Frequently asked questions

GENERAL

Apart from permanent vacancies, what other options do you offer?

We understand that the world of work is changing and that more people than ever are now looking at different ways of working.

We regularly offer opportunities on a more flexible basis, including;

1. Casual Worker contracts (inside IR35)
2. Consultancy engagements (outside IR35)
3. Temp (PAYE) engagements

I’m interested in being considered for a contracting role, what do I do next?

We often fill most of these roles quickly, so the easiest way to register your interest is to contact the Non-Payroll team: npl@bdo.co.uk

Please advise the areas of the business you are most interested in and the specialist skills you can bring. We will be in touch should we have any opportunities that match your skill set.

Do you provide reasonable adjustments for your recruitment process?

BDO is a disability-confident organisation and we want to ensure that everyone is able to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you have a disability or long term health condition, for example autism, dyslexia or ADHD, and know that certain adjustments would support you to succeed in the process, please enter a description of any specific requirements in your application or contact our recruitment team on experiencedhireteam@bdo.co.uk or earlyincareer@bdo.co.uk

Would I ever be asked for payments from BDO?

Please note that neither BDO nor any of the organisations that recruit on our behalf will ever ask for any payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. All individuals who are offered employment with BDO, are always required to go through a formal recruitment process.

There are several things you need to watch out for. Fraudulent recruitment activities often include the following:

• Requiring money from applicants (e.g. for ‘visa fees’, taxes, a percentage of travel expenses)
• Unrealistic compensation-and benefits packages
• Requesting personal information such as passport and bank account details at an early stage of the process
• Sending emails from free web-based email accounts such as Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail or Live.com
• Using poorly formatted documentation

If you suspect a recruitment fraud, we recommend that you do not respond to unsolicited business propositions and/or offers from people with whom you are unfamiliar. If you ever have doubts regarding the legitimacy of any communications or any other information relating to BDO, please email your concern or question to experiencedhireteam@bdo.co.uk.

Include contact information so that we may communicate with you directly if necessary.

We take recruitment fraud very seriously. We thank you in advance for taking the time to inform us; it is much appreciated.

LIFE AT BDO

How will you support my wellbeing?

We aim to create a positive working environment and way of working where our people can thrive, are happy and each bring their best self to work. Advice on practising BDO’s 5 Ways of Wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give – can be found on the Welcome Portal, along with other health and wellbeing support.

What is the culture like at BDO?

BDO’s Unifying culture is fundamental to our success. We pride ourselves on our inclusive and empowering culture that encourages people to be themselves, work together and deliver exceptional client service to achieve their potential. You can read more here.

What societies/networks can I get involved in at BDO?

We have a number of networks representing and promoting the interests of different communities within the BDO workforce. These include: African Caribbean Heritage Network, PRIDE (our LGBTQ+ network), CEDAR (Celebrating Ethnic Diversity and Roots) Network, Christian Network, East and Southeast Asian Network, Enabled (Disabilities and long-term health conditions) Network, BDO Inspire (our women’s network), Islamic Network, Jewish Network and Working Parents & Carers Network.

Everyone at BDO has 10 paid days a year to devote to sharing time and skills with the community, or for those part-time this is on a pro rata basis. This is done in a structured way – known as 5+5 – so it’s collaborative and sociable. Five days can be used for personal volunteering, fundraising, team giving and BDO-sponsored activities – we call them action days. Five further days are called strategic days – where people can use their professional skillsets to really make a difference.

We also have Wellbeing Champions, Citizenship Champions and Environmental Champions across the firm.

SPONSORSHIP

What are the eligibility criteria for BDO’s Early Careers Programmes?

