Inside BDO: A graduate’s perspective with Lucy

Lucy is a graduate in the audit and assurance team at BDO, where she’s quickly found her stride working across a diverse range of clients and industries. With a keen interest in how businesses operate and a natural ability to connect with people, she’s embraced every opportunity, from travelling to client sites to engaging in mentoring and team development. Learn more about her career at BDO below.

Tell us about your experience joining BDO 

Joining BDO has been a genuinely positive experience. Transitioning from university to the workplace can feel overwhelming, but BDO’s graduate program offers a smooth and supportive introduction. It’s designed to foster professional growth while helping you settle confidently into your role.

What was your biggest surprise coming to BDO? 

One of the most pleasant surprises was seeing how much value is placed on team relationships. Since starting, I’ve met so many incredible people, and those connections have played a huge role in why I enjoy coming to work each day. 

What does your team do and what is your role in the team? 

Our audit team is responsible for delivering high-quality financial statement audits for a diverse range of clients across multiple industries. We begin by assessing internal controls and identifying key risk areas, which allows us to tailor our audit approach. From there, we perform detailed testing and gather evidence to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reports. As a graduate auditor, I support the team during both interim and final audit phases. Under the guidance of senior team members, I contribute to documenting system processes and conducting substantive testing on specific financial statement areas. Each week often brings the opportunity to work with different teams, which has exposed me to a variety of work styles and approaches.

What have you enjoyed about working in your team? 

I’ve really enjoyed travelling to client sites together and learning how different businesses operate. It’s been exciting to collaborate with a wide range of colleagues across various projects. Every week brings a new challenge and a fresh team dynamic. The variety of clients and the shared experiences with my teammates have made the work especially rewarding. 

Where have you experienced the BDO values in the workplace? 

There are always challenging days in any career, but having a team that genuinely wants you to succeed makes all the difference. I see BDO’s values reflected daily, whether it’s the ‘Heart’ value shown through genuine support, or the ‘Human’ value when feedback is delivered with care and respect. 

How would you describe BDO’s culture?

BDO’s culture is defined by its people. As someone who values connection, it’s refreshing to be surrounded by colleagues who are equally passionate about collaboration and community. 

What makes working at BDO rewarding for you?  

The most rewarding aspect has been the meaningful relationships I’ve built and the professional development I’ve experienced over the past year. It’s fulfilling to see how far I’ve come. 

How have you been supported by leaders and managers at BDO? 

Support from leaders and mangers has come through regular coffee catchups and mentoring sessions. During busy periods, having dedicated one-on-one time with my manager has been incredibly grounding. It’s reassuring to know there’s always space to check in, feel supported, and stay connected. It really helps maintain a sense of one team even when it gets busy. 

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

BDO offers tailored training programs for each career level, a buddy system for guidance, and bi-annual career conversations. These initiatives have been instrumental in helping me stay aligned with my goals and aspirations. 

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