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Starting Strong: An Interview with Sacha on His Career at BDO 

Discover Sacha’s career journey at BDO, from joining as a trainee during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a Senior Executive. Learn how BDO’s supportive culture and opportunities helped him grow. 

Sacha Headshot

Q: Can you start by introducing yourself and sharing your journey with BDO? 

Sacha: “I’m Sacha, a Senior Executive in Risk and Advisory Services, moving to Consulting, with the Risk Transformation Team. I joined BDO in November 2020 as a trainee, right after finishing my degree in philosophy. I started in the Midlands, where I gained my ACA qualification, and recently moved to London in May 2024. My role involves advisory work, assurance, and internal audits, covering a range of topics and sectors. It’s been a journey of continuous learning and growth.” 

Q: You joined as a trainee straight after university. What was that experience like? 

Sacha: “It was an interesting time because I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into. The team in the Midlands really supported me, especially as I started working toward my ACA qualification while balancing the job. The transition from university to a professional setting was a big shift—time management became key, but the study leave and support I received made all the difference. I was able to learn on the job while developing new skills.” 

Q: Coming from a humanities background, how did you find working in an accounting firm? 

Sacha: “I often get asked this! A lot of people assume you need a numerical background to work in this industry, but the key skills I brought from my philosophy degree were problem-solving, logical reasoning, and clear communication. Those are critical here. You can always develop technical skills along the way, but if you can articulate your point clearly and work with people, you’ll go far. For me, that’s what made the transition smoother.” 

Q: How would you describe BDO’s culture, especially during your qualification process? 

Sacha: “The culture at BDO really stands out. When I was working on my ACA, it was a challenging time with exams and work demands. But here, people genuinely support you—they give you the space you need and understand when you need study time. The agile working ‘approach also helped me balance my work and study commitments.” 

Q: How did the move from the Midlands to London impact your career? 

Sacha: “It was fairly seamless. Different offices have different cultures, but what stood out was how approachable everyone was. I made an effort to come into the office, have coffee chats, and get to know the team. It’s amazing how willing people are to share their time and insights. The variety of clients and projects in London also gave me a fresh perspective, helping me grow my skills further.” 

Q: What advice would you give to trainees just starting their journey at BDO? 

Sacha: “Three things. First, put yourself outside your comfort zone—talk to people, make connections, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Second, listen and learn from those around you. Asking questions early will set you up for success. Lastly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. If you’re struggling, speak up. The team is here to help, and that support can make all the difference.” 

Q: What’s next for you in your career? 

Sacha: “I’ve already had so many opportunities to explore different areas of risk and advisory. Right now, I’m focused on Risk Transformation, which combines my skills in consulting and innovation. What I love about BDO is that you’re encouraged to follow your interests—whether it’s exploring a new sector, service line, or something entirely different. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.” 

Sacha Image 2

Q: How do you balance work with life outside the office? 

Sacha: “I play a lot of sports—football on Sundays, cricket in the summer. It’s important to take your mind off work, especially during intense periods. When I was studying, it was harder to find that balance, but once the exams were over, I really appreciated having my downtime back. BDO’s focus on work-life balance, including study leave and flexible working, made a big difference.” 

Q: Can you tell us about BDO’s 5+5 volunteering initiative and how you’ve been involved? 

Sacha: “The 5+5 program is brilliant. It allows us to take days off to give back to our communities. I’ve already used a couple of days to raise money for Cure Leukaemia, and my team has a day planned with a charity called Time to Help next year. It’s rewarding to step outside of work and contribute to something bigger—it really aligns with BDO’s values.” 

Q: Finally, why should someone consider joining BDO as a trainee? 

Sacha: “Joining as a trainee gives you a clear career path, professional qualifications, and a supportive environment. BDO’s culture sets it apart—it’s collaborative, welcoming, and fun. The opportunities for growth are endless, and you’re surrounded by people who want to help you succeed. If you’re looking to learn, grow, and have a career that’s meaningful, BDO is the place to be.” 

Explore Opportunities at BDO 

Sacha’s story shows how BDO supports career growth, fosters a collaborative culture, and empowers trainees to reach their full potential. Ready to start your journey? 

 

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