Programme	GCSE	A-Level	Degree
School Leaver Programme	9-4 (or equivalent) in Maths and English GCSE.	3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at A*-C	None required.
Summer Internship	9-4 (or equivalent) in Maths and English GCSE.	3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at A*-C	On track to achieving a 2.2 or above in any degree subject.
Industrial Placement	9-4 (or equivalent) in Maths and English GCSE.	3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at A*-C	On track to achieving a 2.2 or above in any degree subject.
Graduate Programme	9-4 (or equivalent) in Maths and English GCSE.	3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at A*-C	A minimum of a 2.2 in any degree subject.

I am not from the UK. Can I apply to your Early Careers Programmes?

This depends on the programme, the location and your current Right to Work status. If you are studying in the UK on a valid Student visa and are allowed to work outside of university term time, then you are eligible to apply for our Summer Internship. Due to the minimum salary requirements set out by the Home Office we are only able to offer sponsorship for our graduate programmes in some of our office locations.

Unfortunately, due to the minimum salary requirements set out by the Home Office we are unable to provide sponsorship for our School Leaver Apprenticeships.

I completed my studies outside of the UK. How can I tell if I am eligible to make an application?

You can verify your international qualifications using the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC). You will be responsible for the cost of translating them before you apply. Click here to find out more.

I finished my studies a few years ago can I still apply for an early careers programme?

Yes, we welcome you to apply if you finished your studies a few years ago, if you meet all eligibility requirements and do not have employment history from an accountancy background.

Will BDO provide visa sponsorship?

School leaver

We are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for all our School Leaver programmes.

Internships

Unfortunately, we’re not able to sponsor work visas for internships. However, if you are in full-time education in the UK, depending on your educational sponsor, you may be able to take up temporary work either as part of your studies, or during your holiday period in accordance with The UK Home Office rules.

You would be required to provide us with a schedule of your term times to prove you are working in accordance with your visa conditions.

To check your eligibility to work in the UK please visit the UK Government Home Office website for further information by clicking here.

Graduate Roles

Due to the minimum salary requirements set out by the Home Office we are only able to offer sponsorship in some of our office locations but you and the role you are applying for must also meet the UK Government Home Office visa eligibility criteria for a skilled worker visa, and you should check this before you apply for a career with us, by clicking here.

The UK Government Home Office rules determine which graduate roles are eligible for sponsorship.

The UK Government Home Office changes its immigration rules from time to time and, in such instances, we will be required to process your application in line with the rules that apply at the time of your application.

For visa applications being made ‘in-country’ there may be potential tax liability considerations which apply. These will be outlined further should an offer of employment be made.

We work with a team of specialist immigration providers who will process your application and keep you updated throughout.

Experienced Professionals

We welcome applications from all candidates, however, there are some UK Government restrictions on who we can sponsor, so please check the below before you apply.

Whilst there are some exemptions, there is a minimum salary requirement to qualify for a skilled worker visa which will enable you to work within the UK.

If you are unsure whether the role you are interested in will qualify for sponsorship, please contact our team on experienced.hire@bdo.co.uk, who will be able to provide some guidance.

For more information on the UK Government Restrictions, please visit here.

Can I apply if I am a Filipino national?

Filipino Candidates requiring visa sponsorship must be able to produce a Processing of Overseas Employment Certificate (POEC) at the point of application.

Do I need to disclose a criminal conviction if it is spent?

Please disclose all criminal convictions on your application form and a member of the team will be in touch. These are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will depend on individual circumstances.

EARLY CAREERS APPLICATION PROCESS

What does the application involve?

You will be required to sit and pass our online assessment and video interview. You will then be asked to complete our application form and the final stage is our assessment centre.

Can I apply to more than one programme or office location?

When you submit your application, you will be able to select up to two roles. You cannot submit a second application.

I am unsure which programme I should apply too?

We have lots of information on our programmes on our Student Career Page. If you are still unsure then we would encourage you to use the 'Find Your Match' tool to find out where your skills and experience will make the most impact.

If I am unsuccessful at any stage, when can I reapply?

You may only make one application per season, and there must be a minimum of six months between your applications.

Can I use online tools like ChatGPT to help me during my application?

