What qualifications can you earn at BDO?
ACA, CA, CTA, ATT and more. All included in your programme.
All BDO early career programmes for graduates and school leavers include a professional qualification as part of the package. The qualification you’ll work towards depends on the business area you join. You'll get paid study leave, full tuition fees covered and dedicated support from your team.
Which qualification will you work towards?
Audit
Depending on your team and location, you'll work towards a professional qualification that will help build your technical expertise and support your long-term career development. Trainees may complete the Associate Chartered Accountant qualification issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Chartered Accountant qualification issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), or the ICAS RGU Graduate Apprenticeship. Some trainees in Technical Risk Assurance will complete the ICAEW Certificate in Finance and Business as a foundation qualification before progressing to further specialist training.
Tax
As our tax teams support clients across a wide range of specialisms, the qualification you study will reflect the area you join. Trainees may complete the ACA/CTA joint programme, the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) qualification before progressing to Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), or the CA/CTA joint programme in Scotland. Available on graduate and school leaver programmes.
Advisory
With opportunities spanning a broad range of disciplines, qualification routes within Advisory vary by team. Trainees may complete the Associate Chartered Accountant qualification issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment qualification, or the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries qualification. Some trainees in Valuations will complete the ICAEW Certificate in Finance and Business as a foundation qualification before progressing to the ACA or CFA qualification. From 2027, a Level 4 Management Consultant apprenticeship will also be available. It combines external technical training with hands-on experience in our consulting business, building practical skills across project management, problem solving, business analysis and personal management. Available on graduate and school leaver programmes, depending on the programme and business area.
How does BDO support you through your qualification?
You'll have paid study leave, fully funded tuition and a structured study plan built into your programme. Your manager will help you balance client work with study commitments, and you'll have access to a network of colleagues going through the same experience.
Ready to find out more about your career path?
