We recently caught up with Mable about how she secured a role with BDO, what the culture is like and her top tips for Bright Network members looking to follow in her footsteps.
What stood out to you about BDO?
The firm provides an excellent opportunity for me to gain real-life experiences in the industry and develop my skills i.e., study towards the ICAEW qualification at the same time. The firm encourages personal development, and my team is accommodating towards my studies. The assessment day was the reason why I decided to join the firm. It was well-organised and engaging. I was interviewed by my team manager and director which allowed me to gain an insight into the firm and my team.
Why did you pick BSO (Business Services and Outsourcing) instead of Audit, Tax or Advisory?
I picked the Global Financial Reporting (GFR) team within BSO instead of other streams of service due to the diverse range of work that our team covers. Although the foundations of the GFR team are based mainly on account preparation, the increased opportunities in advisory and offshore work interested me. BSO have a wide range of clients across the technology sector, energy, mining and industrials, financial services, media, telecoms, motor companies and professional services.
I was very impressed by the assessment day, and I think it gave me an excellent insight into the team as I was interviewed by my (now) manager and director. Compared to other accounting firms, this added a personal touch and it made me want to join the team since I was able to meet the people I would actually be working with day-to-day.
What do you do in your role day-to-day?
We prepare accounts and reports for clients. Our team helps clients to meet the accounting standards and rules laid out by the government. We also provide advisory services.
What is the culture like at BDO?
The firm focuses on collaboration and self-development. BDO emphasises the idea of working as a team and developing self and others. Everyone is treated as an individual and as someone who has different elements that they can bring in to the firm and enhance the overall skill sets of the firm. The firm holds a unifying culture that encourages everyone to "be themselves". People can achieve their potential and their differences are recognised, respected and embraced. The firm encourages us to be ambitious and innovative, this corresponds to the firm's value of "being bold".
How did you show you have a passion for BDO at the interview stage?
I realised it's important to show my passion by demonstrating my knowledge of the firm and specifically reading up on recent projects that have been performed by BDO. I felt it was vital that I understood the scope of work that is provided by the firm, and was aware of the firm's client base. It demonstrates your general interest in the firm and in the industry. It is also important to be engaged during interviews and group discussions. Don't be shy and ask questions!
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
My research was heavily based on the industry as a whole and I read and researched intensively on different business news. I made use of social media platforms which gave me constant updates. This helped to build my commercial awareness and understanding of the industry and the world that we are living in. You should understand the firm's values and their commercial approach as well; this will give you a better understanding of BDO and the industry.
What’s been the toughest interview question you’ve faced and how did you tackle it?
The toughest question I faced in my interview was "What makes BDO different to the Big 4?". It is a tough question as you not only need to have strong background knowledge of the firm that you are applying to but also other competitors in the industry. This question allowed me to demonstrate my commercial awareness and show my understanding of the firm's values. It ensures that your objectives are aligned with the firm's expectations and vice versa. I did my research on the firm prior to applying and familiarised myself with the nature and characteristics of the industry.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Do your research - make sure you understand the role you are applying to and the skills that it requires.
- Be prepared - practice and get used to the style of assessment i.e., online interviews, virtual assessment tasks and game-based assessment.
- Ask questions - gain an insight into the industry and your role by asking questions on assessment day/university career fairs/introduction session.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.