I like how you addressed the fear of working longer hours. I’ve been thinking about joining a practice but have been scared by some of the stories. In reality, I work more than 8 hours regularly now, so it might not be as big a change as I thought.
My A level results held me back a lot from apply to these firms . Since then I have been working in small industry and practice recently . I’m 30 now and still haven’t completed my ACCA . I am now focusing on exams as it’s evident when you qualify then can you command the respect and higher wages .
hahahah i was wondering what is the relation of the two biscuits with the title of this video but wow very interesting to know that. Thanks very much, Fehzan for this sharing. Such a mind-opener
I'm joining BDO in September as a school leaver who'll also be studying for the ACA. Do you have any advice on how to balance my studying and work time.
So firstly I’d recommend setting at least an hour a day to begin with aside for studying. Some days you will finish late but you should still get an hour in minimum for certificate stage exams. Secondly, I’d recommend getting early starts in not only will it look good but it will help you be more productive - like when I go gym early in the morning my day is always more productive as I’m more “awake” at work. Again, you could revise first thing in the morning then do an hour or so after work, it’s tough but definitely do able. Make a plan learn to prioritise tasks over others so aca is extremely important for your career so push back on any social activities close to exams time. When you join you can request to see when the rough plan is for your exams so you can plan in advance.
@@value4246 honestly so far its just been a lot of training. I've been to the office and it was a good experience. It gets rather intense so be prepared as they pile on quite a bit. I got AAB.
I’m interning at BDO (God willing) next year here in the states (US) is BDO good here in the US as well ? I know they’re prominent in UK but what about the states ? Thanks in advance
I’ve seen a few people from the U.K. Transfer to the States whilst I was at bdo so it can’t be all that bad! But not any direct experience of working with BDO US staff
Great video as always! I actually applied to BDO London audit recently in part due to your channel and I received an offer this morning, due to start in September :) I was wondering if you had any advice for new grads entering audit, or even BDO in particular? Thanks for all the informative content!
Please could you advice a way to get into Audit with a 2.2 in accountancy and finance and 1 and a half year in 2 accounting jobs in small practice and 1 in income Tax for a top 10 UK firms, I'm struggling to find a role. Many thanks
The best route is a grad training programme you’ve got good experience at a top 10 firm as well! So I’d recommend applying there I know firms typically want a 2:2 but I think with your experience you are at an advantage so I’d keep an eye out for schemes with a 2:2 but also apply to the big firms who want 2:1 as part of their open access policy. Check out my video on entry requirements for more information on open access
So industry is a reference to working for a company ie in the ftse or fortune 100. Working for an accountancy firm is referred to as working in practice
@@FehzanMehdi thanks for coming back Fehzan. It’s an experienced hire by the way through a recruitment agency. Will I still go through the assessment centre?
Apologies I thought you meant a grad role - no then it shouldn’t be an assessment centre and should just be interview(s). Make sure you’ve done your research on the outsourcing team, clients they have, and brush up on some competency based questions, and most importantly be able to relate your previous experience to the role you’re applying for and how it benefits the firm
Yes definitely it’s not just join the big 4 and that’s it mid tier firms also provide great experience! It’s just big companies in the ftse / fortune 100 value big 4 names as they’re instantly recognisable brands.
Hi mate loads of videos on my channel re the application process would recommend watching the playlists which talk about the application process in general, the nao would follow a similar process.
Depends on the firm and route - typically taking icaew as an example at certificate stage you’re allowed 1 fail - unless it’s a bad fail which is around the 35% mark - some firms won’t allow that. At the professional stage this may go up to two fails per exam and more discretionary at advanced stage I’ve seen some people be allowed to take a few resits.
Hello i am PAKISTAN ....I have cleared 9 paper of ACCA ...........do you think i should apply for BDO graduate audit program for ACA qualification ............because i know grdauate program is of 36 mnths or more and in this time ican easily complete my ACCA qualification and after ACCA because of MOU with ICAEW we ACCAs only have to sit for last 2 paper ................will that Graduate program time period qualify for my ACCA experience requirment for becoming ACCA member as well as ACA member?
