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At BDO, every career path is unique. We sat down with Ben to discuss his exciting journey from school leaver to his current role – a Manager within Tax. He shared his insights on his beyond-the-ordinary experience, from starting a School Leaver Apprenticeship at BDO to achieving some seriously impressive personal milestones.

BDO UK

Hi Ben! So, let’s start at the beginning – were you always clear on what you wanted to do after finishing school?
Not really. I knew I was good at maths, and I enjoyed business and economics during my A-levels. The combination of those subjects naturally aligned with accounting, but I didn’t fully understand what a career in accounting would involve at that stage. It wasn’t until sixth form when things started to click for me, and I realised accounting could be a logical next step.

After school, you did two weeks of work experience at BDO in Year 12. How was that experience?
It was great! I worked with the same team I’m part of now, so I got a sense of the culture and the type of work involved. During those two weeks, I attended client meetings, helped with admin tasks, and gained insight into the tax compliance cycle. It wasn’t intense, but it gave me a solid foundation and confirmed that BDO was a place I’d enjoy working.

BDO UK

Sounds like a good adjustment to working life! Why did you choose an apprenticeship over going to university after that?
The biggest factor was that I wasn’t too keen on university life. I knew my learning style and felt that taking a school leaver route would keep me motivated, especially when it came to exams. Also, with the apprenticeship, I could start earning and gaining qualifications immediately. By the time my peers finished university, I would already be qualified and earning, so it felt like a win-win for me.

Then what drew you to BDO specifically?
When I applied for work experience, I considered a few other firms, but BDO stood out because of its culture. During my two weeks here, I saw how supportive and friendly the environment was, and that really appealed to me. The grade requirements were achievable, and the pay was competitive, so it was an easy decision.

We’re glad you chose us! But what made you choose tax as your specialisation?
Tax seemed to align better with my strengths in maths and logical problem-solving. While audit feels more subjective, tax has clearer right and wrong answers, which I appreciate. Within corporate tax, I’m part of the TMC sub-bubble – that’s Tech, Media and Consumer Markets. I’m massively into sports, so I’m interested in the sector and what my clients are doing in the space, which helps keep me motivated!

Now that you’ve settled in and even been promoted – what does your day-to-day look like as a manager?
My role has evolved over the years, and now, I manage client relationships and coordinate with juniors to ensure the work gets done efficiently. A big part of my job involves planning timelines, reviewing work, and communicating with clients. It’s a shift from crunching numbers to more of a people-management role, which I enjoy. And after work, I focus on my real passions – darts, snooker, and football!

You’ve come so far! As part of the School Leaver Apprenticeship, how did BDO support you through exams and qualifications?
BDO is very understanding when it comes to exam preparation. We’re encouraged to prioritise studying, allowing us to log off early or take breaks to revise. The support from my team was also invaluable – second and third years were always willing to help with exam-related questions. This kind of environment made the daunting process much more manageable.

What’s been your biggest achievement so far – at work and outside of it?
Passing all my exams on the first attempt was a huge milestone for me. It’s not easy, especially with the volume of new concepts you need to learn. Outside of work, I’d say buying my first house at 23, along with my girlfriend, is something I’m really proud of.

Impressive stuff! What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship at BDO?
Don’t be intimidated by the exams or the learning curve. Everyone starts in the same boat, and you’ll figure it out with time and effort. Lean on your team for support—they’re there to help you succeed.

So, what’s next for your career?
I’ve recently become a manager, and my immediate goal is to keep progressing to senior manager level. Beyond that, I’ll evaluate whether I want to aim even higher or settle into a role where I feel comfortable. BDO’s career conversations are a great way to discuss and refine these goals regularly – getting a different perspective from someone with a different background is incredibly helpful.

Bonus round: How would you describe BDO in three words?
Challenging, empowering, and collaborative. You’re constantly pushed out of your comfort zone, but you’re also given the freedom and support to make decisions and grow.

Ben’s journey highlights how a career at BDO goes way beyond the ordinary. From hands-on experiences during an apprenticeship to reaching managerial milestones, his story is full of the unique opportunities and supportive environment BDO offers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow – discover how BDO empowers you to achieve extraordinary things in a School Leaver Apprenticeship.

Good luck for the future Ben – we can’t wait to see how you shape Tax at BDO!

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