GRADUATE CAREERS IN ACCOUNTANCY THE DIFFERENCE INSIDE SHARP RESOURCEFUL ATTENTIVE ENERGETIC

Transcription

1 GRADUATE CAREERS IN ACCOUNTANCY THE DIFFERENCE INSIDE SHARP RESOURCEFUL ATTENTIVE ENERGETIC

2 We are the UK member firm of BDO a global accountancy network with more than 1000 offices in 138 countries* with 24 locations across the UK and Guernsey. Our training is exceptional and we offer opportunities in a range of exciting areas. *including exclusive alliances of BDO member firms.

3 03 Not all big accountancy firms are the same. We pride ourselves on being big enough to matter, yet small enough to value our clients as people rather than commercial opportunities. At BDO our difference is that exceptional client service is simply non-negotiable. What has this got to do with the graduates we choose? Everything. Of course, we have a list of academic and competency-related entry requirements. But there s something else. We re looking for graduates who don t fit the conventional accountancy mould.

4 04 The Difference Inside is about the difference you as an individual can bring to our firm. We have identified four characteristics as the most essential for effective and appropriate client service. Look carefully. If you re serious about applying to BDO, you ll need to understand exactly what we mean. Our four characteristics: Sharp Resourceful Attentive Energetic

5 SHARP You ll need to be intelligent, on-the-ball and responsive. And sharp, too, about your client s commercial world so you can anticipate the problems they might face. If you can spot the link between two pieces of information that together provide a solution, you might have a client for life.

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7 07 Our Clients Our Clients At BDO we deal with a genuinely diverse range of clients, whose needs vary as much as their specialisms and situations. You ll face stimulating challenges that expose you to many different sectors. Financial Services Leisure and Hospitality Manufacturing Natural Resources Non-Profit Organisations Professional Services Real Estate and Construction Retail Technology, Media and Telecoms With more experience under your belt, you may choose to specialise later on in your career. Exceptional service has always been important to our clients. Delivering it is our number one priority. The breadth and depth of our resources make BDO a highly credible and trusted alternative to the largest firms in the UK and worldwide.

8 Our One Firm, Clients First strategy is so called because we want our clients to know and feel they are valued, that they are supported by the whole organisation not just an individual partner. So we encourage our partners and all our people to spend more time with their clients. There s no substitute for face-to-face communication. Our long established Client Listening Programme gives us independently researched feedback on client satisfaction. More than four out of five say they d definitely recommend us, and almost half of those have already done so. In difficult circumstances we needed fully engaged advisers who we knew had broad specialist skills. We couldn t have asked for more from the BDO team. From the beginning, their calm and authoritative presence made sure the many strands of a very complex process were managed not only as individual streams, but as components of the whole. They worked tirelessly over an extremely intense period, providing relevant, commercial advice that got us through, helping to save the heart of the Group. Richard Glanvill CFO, Aurora Fashions To find out more about our sectors, please visit

9 RESOURCEFUL You ll instinctively match your knowledge, skills and ideas (and you won t be short of those) with your client s requirements. You ll know your resources, and how to identify opportunities to build relationships and networks with colleagues in the UK and overseas that in turn help you to help your clients.

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11 11 Opportunities in Accountancy At BDO you can apply to train in a number of business areas. The following pages give you a short insight into each one, together with your qualification options. Opportunities in Accountancy Audit The majority of our work is carried out performing statutory audits on listed and larger private companies. With an in-depth understanding of the client s operations, we thoroughly check their financial accounts and records. Tax We advise clients on day-to-day tax compliance matters, as well as working with them on specific transactions where tax is vitally important. This means helping them understand ever-changing legislation and its impact on their business, so that they can plan their affairs to minimise their tax burden and ensure full compliance with tax regulations. Advisory Our Advisory services offer several career routes for graduates including technology risk, tax investigations, forensic accounting, business restructuring and corporate finance.

