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BDO Australia

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4.2
  • #4 in Accounting & advisory
  • > 100,000 employees

BDO Australia Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Accounting & Advisory

What it does: BDO is one of the world’s leading accounting, audit, advisory and consulting organisations.
Staff stats: BDO’s global network extends to over 167 countries and territories, with over 88,120 people working out of 1,809 offices.
The good bits: Supportive work environment,  large firm with a family culture feel, excellent access to Managers and Partners and career progression
The not-so-good bits: Additional hours during busy periods, potential business travel
Hiring grads with degrees in Accounting, Finance, Business, Commerce, Law, IT, STEM

The BDO story

Like many businesses of its type, BDO is the result of numerous mergers. In 1963, several accountancy firms from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the US came together to create a multinational that was originally known as Binder Seidman International. A decade later, it became known as BDO, an abbreviation of Binder, Dijker and Otte & Co (three of the core firms that merged to create the business). 

At BDO we are passionate about creating opportunities for individuals to grow and flourish early in their careers with an array of career paths available. Our Graduate, Undergraduate and Vacation programs provide an opportunity to invest in your future today!

We are committed to providing an environment that empowers our people to work to their full potential and pursue their career interests no matter where it may take them.

When you join BDO you quickly discover how we are different - we are all about our people. Our employees benefit from working for a global firm with a people-first culture.

Our people identify career development, empowerment, collaboration, flexibility, and service delivery as core 

  • Flexibility - your career with us is just one important aspect of your life. Find out more about our BDO B-Well initiatives
  • Career development – we provide buddy and mentor programs, along with professional development opportunities to support your growth
  • Empowerment – an environment where working directly with clients is encouraged
  • Collaboration - a culture based on our values of ONE, BOLD, HUMAN, STRIVE and HEART
  • Inclusion and diversity – a feeling of belonging and respect
  • A growing global firm – a strong local presence together with global reach and global opportunities. Currently rated #5 in the AFR Top 100 Accounting Firms.

If you have any questions about how our BDO Culture can be a fit for you, reach out to our team on [email protected]

The culture

Though not one of the ‘Big Four’ accountancy multinationals, BDO is a serious challenger. It plays in the same space as the top-tier firms but prides itself on having a “successfully different” culture to the Big Four. BDO argues it is different because of its people and the organisation's “relationship-driven culture", whilst still having access to local and global resources. "Relationships, resources and responsiveness are the bedrock of our brand promise. BDO staff can expect a collaborative culture where you’re a name not a number”.

Social contribution

BDO Australia embraces Corporate Social Responsibility. It seeks to make a social contribution both by supporting worthy causes and allowing staff to donate their time and expertise to organisations that are seeking to make the world a better place. Globally, BDO is “committed to making a real difference in the following areas: community, charity and care”.

At BDO, we value the difference and unique perspectives that every individual brings to BDO.

As a firm, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture, where everyone - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, religious belief and other characteristics - can be themselves at work and fulfil their personal potential in an environment that brings out the best in them and their colleagues.

While this is primarily about our people, it is also important in helping us to deliver our vision of exceptional client service by ensuring that we provide the right environment for our people and the right people for our clients.

The three priorities in our national strategy are:

  • Gender diversity, with a focus on women in Partnership and leadership
  • Improved decision-making through increased awareness of the impact of unconscious bias
  • Ensuring flexibility is embedded in all parts of our culture and becomes integral to how we operate internally and how we serve our clients.

We recognise and celebrate a range of events throughout the year, such as International Women’s Day, Harmony Day, NAIDOC Week, Wear it Purple Day, and International Day of People with Disability.

BDO Australia is a member of Diversity Council Australia (DCA), an independent not-for-profit leader in diversity and inclusion research, education, and advocacy, and and is proud to be named an Inclusive Employer for the second time running for 2021 - 2022. BDO exceeds the DCA National Index Benchmark on at least five out of six of the following measures: Awareness; Engagement; Inclusive Organisational Climate; Inclusive Leadership; Inclusive Team; and/or Exclusion. Individual BDO team members can sign up to DCA for free to access all the benefits of our membership, including webinars, events, thought leadership, case studies, and research.

The vibe of the place

BDO does have a workplace culture that’s different to that of its Big Four competitors. It’s a company that devotes a lot of attention to nurturing its people. You can expect to feel valued and to be given the tools needed to reach your full potential.  

Star Rating: 4.6

From the Employer:

"BDO Student Recruitment

There are many world-class accounting firms, and BDO is one of them, however, few offer culture as rich in professional opportunity, personal fulfilment and long-term growth. At BDO, exceptional client service underpins our belief system and all aspects of service delivery to our clients.

BDO’s global network extends to over 167 countries and territories, with over 88,120 people working out of 1,809 offices.

We offer ongoing training to develop your technical abilities and build your consulting, leadership and management skills. Our international network provides exceptional opportunities to travel, work, and learn with secondment prospects available globally.

We welcome your individuality, ideas, passion and drive. To ensure you continue to enjoy what you love doing, we offer a number of initiatives that contribute to flexible working options and your health and well-being while at work."

Recruitment Process

Graduates with Accounting, Commerce or Business (Accounting Major) degrees are encouraged to apply for traditional service lines whilst individuals with STEM, Law, Engineering, Mathematics etc are sought for BDO's Consulting and Advisory teams. Being able to demonstrate good communication skills, drive, proven academic achievement and strong team focus will all count in your favour  

Individuals have entered the graduate program in various ways. The chances are you’ll go through the conventional process of submitting your CV and academic transcript online, doing a phone, or video interview before progressing to a group or individual interview with a Manager and/or a Partner. 