So in terms of work experience 36 months is fine for both ACA and ACCA. If you are referring to the UK BDO Audit programme, I'd firstly check that you have right to work in the UK before applying.
@@FehzanMehdi thanks alot for reply .....actually i am planning to study masters in uk this year thats why i asked..... MASHALLAH bruv you are doing amazing providing info to people those wanting to study accountancy and those who are in the middle of their journey.... ALLAH bless you.Ameen.
I like how you addressed the fear of working longer hours. I’ve been thinking about joining a practice but have been scared by some of the stories. In reality, I work more than 8 hours regularly now, so it might not be as big a change as I thought.
Thank you positive mindset going into a challenge is everything!
great video, my brother!
Thank you for the kind feedback
Keep up these videos, great insight !
Thanks for the kind words!
My A level results held me back a lot from apply to these firms . Since then I have been working in small industry and practice recently . I’m 30 now and still haven’t completed my ACCA . I am now focusing on exams as it’s evident when you qualify then can you command the respect and higher wages .
Thanks for sharing your experience
Great video thank you! I have an assessment centre at NAO next week!
No worries hope you do well next week!
hahahah i was wondering what is the relation of the two biscuits with the title of this video but wow very interesting to know that. Thanks very much, Fehzan for this sharing. Such a mind-opener
Thank you for the kind words
Great video, very helpful and insightful!
Thank you
This was very insightful !
Thanks for your kind feedback
Jazakallah, really insightful.
Wa iyaak thank you for the kind words
Amazing video brother
Thanks
Great video, looking forward to the one on being in industry?
Am looking to get that one out next!
@@FehzanMehdi Can you help me to prepare for interview. I got contact by both EY and BDO. I am really nervous.
That is a very cool shirt 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you
Masha allah
Thanks for this
Glad it helped
I'm joining BDO in September as a school leaver who'll also be studying for the ACA. Do you have any advice on how to balance my studying and work time.
So firstly I’d recommend setting at least an hour a day to begin with aside for studying. Some days you will finish late but you should still get an hour in minimum for certificate stage exams.
Secondly, I’d recommend getting early starts in not only will it look good but it will help you be more productive - like when I go gym early in the morning my day is always more productive as I’m more “awake” at work. Again, you could revise first thing in the morning then do an hour or so after work, it’s tough but definitely do able.
Make a plan learn to prioritise tasks over others so aca is extremely important for your career so push back on any social activities close to exams time. When you join you can request to see when the rough plan is for your exams so you can plan in advance.
Hi mate. I’m applying for a school leaver at BDO soon for 2022 intake. Just wondering how your finding it. And what Alevels did u get
@@value4246 honestly so far its just been a lot of training. I've been to the office and it was a good experience. It gets rather intense so be prepared as they pile on quite a bit. I got AAB.
@@mujahidali1785 thanks mate. What are you doing in particular, I’m applying for tax.
@@value4246 I'm in audit. Right now I'm specialising in asset management
great vid thanks
Thanks glad you enjoyed it
I’m interning at BDO (God willing) next year here in the states (US) is BDO good here in the US as well ? I know they’re prominent in UK but what about the states ? Thanks in advance
I’ve seen a few people from the U.K. Transfer to the States whilst I was at bdo so it can’t be all that bad! But not any direct experience of working with BDO US staff
Great video as always! I actually applied to BDO London audit recently in part due to your channel and I received an offer this morning, due to start in September :) I was wondering if you had any advice for new grads entering audit, or even BDO in particular? Thanks for all the informative content!
Well done there's a video I've done on tips for your first corporate role, please do check it out, that should help a little!
Please could you advice a way to get into Audit with a 2.2 in accountancy and finance and 1 and a half year in 2 accounting jobs in small practice and 1 in income Tax for a top 10 UK firms, I'm struggling to find a role. Many thanks
The best route is a grad training programme you’ve got good experience at a top 10 firm as well! So I’d recommend applying there I know firms typically want a 2:2 but I think with your experience you are at an advantage so I’d keep an eye out for schemes with a 2:2 but also apply to the big firms who want 2:1 as part of their open access policy. Check out my video on entry requirements for more information on open access
How did you get to move to BDO without completing your ACA? Also what do you mean by moving to industry? Great video btw!