No, the use of external tools, including AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT, is strictly prohibited during the assessment period. We value the integrity and authenticity of our assessment process. As part of our commitment to fair evaluation, we expect all candidates to complete assessments independently and honestly.

Using external assistance undermines the purpose of the assessment and provides an unfair advantage to some candidates, compromising the credibility of our evaluation process. Our assessments are designed to accurately gauge your skills, knowledge, and capabilities, and using external tools disrupts this balance. We urge you to demonstrate your skills based on your own merit and knowledge. Any violation of our assessment policy, including the use of unauthorized tools, will result in the disqualification of the assessment and potential removal from consideration for the position. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the integrity of our assessment process.

EARLY CAREERS ONLINE ASSESSMENT AND ASSESSMENT CENTRE

What is your assessment centre and interview process?

If you are applying for an Industrial Placement or Summer Internship then you will have a Virtual Assessment Centre. The Virtual Assessment Centre is a chance to find out more about the roles and whether they are right for you. You’ll take part in a continuous assessment with some key objectives to achieve by the end of the day.

If you are applying for a Graduate or School Leaver role then your first stage of the assessment process will be a Virtual Assessment Centre. If you are successful at this stage you will be invited for a final, in-person interview, where you’ll also get the opportunity to meet some of your potential colleagues and get more of a feel of the culture at BDO.

If I am invited to complete the interactive assessment, how can I prepare for this?

Click here to practise questions for the interactive assessment. If your application is successful, we’ll send you the information you need for the next stage of the assessment process. If you have any special requirements, please get in touch.

Why do I have to do an assessment?

We ask you to sit our assessment so we can assess your suitability for our programmes. We also want to make sure the role would be a right fit for you.

Can I choose what assessment centre I attend?

Yes, we will give you the available dates and you can chose the date that is suitable.

What should I do if I can no longer attend my assessment centre?

Please contact your Resourcing Adviser as soon as you can to let them know. We can advise if an alternative date would be available to you.

What happens if my computer crashes half-way through a test?

Don’t panic! All you need to do is log back in; the system will let you carry on from where you were. If you encounter further technical issues, please screenshot the page you are on and email earlyincareer@bdo.co.uk and we will be in touch to help resolve the problem.

Are the assessments timed?

Some elements of our online assessment process are timed such as the video interview. It will be clear which parts are timed at the beginning of each section so please keep an eye out for this.

How long does it take to find out if I have been successful?

You should find out your outcome from the Resourcing team within 2 working days. You will also receive a full feedback report regardless of your outcome.

How will I find out if I have been offered a role?

You will receive the good news via a phone call from the Early Careers team.

Can I claim back my travel when attending the final interview for graduates and school leavers?

Yes, you can claim up to £120. Please email our Early in Careers team on earlyincareer@bdo.co.uk for more information.

Programme information

What graduate and school leaver programmes do you offer?

We have programmes available in Tax, Audit and Advisory. If you want to find out more about the teams and which teams would fit your skills set then please use the 'Find Your Match' tool or click here to find out more about the available programmes.

What programmes do you offer for students still studying?

Find out more about all available programmes click here.

For university students, we offer industrial placements and summer internships. Our Summer Internship programme is a 6-week paid programme from July to August. This gives penultimate year students the opportunity to gain real insight into our business and culture and potential fast track for our graduate programme once you have completed your studies.

Our 12-month Industrial Placement Programme is your chance to experience a breadth of opportunity within BDO and build a platform to develop your career. This could also lead to an offer of a graduate role.

For University students with a Black heritage in the first year of a three-year course or second year of a four-year course, we have our Black Heritage insight programme available. On our Black Heritage Insight programme, you’ll develop your knowledge of accounting and gain exposure to BDO and our people - which could lead to an offer of a summer internship and a paid role as a university Brand Ambassador.

I am currently doing my A-Levels, is there a programme I can do?

Find out more about all available programmes click here.

