person like myself to work in and develop under.

BDO UK

How would you describe your career path in a nutshell?

If you had told me when I started out as a professional footballer in Glasgow 3 years ago that I would be working as a Financial Services Audit Trainee in London, I’m not sure I would’ve quite believed you. In life, you never quite know what’s around the corner. Early on I was forced to retire as a footballer and look at other options. Fortunately for me I continued to study whilst playing football and I gained a real interest in the world of finance and accounts. I spoke to a variety of different companies but most of them seemed to have a narrow focus when it came down to the type of candidate they were looking for. What stood out for me with BDO was how open they were to different types of people and personalities. I am currently studying towards my ACA qualification, looking forward to learning as much as I can whilst hopefully progressing through the ranks at BDO in the future.

What advice would you give to a potential candidate based on your career experience?

Whether it was earning a professional sports contract or applying to BDO, I have always found the best way for me to achieve success was to put in the work. My advice to other candidates, whether you are going through exams or preparing for interviews, would be to put in the time and effort so you can set yourself up for the highest chance of success!

What achievement are you most proud of?

In my short career as a footballer, I was given the opportunity to represent my country at a youth level. This was a very proud moment for myself as it was something that my family and I sacrificed a lot for.

How would you describe #LifeatBDO?

Life at BDO is one of collaboration and growth. There is a real openness with regards to how everyone’s ideas are heard, whether you are a Partner or a new Trainee. I have been lucky enough to work and learn from some amazing people, building up many long lasting relationships. Working in audit can provide its challenges but knowing that you have a supportive team behind you, who share a genuine passion for your development, is what enables you to grow and succeed.

What are your interests outside of work?

Outside of work I love playing sports and being outdoors, whether that is skiing somewhere in the Alps, or ‘Munro-bagging’ up in Scotland. I’m someone that’s curious about the world, so naturally I enjoy spending a lot a time reading about a variety of subjects.

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