Gita Kumar - My career at BDO

“At BDO, I always have a voice and it’s a voice that is heard. My clients value my opinion and advice, and my leaders regularly seek out my insight. There is so much value to be gained from a conversation and at BDO I am encouraged to keep talking.”

Gita Kumar, Director, Audit

What do you value about working for BDO? 

For me, it’s the appreciation I get and the trust my leaders have in me to manage my clients.  

What attracted you to BDO? 

I wanted to work for a chartered accountant firm and BDO stood out to me as one that approached things differently.

How does working at BDO differ from where you have worked previously? 

The main difference at BDO is the open door policy we have. You can easily go and approach the Partners, in fact you are encouraged to do so! At my previous places of work we were expected to approach our immediate manager first.  

Why have you stayed with BDO? 

The culture, the team environment and the opportunities I have been given are the key things for me.  

Do you think BDO lives its values? 

Definitely. We have a great culture and a working environment that’s supportive and inclusive.  

Which of your personal values aligns to BDOs values? 

At BDO, we are authentic in our interactions with each other and we are free to communicate openly, honestly and respectfully. This is really important to me because I think if you can connect with people and understand them it will help you in the long run. 

How does it make you feel each day when working at BDO? 

It feels satisfying, like I am making a difference. 

How would you describe the BDO culture in just three words? 

Inclusive, agile and flexible. 

As a female leader, what makes working at BDO rewarding for you? 

I am recognised and valued for the work I do, and I am given equal opportunity to succeed. The flexibility I have with my work pattern allows me to balance my family life and work, something that is very important to me. 

How does BDO support you to achieve your personal aspirations and career goals? 

We have the support of our leaders to achieve our development goals and the firm also has formalised channels of support, including dedicated mentors, team activities and training, and firm events.  

Has working at BDO provided opportunities you wouldn’t get working elsewhere? 

BDO has a unique blend of size, expertise and local relationships, so I’ve been lucky to be able to specialise in audit and assurance, while also working with a wide variety of clients. 

I make it my priority to visit them as often as I can, have casual conversations, catch-up for coffee and, most importantly, call them rather than email. There is so much more value that can be derived from a genuine conversation. 

What do you do to ensure you deliver exceptional client service?

I work hard to establish a strong relationship with my clients, ensuring I understand them and their needs. Equipped with that insight I apply my skills to deliver solutions customised for them. 

The BDO values I most identify with are:

HUMAN - Connecting with people so you understand them and their needs will help you in the long run. 

STRIVE - I am recognised and valued for the work I do, and I am given equal opportunity to succeed. 

HEART - You can easily go and approach the Partners, in fact you are encouraged to do so! 

Find out more about what it’s like to work at BDO.