Our Explore BDO summer insight programme is available for eligible students in Years 11-13 to find out more about the world of accounting. Learn about the industry, develop your professional skills and meet people from all across our business.

You can also apply to our School Leaver programme which you can start after you have completed your A-levels. This is a four-year programme allowing you to combine work experience with professional qualifications.

We would also recommend that you look at BDO Hive which gives you access to Mentors within BDO as well as training modules to enhance your skills and experience.

Are your programmes rotational?

Our graduate programme offers you in depth experience within the team you have been offered a role and does not offer rotations. You will work on different projects throughout your programme to develop a wide range of skillsets and knowledge.

Does BDO offer any work experience?

We do not offer work experience as such, but we do have a Summer Internship and Insight Days, which provide an opportunity for you to get to know our firm. You can find out more about these here.

Can I work in another BDO office?

You will complete your early careers programme at your offered location for the full duration of the programme and are not able to switch office locations. Upon completion of the programme, you will have the opportunity to apply for a role at any preferred location/team.

When do your applications open and close?

Most of our applications will open in late September and the closing date varies on the programme. Please click here for more information about our programmes or check out the individual job posting for the applicable closing date per programme.

Are there any opportunities to work abroad?

Once you have completed your Trainee programme with us you will be able to apply to an international secondment which are advertised on our internal intranet. Each placement will last for six months.

APPRENTICESHIPS

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a nationally recognised qualification that you can study while you work. It offers a combination of relevant work experience, achievement of a professional qualification and the development of skills and behaviours required to be a competent professional in your chosen field. At BDO this relates to becoming a professional Accountant or Tax professional.

If you successfully complete an apprenticeship at BDO you will gain two qualifications/certifications: your professional qualification and the apprenticeship.

Where can I find out more about apprenticeships?

BDO is committed to supporting the government’s apprenticeship initiative, and we offer many of our study programmes in the form of apprenticeship programmes. Please click here to find out more about apprenticeships at BDO.

Are apprenticeships only for 18-21 year olds and those that have just left school or university?

Absolutely not! Our programmes are open to all ages and anyone at any stage in their career can apply for an apprenticeship. They are ideal for people in work who want to extend their professional qualifications and business skills, for people looking to retrain in a new career, and for people returning to work after a career break. We positively welcome applications from mature applicants. There are, however, a few rules about entry.

You must:

• have a right to live and work in the UK;
• hold GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade 4/Grade C level minimum;
• not already have been educated to the same level in a similar discipline.
• You can find out more on the following websites:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/accountancy-taxation-professional/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-apprenticeships

How do apprenticeships relate to university-level qualifications?

At BDO we offer apprenticeships at Level 4 via the AAT (equivalent to the first year of university) and Level 7 (equivalent to a Master’s level qualification). Apprenticeships give you the flexibility to start working and studying towards your professional qualification at a time that is best for you, whether that is after you have completed you’re a levels or attended university.

I’m a graduate, why would I be interested in an apprenticeship qualification?

Apprenticeships can be studied up to the equivalent of Master’s level, in conjunction with many professional tax and accountancy qualifications such as ACA and CTA. This makes them ideal workplace study routes for graduates.

However, apprenticeships aren’t simply about technical knowhow. They also cover broader business skills such as communicating with clients, problem-solving, team leadership… everything you need to become a fully rounded finance, audit or tax professional.

What qualifications can I achieve as an apprentice at BDO?

• ACA Association of Chartered Accountants
• ACA/CTA Joint Prog. Association of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisor
• AAT Association of Accounting Technicians
• CTA Chartered Tax Advisor (commonly known as CIOT)
• ATT/CTA Tax Pathway – Association of Taxation technician and Chartered Tax Advisor

How does BDO support its apprentices?

• Structured training and support to help set you up for success in both your qualification and your career
• Training in knowledge, skills and behaviours relevant to your role
• Study leave, study support and exam fees for a relevant professional qualification
• Support of a buddy, where appropriate an apprenticeship coach and an individual People Manager

What does an apprenticeship cost?