12 12 Professional Qualifications As well as gaining experience in one of our offices, you will also train towards one of the following qualifications. The course you undertake depends on where you join us in the organisation. Audit Qualification Options ACA: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales CA: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland Tax Qualification Options CTA: Chartered Institute of Taxation (Chartered Tax Adviser) ACA: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Advisory Qualification Options ACA: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor IIA: Institute of Internal Auditors CFQ: Corporate Finance Qualification These qualifications are accredited by recognised professional bodies, and are highly valued. More information about these courses can be found on our website

13 One thing I d heard about BDO before I joined is that they really want you to be yourself. It s absolutely true I don t feel I m supposed to fit into a particular corporate culture. In the audit team, you are always out meeting clients it s very face to face and you get to know their organisations extremely well. The graduate programme is challenging and sometimes highly pressured, but it s stimulating too and I know I have all the support I need to succeed. Priya Patel Audit Assistant Gatwick office View Priya s full profile

14 14 AUDIT Auditing is at the heart of business assurance. It means researching the industry in which the client operates and the commercial and financial risks they face, in order to focus our work in the best way. Most audits are undertaken on-site at a client s premises. Typically we interact with the finance team and other key personnel in the company, checking that the financial statements are accurate and, crucially, make sense based on what we know about the company and its sector.

15 15 Depending on the type and size of client, a job in audit provides new challenges daily. It s the first step in gaining a thorough understanding of how a business really operates. The moment you walk through the door, you ll be a member of a team contributing to a variety of areas on the assignment. You ll learn new skills with every job and have the continuous support and guidance of senior members in the team. Some audits could even take you around the world. Our teams have travelled as far as Kazakhstan and Mali on recent assignments. BDO quickly grasped the complexities of our diverse and international businesses. BDO s hands-on approach with the support of its offices in New York, Hong Kong, Jersey and the Cayman Islands delivered a timely, effective and efficient audit. Tim Fullwood Financial Director, Law Debenture To find out more about our sectors, please visit

16 It s great to work for such a strong, global firm and still feel respected and valued as an individual. Working in tax is so varied. There s constant interaction with the clients and already I feel I ve built up rewarding and hopefully long-term relationships with them. There s also plenty of contact with other BDO departments, as you need to keep up-to-date on technical issues. I do think BDO is excellent at providing support across the board. Laura Ashwell Tax Trainee Reading office View Laura s full profile

17 17 TAX Every day, in all areas of taxation, our clients deal with the complexity of domestic and EU legislation and need to comply with HMRC requirements and those of other tax bodies. Our service includes company tax compliance, private client services, employment taxation, international tax advisory, private finance initiatives (PFIs), expatriate tax services, and VAT services. We also provide transaction support, working alongside our corporate finance and other teams to offer a complete service in relation to mergers, acquisitions and other transactions. As well as specialists who can deal with the most technically challenging sector specific issues, we also employ people who can handle a wide variety of questions from large owner-managed businesses. We value and encourage both these skill sets equally and your training will give you an insight into all aspects of general corporate services. At first, you ll largely be dealing with compliance issues providing figures for statutory accounts and preparing corporate tax returns. As you progress, you ll be tackling more complex projects, advising our clients senior staff on tax pitfalls and opportunities, dealing with HMRC and getting to grips with complicated tax advisory projects. You may also have the opportunity to spend time in one of our specialist tax areas such as transfer pricing, VAT or private client or in one of our audit groups.

18 18 ADVISORY Risk affects every company differently. We have graduate opportunities in the following Risk Advisory business areas. Technology Risk Rather than technology for its own sake, you ll analyse the way systems impact on businesses with a varied portfolio that will expose you to different sectors. A cross between an IT and business consultant, it s a constantly developing role, so you ll be expected to keep up with the latest trends and emerging technologies. Tax Investigations Every tax investigation is different. Our cases could involve tax evasion, fraud or employment tax issues, for example, false invoices and company accounts, undeclared offshore bank accounts or transactions which haven t been declared to HMRC. We also deal with tax avoidance or possible failed tax planning arrangements, such as technical cases that consider whether companies are really resident outside the UK or whether corporate and trust structures are artificial. As part of a team, you ll be involved at every stage even meeting with clients, their advisers and HMRC to help achieve a negotiated settlement. Forensic Accounting As well as fraud and regulatory investigations, asset tracing and recovery of the proceeds of crime, we get involved in litigation and dispute resolution. We even provide expert witnesses on accountancy matters on wide-ranging legal claims in numerous jurisdictions. So if you have good oral and written communication skills, and are a good team player and problem solver who s able to think outside the box, this could be the right business area for you.

