| 1. What do you look for in a Trainee? |
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| 2. Do you offer Bursaries? | Yes. We consider bursary applications as part of our Training Contract application process. Bursaries are awarded based on Academic Merit and Financial Need. |
| 3. Do you accept applications from those who are wanting to complete their undergrad or post grad studies while doing their training contract ? | We only accept applications from students who intend completing their CTA studies prior to commencing their training contract. However, in some instances depending on numbers, some offices might accept joiners who are unsuccessful with their CTA studies. |
| 4. If I am studying Hons Part-time and working full-time, what support can you give me? | Audit Managers/Seniors will gladly assist with any study query you may have. You get time off study and all trainees are assigned a mentor to guide and grow them. |
| 5. How do I apply for your vac work programme? | Register on BDO careers webpage www.bdo.co.za/careers - you need to apply in advance. Attach a copy of your matric certificate and academic transcripts. |
| 6. How many trainees do you take on each year? | Around 250 trainees nationally |
| 7. Can I apply if I am only in my 1st / 2nd year? | Yes, we welcome early applications. This is also an opportunity to apply for vac work and to get to know us as soon as possible. We have specialised vac work programmes for 1st, 2nd and 3nd year students |
| 8. How long does the entire application process take? | Our applications are open all year round, but we encourage early applicants. The application processing time varies, based on the number of applicants we are processing at that time, but we try to complete the entire process in no longer than a month. |
| 9. What does BDO stand for? | These are the initials of the surname of the funding members of BDO International i.e. Binder, Dijker, Otte |
| 10. What growth is available after I leave articles? | We are growing and always want people who aspire to be more. You need to prove that are someone the firm wants to retain. BDO has a career path in place for all members of staff is agreed in your performance appraisal (individually tailored) – you have a say about where you want to grow and how and you want to achieve your goal. Our career path include assessment centres, Training Courses, Mentorships and one-on-one guidance – just to name a few! Post training contract, there are career opportunities in both Audit as well as other teams within the firm. |
| 11. Tell me about secondments? | During your final year of the training contract, you will have the opportunity to apply for an international secondment (should you want to!) which will take place towards the end of your training contract. Secondments can be either short term (approximately 5-6 months) or long term (maximum of 2 years) in duration. |
| 12. What does a Trainee Accountant actually do? | Every day within your training contract will present you with an opportunity to learn and grow. Trainees assist the managers and partners with planning, executing and finalising audits. |
| 13. What type of client base do you have? | Our clients cover the full spectrum from listed companies to smaller private companies, trusts and body corporates as well as the public sector. You will be exposed to full range of experience from auditing, accounting, aspects of personal financial planning, general business advice and tax. Each office varies with regards to their client base. during your interview you will have the opportunity to find out about the office you have applied to and their specific client base. |
| 14. What do trainee accounts earn ? | BDO bases our trainee salary bands on information receive in various salary surveys and we observe SAICA’s guidelines to ensure that we compensate our trainees fairly. All our salaries are based on a Total Cost to Company basis. |