  • You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application
  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an online video interview or phone interview 
  • Successful applicants will then be invited to attend an assessment centre or interview with a Manager and/or Partners 
  • Offers will be made shortly after you complete your assessment centre or interview process

Remuneration & Career Growth

Salaries are aligned with the industry average. You can expect daily breakfast, access to social events, discounts on health insurance and gym memberships annual flu shots and various other social and well-being benefits. For individuals completing their Chartered Accountants (CA) Program, you will have support to cover CA costs as well as paid study leave. They also support CPA & CFA studies and are open to further support in their staff's desired interests.

After you’ve completed the grad program you’ll have access to ongoing training. This will develop your technical abilities and build your consulting, leadership and management skills. There are lots of opportunities to work in other parts of BDO’s international network through short or long-term secondments.

Career prospects

From your earliest days in the grad program, you’ll have the opportunity to be doing real client work and build your network. You can expect a performance and remuneration review in the middle of every year. If you’ve done well,  there are opportunities for promotion within. 

We offer ongoing training to develop your technical abilities and build your consulting, leadership and management skills. Our international network provides exceptional opportunities to travel, work, and learn with secondment prospects available globally.

We welcome your individuality, ideas, passion and drive. To ensure you continue to enjoy what you love doing, we offer a number of initiatives that contribute to flexible working options and your health and wellbeing while at work.

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
4.2
Overall score based on 18 reviews
They Score Best in…
8.7
Culture
8.9
Management
8.7
Office Work Environment
8.9
Recruitment
8.7
Culture
8.9
Management
8.7
Office Work Environment
8.9
Recruitment
What Graduates Say About Them
  • The Culture. Everyone is lovely to work with and there is a fantastic work-life balance that you are able to maintain
  • The learning experiences I'm being offered on a daily basis. Full of great role models
  • I have the best team that always supports and motivates each other, no matter what your background. Everyone on the team is approachable and willing to help. I can ask questions to the partners without feeling intimidated. There's always room to keep learning about everything in order to be productive and improve my skills. I love how diverse the team is, and I also make friends at the office where I can learn about new cultures
  • The work environment in the office. All staff members are extremely friendly and easy to get along with. Team members are supportive of new starters to ensure they feel comfortable and safe
  • Flexible WFH schedule, frequent office events, excellent team culture
  • Walking time from the train station
  • The worst thing is when the coffee machine is broken, it takes a week to be fixed
  • The lack of interdepartmental opportunities
  • The cut-throat rivalry between the department's with reserving shared hot desks, not enough desks, too many people
  • Lower Salary than competitors

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
C
Creative Arts
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
M
Medical & Health Sciences
P
Property & Built Environment
S
Sciences
Current Jobs & Opportunities

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Perth
Take the first step in your career. Learn, grow, be more at BDO!
Applications Close
27 Mar 2024
Start Date
24 Jun 2024 - 27 Jan 2025
Salary
AUD 52,000 / Year

Internship, Clerkship or Placement

Brisbane
Take the first step in your career. Learn, grow, be more at BDO!
Applications Close
27 Mar 2024
Start Date
24 Jun 2024 - 27 Jan 2025
Salary
AUD 52,000 / Year

Plus sign on bonus


Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
BDO's summer vacation program was one of the best things I could have done to prepare myself for the world of work.

Hannah Bolton

  • Graduate stories
BDO's summer vacation program was one of the best things I could have done to prepare myself for the world of work.

Hannah Bolton

  • Graduate stories
BDO's support through my studies has been a real highlight for me, and I can't wait to finish my exams and become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.

Adam Borensztajn

  • Graduate stories
BDO's support through my studies has been a real highlight for me, and I can't wait to finish my exams and become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.

Adam Borensztajn

  • Graduate stories
BDO's summer vacation program was one of the best things I could have done to prepare myself for the world of work.

Hannah Bolton

  • Graduate stories
BDO's summer vacation program was one of the best things I could have done to prepare myself for the world of work.

Hannah Bolton

  • Graduate stories
BDO's support through my studies has been a real highlight for me, and I can't wait to finish my exams and become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.

Adam Borensztajn

  • Graduate stories
BDO's support through my studies has been a real highlight for me, and I can't wait to finish my exams and become a fully qualified Chartered Accountant.

Adam Borensztajn


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Amelia van Basten

Amelia van Basten Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accountancy at the Queensland University of Technology in 2019 and is now an Auditor at BDO.
  • Day in the life

Amelia van Basten

Amelia van Basten Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accountancy at the Queensland University of Technology in 2019 and is now an Auditor at BDO.
  • Day in the life

Isabelle Silberling

Isabelle Silberling studied Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce at Bond University and is now a Consultant (Corporate Tax) at BDO
  • Day in the life

Isabelle Silberling

Isabelle Silberling studied Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce at Bond University and is now a Consultant (Corporate Tax) at BDO
  • Day in the life

Amelia van Basten

Amelia van Basten Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accountancy at the Queensland University of Technology in 2019 and is now an Auditor at BDO.
  • Day in the life

Amelia van Basten

Amelia van Basten Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accountancy at the Queensland University of Technology in 2019 and is now an Auditor at BDO.
  • Day in the life

Isabelle Silberling

Isabelle Silberling studied Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce at Bond University and is now a Consultant (Corporate Tax) at BDO
  • Day in the life

Isabelle Silberling

Isabelle Silberling studied Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce at Bond University and is now a Consultant (Corporate Tax) at BDO

Advice


BDO Office Tour at 12 Creek Street, Brisbane

Take a sneak peek inside BDO's office at Brisbane.

BDO Office Tour at 12 Creek Street, Brisbane

Take a sneak peek inside BDO's office at Brisbane.