19 BDO has really taken the time to develop me as an individual. And when you re working and training for your qualifications simultaneously, that s crucial. There s always something to get involved with socially, which definitely helps us bond as a team. You also get to learn about different industries when working with clients, which I really enjoy. Starting out in accountancy can be challenging, but what you gain is completely worth it. And BDO make sure everything you do is of value to you. Kai Tutalo Tax Trainee Manchester Office View Kai s full profile

20 Internal Audit Risk management and planning is an increasingly important part of a company s strategy and governance. This business area advises a broad range of major clients on the effectiveness of their risk management strategies and helps them safeguard against potentially serious or damaging situations. You ll enjoy the opportunity to work with some high-profile organisations, be their eyes and ears in a variety of contexts, and advise on improvements to risk strategy that could make them even more successful. Business Restructuring We incorporate the rescue, rehabilitation and turnaround of ailing businesses and formal insolvencies. We aim to get businesses of all sizes back on their feet as quickly as possible. This means advising on the strategic options available to the business and its funders, or on operational procedures that will help it to recover. Where a business can t be salvaged, we try to recover as much money as we can for banks, employees and other creditors. You ll find yourself in highly pressured situations from the start. So if you like the idea of facing new challenges on every job, dealing with a range of people and being given assignment responsibilities early on, this could be for you. Although office based, you will often need to conduct business at company sites. Corporate Finance Our range of specialist teams understand the needs of large corporates, private equity investors and entrepreneurial management teams around the world making us the natural choice to bridge different cultures. Joining a mixed skilled team, you ll focus on one aspect of corporate finance, with exposure across other projects: M&A Our specialists identify strategic buyers and create competitive tension by managing the commercial negotiations and completion process. Due diligence Teams here offer flexible, issue-led reporting whilst being empowered to provide their own opinions, as well as analysis. Capital markets This specialist team act as reporting accountants for companies seeking a flotation or undertaking transactions. Raising finance Our teams show companies how best to negotiate better terms, reduce costs and instil confidence in funders. Global Outsourcing Services are wide ranging and include, financial and management accounting for global subsidiaries along with branches of foreign parent companies all which involves working with BDO offices worldwide; annual certification of services charge expenditure for large property managers and preparation of companies statutory accounts and monthly management accounts for a wide variety of companies.

21 ATTENTIVE Inexperience sometimes makes us anxious to jump in with an answer. You won t get very far with your clients if you don t take time to find out what they really want. Being attentive, and prepared to listen first and act second, will help you develop long and trusting relationships.

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23 23 Summer Internship If you re still an undergraduate in your penultimate year and are thinking of a career in accountancy, why not consider our six-week summer internship programme to test the water? Running from mid-july to late August each year, this programme provides high-calibre undergraduates with an opportunity to experience life and work at BDO. It will give you a useful insight into our business and culture and help you decide whether to apply for the graduate programme. You ll be given a real taste of life at the heart of the firm, working on interesting projects alongside graduate trainees and experienced professionals. Our Programmes What you ll gain The internship programme exposes you to a range of different clients and sectors, as well as to BDO partners and managers and other interns. Graduate trainees will provide insights on career prospects, and you ll complete a special project that will make a real business difference. You ll take away valuable work experience to add to your skills and CV, and a real understanding of how a professional services firm operates. There s also the chance to build contacts and networks with BDO and become a university ambassador for the firm during your final year. We recruit intern positions at all our UK offices. Programme application If you have any questions, please us at student.recruitment@bdo.co.uk or if you would like to apply for a BDO summer internship programme, please complete the online application form on our website