A number of firms recruit at the part qualified level so I joined as a semi senior
@@FehzanMehdi oh right, also when you said you moved to industry from BDO. What does that mean?
So industry is a reference to working for a company ie in the ftse or fortune 100. Working for an accountancy firm is referred to as working in practice
@@FehzanMehdi thank you very much for the fast and detailed responses!
do you think working at bdo would put you at a disadvatage compared to big 4 accountants?
Nope it hasn’t put me at a disadvantage either
I have an interview next week for one of the outsourcing supervisor business services roles. How shall I approach it?
Check out my playlist on the assessment centre there’s a few videos on interviews and a practice interview too
@@FehzanMehdi thanks for coming back Fehzan. It’s an experienced hire by the way through a recruitment agency. Will I still go through the assessment centre?
Apologies I thought you meant a grad role - no then it shouldn’t be an assessment centre and should just be interview(s). Make sure you’ve done your research on the outsourcing team, clients they have, and brush up on some competency based questions, and most importantly be able to relate your previous experience to the role you’re applying for and how it benefits the firm
@@FehzanMehdi thanks! I have the JD so covering everything line by lien haha
No worries that’s the right idea - hope you smash it!
Would you recommend mid tier firms school leaver programs comparing to big 4?
Yes definitely it’s not just join the big 4 and that’s it mid tier firms also provide great experience! It’s just big companies in the ftse / fortune 100 value big 4 names as they’re instantly recognisable brands.
Can a CIMA qualified Accountant work at BDO, and what unit or Department is appropriate ?
Yes although unusual not impossible and it depends entirely on what experience you have.
Hi, I am interested in the NAO graduate for 2021. Could you advise what the application process is like please such as the test etc?
Hi mate loads of videos on my channel re the application process would recommend watching the playlists which talk about the application process in general, the nao would follow a similar process.
@@FehzanMehdi Thanks mate, I will check the videos out.
How many failed attempts are you allowed with a training contract?
Depends on the firm and route - typically taking icaew as an example at certificate stage you’re allowed 1 fail - unless it’s a bad fail which is around the 35% mark - some firms won’t allow that. At the professional stage this may go up to two fails per exam and more discretionary at advanced stage I’ve seen some people be allowed to take a few resits.
Is BDO any good, should I apply for a weeks work experience
Yes it’s a top place to work and definitely you should apply there and to other firms as well!
I'm interesting in applying for NAO internship scheme. Any tips?
Check out the playlist on my channel around the application process and assessment centres. Lot of information there to help you
Hello i am PAKISTAN ....I have cleared 9 paper of ACCA ...........do you think i should apply for BDO graduate audit program for ACA qualification ............because i know grdauate program is of 36 mnths or more and in this time ican easily complete my ACCA qualification and after ACCA because of MOU with ICAEW we ACCAs only have to sit for last 2 paper ................will that Graduate program time period qualify for my ACCA experience requirment for becoming ACCA member as well as ACA member?
i dont have any experience many say i should apply for experienced roles but i dont have experience to get full time role
So in terms of work experience 36 months is fine for both ACA and ACCA. If you are referring to the UK BDO Audit programme, I'd firstly check that you have right to work in the UK before applying.
@@FehzanMehdi thanks alot for reply .....actually i am planning to study masters in uk this year thats why i asked.....
MASHALLAH bruv you are doing amazing providing info to people those wanting to study accountancy and those who are in the middle of their journey....
ALLAH bless you.Ameen.
What are the working hours like at the NAO?
Normal 9-5 with extended hours during busy period
Normal 9-5 with extended hours during busy period
Normal 9-5 with extended hours during busy period
Big 5 BDO
So did you fail your exams at NAO? I didn't really get why you left lol
Nope didn’t fail any exams NAO is public sector therefore left to get private sector experience
@@FehzanMehdi did BDO let u carry on ur exams from where u left at NAO?
Yes they did
@@FehzanMehdi Jzk for the quick replies man. I recently got an offer at NAO for audit but my main worry is the exams hence the questions 🤣
You will be fine it’s a great place to work!