There is no cost to you, the apprentice. Apprenticeships are funded by a levy that BDO pays into the national scheme, and by the government.

How long does an apprenticeship take to complete?

If you join us as a graduate, you can expect to spend around 36 months gaining your professional and apprenticeship qualifications. Non-graduates typically take 48 months to attain the same level.

What happens if I’m not eligible for an apprenticeship?

Whilst the majority of our trainees join on an apprenticeship route, not everyone will be eligible, this could be for a number reasons, most commonly because you already have an equivalent level qualification or have not been resident in the UK for the previous 3 years. Should you not be eligible under an apprenticeship, do not worry, you can still join BDO and study towards your professional qualification with the same high level of robust tuition and support.

Not all qualifications being offered, eg ICAS and ACCA are apprenticeship programmes.

As a trainee, how will I be inducted to BDO?

In the weeks leading up to your start date you will be sent key information and reading to help get you ready for your role at BDO. Much of this will be delivered via the Welcome Portal. You will be notified of access to the portal closer to your start date.

You will have a dedicated Early Careers Induction where you will hear from your Partner Sponsor, and a range of speakers such as current trainees, BDO Partners, Training Providers and Institutes – it’s a great opportunity to hear what life is really like at BDO and ask questions. Full details on the induction will be provided on the Welcome Portal.

QUALIFICATIONS

Can I apply if I am a part-qualified accountant?

Yes, but please bear in mind, you must submit your previous exam transcripts for us to determine whether you are eligible for our programmes. If you’ve had any relevant previous employment experience you may wish to consider going through the experienced hire route at BDO. Unfortunately, we cannot accept your application for our graduate and apprenticeship programmes if you are already qualified.

What qualifications will I be gaining while working for BDO?

Depending on the stream you work for we will set the qualification you work towards.

For our graduate programmes we support the following qualifications:

• ICAS
• CTA
• ACA
• ACCA
• CAS
• CISA

For our school leaver apprenticeship programmes, we support the following qualifications:

• AAT
• ACCA
• ACA
• CTA

To find out more information about what qualifications you can study for at BDO, visit here.

COMBINING WORK AND STUDY WITH BDO

Is the offer with BDO just for the training period, or will BDO offer me a long-term career?

Whether you apply for the graduate or school leaver programme, once you are accepted you are a permanent employee. Gaining your qualifications is just the start: you can look forward to a long, varied and exciting career.

Will the study be more challenging than what I have experienced to date?

Yes, this will be a step up from previous studies you have undertaken at school, college or university as you will need to balance work and study. However, there is plenty of support available to ensure you are successful.

What support will I have to manage studies and working at the same time?

A People Manager in your department will support your performance, development and progression. You will also be assigned a buddy who has followed a similar study path to you, and so can offer first-hand advice and tips. Additionally, our dedicated Professional Qualifications (PQ) team are always there to help you and answer any questions.

Is there face-to-face tuition or is it online and self-managed learning?

You’ll learn through a blend of face-to-face tuition and self-directed study via specialist online learning platforms. We use only industry-leading tuition providers, so all tuition, however it is delivered, is of the highest quality.

Will I need to travel for my induction/college/training?

Each BDO office has been aligned to a local or regional tuition provider. In some instances, travel may be required to access face-to-face tuition. For those joining the Audit or Tax practice, there may be some offsite departmental training. Details of any travel or accommodation for departmental induction training will be advised via the Welcome Portal.

If I am eligible to apply for exam exemptions, how do I go about this?

You may be able to apply for exemptions. Look at the relevant institute’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) directory to find out more. Please also check the Welcome Portal as BDO may require you to take some examinations even if you have an exemption.

I have extenuating circumstances impacting my academic results, how do inform you?

Please inform us of any extenuating circumstances on your application form and a member of the team will be in touch with further information.