24 As a tax intern my work included completing basic tax computations and also visiting clients, giving me an insight into what the job was really like. The internship really boosted my chances of being offered a graduate position, and I was thrilled when BDO took me on. Annie Aveyard Tax Intern, University of Leeds Mathematics with Finance View Annie s full profile

25 25 Graduate Programmes BDO offers graduate programmes in a range of exciting business areas and we ll help you identify the one that s right for you. The programmes are typically three years, leading to a professional qualification in your chosen discipline at the end of that period. All combine three key elements: Study towards your professional qualification Practical client experience and commercial awareness And tailored training programmes covering both technical and client-facing skills.

26 26 Induction Regardless of which graduate programme you choose to follow, our induction course will set you on your way. It s an overall introduction to our business, as well as a chance to meet your fellow trainees. Friendships and internal networks are an important part of life here, and this is where it all starts. Support Apart from paying for every aspect of your professional training, BDO will provide you with an extensive network of support including mentors, partners and an individual counselling manager, who will work with you from day one. Their role is to help you settle in and realise your full potential during your training contract. You will also be given a buddy before you start, and a student qualification manager, whose focus is to support you through your professional examinations. Training With the exception of our excellent internal tax training programme for CTA, your professional qualification-based training will be conducted by external tutor firms. We make sure you have all the study time you need, as well as in-house support and extra tuition if you want it. Our results are excellent often up to 10% above the national average. As well as technical seminars and courses that build the specialist knowledge and practical skills you need for your business area, we ll also train you in a range of personal, management, client service and clientwinning skills. Qualifications Graduates find that certain business areas suit their interests and skills more than others. Each business area requires different qualifications and we ve included details on our website. Please take time to study this information and, to help you reach your decision, there are also videos of recent BDO trainees in the main disciplines. Also see the Opportunities in Accountancy section of this brochure.

27 27 Career Path There s something about our culture that generates loyalty. Many of our senior people began their careers as trainees with the firm. Here s a typical career path with BDO. 1 Qualification We aim to get trainees through to qualification within three years. You ll quickly be working with a stimulating range of clients and have the opportunity to put your study into practice. You ll also attend commercial development training to help you prepare for client exposure as your responsibilities grow. We have an excellent reputation for getting people through exams, providing you with real time to study as well as on-the-job coaching and mentoring. As you approach qualification, you ll need to consider which area to specialise in: whether to stay in the area where you ve trained, or move to another if you prefer. We ll help you choose what s right for you.

28 28 2 Post-Qualification Once qualified, we ll advise you on the learning and development you need to get to the next stage of your career with BDO. There s on-the-job training, but you ll also be using our comprehensive online learning portal which combines e-learning options with the opportunity to attend workshops from presentations and networking to report writing and project management. As a qualified employee, you ll have more responsibility and the chance to complete a range of challenging secondments to other business areas, clients, or even one of our offices overseas. You ll benefit from formal 360 degree feedback and six-monthly performance reviews. 3 Management Moving up to manager grade means running more teams, working with a broader portfolio of clients and starting to specialise in industry sectors. You ll also take on responsibility for colleagues development. As well as your core management role, you ll get involved in internal training programmes, firm-wide projects, and sector focus groups to re-think our practice in key business areas. You will also be playing a growing role in supporting business development activities. 4 Director and Partner As a director, you ll be expected to expand your network and start winning work. At this stage those individuals who have shown the potential to be BDO partners will be developing their business case for partnership. We look for true leaders who can create deeper client relationships, and help to form the strategy that will take our business forward.

29 ENERGETIC You ll need physical and intellectual stamina for life at BDO. If you have an opinion (and we hope you have), we d like to hear it. Showing enthusiasm and the confidence to contribute to every challenge will help you to develop into the effective team player we expect you to be.

