“BDO supports me in doing what is best for me, enabling me to explore a variety of career options, no matter where that may take me.”
James Sperling, Manager, Audit
What do you value about working for BDO?
I truly feel that at BDO, I am able to explore any opportunity I am presented with. The Partners are approachable and willing to have an honest conversation about my goals and the projects I want increased exposure to. In every instance, we were able to figure out a way to make it happen. It was never a question of ‘why?’ It was always ‘how can we help?’
I am challenged every day to learn new skills and develop others. Being able to readily access the Partners for career advice, development areas or general feedback and being given the opportunity to guide and mentor new starters has been something I have greatly appreciated. Truly, no two days are the same.
What attracted you to BDO?
BDO stood out to me because it was the one major firm that expressed its focus on people and culture. I feel as though the firm puts its people and clients at the forefront compared to other big firms. In the five years I have worked for BDO, I have found everyone genuinely has your best interests in mind.
How does working at BDO differ from where you have worked previously?
There is a direct correlation between the amount of effort you put in, and what you get out of it. Whether you want to push for that early promotion or focus on innovation, you will be given every opportunity to do so at BDO.
What has made you stay with BDO?
The opportunities and people here have kept me around all these years.
As a global firm, there is always the opportunity to work abroad at one of BDO’s many locations around the world. On the people front, I have great relationships with everyone here, the Partners are readily available, and having moved from interstate, I felt incredibly welcomed in the Sydney office.
Do you think BDO lives its values? If so, how?
Absolutely. Everyone is open to helping one another and focusing on working collaboratively between service lines. Working as ONE to achieve a common goal. BDO does the best they can to take everyone’s personal circumstances into consideration to make sure there is flexibility to suit everyone.
How would you describe the BDO culture?
BDO focuses on its people. Whether that be through flexible working arrangements, training and development or the social aspects. BDO invests time into their people making sure they cater to different needs or spend time fostering talent and helping people reach their full potential.
What makes working at BDO rewarding for you?
Knowing I work at a company that walks the walk not just talk the talk. I come into the office every day by choice to work closely with the team and strengthen relationships. I take pride in sitting with some of the junior team members and coaching them through their work, supporting them in any way I can.
How does BDO support you to achieve your personal aspirations and career goals?
BDO never hesitated when I wanted to move offices from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and ultimately Sydney, or when I wanted to change service lines. If I want to pursue something and dedicate myself to achieving it, I know I will have the leadership team's support to help me achieve it. It has been a great experience.
How has BDO/your leaders gotten to know you?
The leaders at BDO are friendly and approachable. It comes back to working collaboratively to achieve a common goal. That messaging comes from the top down, as the leaders want to see people succeed so they invest the time in building relationships with the team whenever they can.
The leadership team wants to see people succeed, so being the type of person to always put my hand up for new opportunities and experiences has helped me work more closely with the leadership team than I may not have had otherwise.
Find out more about what it’s like to work at BDO.