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31 31 Application Process The next step is your application. In it you ll need to indicate the business area you wish to work in and your preferred UK office location. The application form So that everyone is assessed in a fair and consistent way, we ask all candidates to apply online at Applying online is the first stage of our selection process and offers you the opportunity to edit your answers as you go, or to save a draft application and return to it at any stage. If you can t apply online, please contact us on Please bear in mind the following when completing the form: we accept applications all year round, but if you have a particular job or location in mind, it s best to apply as early as possible. You will be considered initially for your first choice office location. If this is full, you ll be considered for your second choice office. Questions on the application form are your first opportunity to demonstrate how your skills match our key criteria. When answering these questions, try to use recent examples and highlight your specific role and the skills you used and gained in the context you are describing. Application Process

32 The application process There are four parts to our application process. Each stage is an opportunity for you to show us the energy, enthusiasm and experience that you would bring to BDO. Application form The application form gives us the chance to see your academic background, work experience and extra curricular activities to date. It s important to build a clear picture of yourself, so take time to complete this thoroughly. Online ability tests At this stage, we want to see how you cope with numerical and verbal reasoning. Both are crucial to the qualifications you ll undertake and life at BDO in general. If you re nervous about these tests, we do have practice questions for you to try online. If successful, you ll be invited for a first round interview. Competency interviews This interview allows you to show us how your past experience relate to the competencies that we consider to be important. Be sure to refresh your knowledge of what these are, and prepare concise, clear and substantiated answers. Assessment day At this stage, you ll meet current trainees and your fellow applicants. You ll get a real flavour of working at BDO, with case studies based on real client situations. After this, a BDO Partner will conduct a final, competency-based interview. Application requirements You ll need a minimum of: 2:1 degree in any discipline (obtained or predicted) Grade B in Maths and English at GCSE/Scottish Standards or equivalent 280 UCAS points or equivalent (excluding General Studies) (obtained or predicted). We will consider qualifications obtained outside the UK. Advice on application Our website provides a comprehensive guide to the application process including tips for success and FAQ.

33 33 Rewards and Benefits BDO offers highly competitive starting salaries and a flexible benefits package. Starting salaries are set according to business area and location. They are reviewed annually and, as a graduate recruit, you ll receive increases that reflect the market and your performance. We ll also give you bonuses as a reward for passing your professional exams during your training period. Rewards and Benefits

34 34 Flexcel package Choice and flexibility are key features of our benefits package. Our Flexcel package gives you a wide range of options, including buying: Up to 10 days extra holiday Healthcare benefits such as private medical and dental insurance Benefits like travel insurance, discounted retail vouchers or a bike from our Bikes for Work scheme. Benefits package 25 days holiday Optional company pension scheme, with matched employer contributions Life assurance cover at twice your salary Income protection insurance of 50% of salary Discounted gym membership Online health assessments Access to a free counselling and advisory service.

35 Locations BDO has more than 1000 offices in over 138 countries. We are based in 23 locations across the UK and have an office in Guernsey Glasgow 2. Edinburgh 3. Leeds 4. Manchester 5. Liverpool 6. Sheffield 7. Lincoln 8. Nottingham 9. Leicester 10. Birmingham 11. Norwich 12. Gt. Yarmouth 13. Cambridge 14. Ipswich 15. Chelmsford 16. London 17. Reading 18. Guildford 19. Gatwick 20. Cardiff 21. Bristol 22. Southampton 23. Guernsey 24. Belfast

36 Follow us on Twitter.com/BDO_trainees Like us on facebook.com/bdotrainees The proposal contained in this document is made by BDO LLP and is in all respects subject to the negotiation, agreement and signing of a specific contract. It contains information that is commercially sensitive to BDO LLP, which is being disclosed to you in confidence and is not to be disclosed to any third party without the written consent of BDO LLP. Client names and statistics quoted in this proposal include clients of BDO LLP and clients of the international network of independent firms. BDO LLP, a UK limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales under number OC305127, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. A list of members names is open to inspection at our registered office, 55 Baker Street, London W1U 7EU. BDO LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority to conduct investment business. BDO is the brand name of the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms. BDO Northern Ireland, a partnership formed in and under the laws of Northern Ireland, is licensed to operate within the international BDO network of independent member firms. April 2013 BDO LLP. All rights reserved.