Vault’s Verdict

BDO USA is ideally looking for hardworking, motivated, smart, ambitious, personable, confident, adaptable candidates who are eager to learn. For students, BDO runs a valuable and rewarding internship program. Interns get hands-on experience, access to senior professionals, and an accurate look at what a full-time position with the firm looks like. For its full-time professionals, BDO offers extensive career development opportunities, including excellent formal mentoring (every professional has the opportunity to have a ‘buddy’ and ‘career advisor’) and solid technical and soft skills training. Promotion policies also get good reviews, and insiders say people are empowered to ask questions.

Although the busy tax season typically requires long hours (55 to 60 per week), outside of that time, a healthy work/life balance can be achieved. Many offices have work/life initiatives, including post-busy season parties, free lunches in the offices, and ample PTO. With respect to compensation, while some professionals say they’re satisfied with pay, others say pay could be higher and the firm underpays compared to its competitors. However, a majority of insiders agree that the firm’s benefits are very strong. The 401(k) match, newly created employee stock ownership plan, and free snacks in the office get especially positive reviews. BDO also offers various wellness benefits, including counseling, exercise programs, gym membership subsidies, and meditation apps.

The firm’s culture is very inclusive. Insiders say that BDO does a lot to make all people feel safe and welcome, irrespective of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Also, many formal initiatives exist, such as the BDO Pride Alliance for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies and firmwide recognition of cultural holidays. In addition, BDO promotes philanthropy, charitable giving, and community involvement. With respect to its business outlook, BDO is growing rapidly and continues to be a top middle-market competitor. However, some insiders say that employee morale is low, as employees feel overworked and underpaid. The good news is that leadership is striving to improve morale and retain good people, which is instilling confidence among staff in the long-term health of the firm.

EMPLOYEE REVIEWS

Hiring Process

“The firm's interview and callback process is competitive. There are several campus recruiting efforts and hiring through referrals. The ideal candidate at BDO has ample business acumen, a strong work ethic, confidence, and emotional intelligence. The ideal candidate obviously must have general accounting knowledge and a strong educational background, but the firm believes technical knowledge can be taught and is more concerned with finding individuals who are eager to learn.”

“My interview process was through on-campus recruiting, where I first met with local firm members, and then went through a formal interview process after submitting a resume and working with BDO recruiters. The process is competitive but not overly intensive. BDO is searching for highly motivated individuals who are able to learn quickly and think through client needs and problems.”

“Some positions may involve panel interviews with multiple BDO team members, providing a comprehensive evaluation from different perspectives. Successful candidates receive a callback with feedback and, if selected, an offer of employment. The firm typically communicates promptly and transparently throughout the process. BDO values candidates who are adaptable and open to innovation, capable of navigating a rapidly changing business environment. Collaboration is key at BDO, so the ideal candidate should be a team player who can work effectively with colleagues and contribute to a positive team dynamic. A willingness to engage in continuous learning and professional development is important for growth within the firm.”

“We’re looking for smart, ambitious, personable individuals who are highly qualified, particularly as it relates to auditing and data analytics positions. We’re looking for individuals eager to learn and willing to put the work in to be the best. We’re looking for individuals not just looking to come and earn a paycheck but also to have a career. We’re looking to have folks join our firm who want to belong to a work family—one that cares about them and invests in them, as they are expected to do the same.

Interview Questions

“Give me an example of a time you felt challenged by material at school and how you worked to learn it? What does success mean to you? What are the things that are most important to you in deciding on an employer? Where do you see yourself 10 years from now and how do you envision BDO getting you there?”

“Tell us about a time where you worked with a difficult team member. We value exceptional client service—can you give us an example of when you have done this in the past?”

“Give an example of when you had to work in a team (at a prior job or at school) and what role you took within the team. Tell me an example of when you experienced a major obstacle (like a tight deadline, difficult team member) and how you overcame it. Have you ever led a team? How did you communicate/deliver tough feedback? What do you like to see as qualities in the team members with whom you work? What prompted your interest in interviewing with BDO?”

“Are you studying for your CPA? Do you have a plan to obtain your 150 hours? What are your biggest concerns about working at the firm? What accounting background do you have? Are you able to work in person?”

Internship Experience

“The most rewarding aspect of my previous internship experience was the opportunity to work with a diverse group of professionals. Collaborating with various teams within the tax department allowed me to gain invaluable insights and knowledge. I’m deeply appreciative of the supportive and nurturing work environment cultivated by the dedicated professionals at the firm. My internship with BDO was fantastic, and within just two weeks, I knew I wanted to work here full time.”

“My internship experience was great. I got to meet with dozens of seniors, principals, and associates. I felt welcomed, included, and heard. My favorite part was that the staff are so accessible. There wasn't anything negative about the internship; I only have great things to say about it. I'm so glad I got to intern at BDO because I got to work in four different industries, which helped me transition from intern to full time.”

“BDO's internship program equipped me with experience in entry-level tasks. I felt confident going in as a full-time staff, knowing I had built a strong technical foundation as an intern. The connections and friendships I built while I was an intern made me excited to start full time. I felt supported by the same people who welcomed me into the BDO team as an intern.”

“Throughout the internship I was able to see different tax returns such as 1040, 1065, and 1120-S. Being able to see different types of returns during my internship really prepared me for my full-time role, as I got an understanding of all the returns staff are responsible for. This also allowed me to come into my full-time role with a basic understanding of at least three different tax returns, which was so helpful!”

Career Development

“Career development is a focal point of the firm, driven by wanting to help professionals succeed and making sure that we have all the tools and support to do so. Career advisors are assigned to every professional, including interns, and they provide coaching and support. There is no rush to move up within a certain timeframe, allowing professionals to advance at their own pace and comfort.”

“At BDO, you have the ability to be promoted and take on responsibility quickly if earned. You have the ability to pursue the areas of the job that you’re passionate about. BDO has a great soft skills/leadership learning program at each level of promotion and into your time as a principal.”

“Each employee has the opportunity to be set up with a buddy and a career advisor. There is also a mentorship program where you can be paired with volunteering employees from all over the country. Both the buddy system and career advising system have great benefits. The buddy system is more of an informal system where you are paired with someone one level above you to help you navigate the company. I found this system extremely valuable, because I always had someone to turn to if I had small questions and it was very helpful. One problem with it is if you’re paired with someone that does not go above and beyond. Luckily, I was paired with great buddies. For career advising, it is more formal and typically someone multiple levels above you like a manager. The advisor might bring you to lunch a few times and discuss career goals and aspirations with you. Overall, I think these systems are great, and I had great experiences with the people I was paired with.”

“Our culture is very collaborative, which lends itself to great mentoring and hands-on career development opportunities. People are empowered to be accountable and allowed to ask questions and make mistakes, which I believe fosters an environment to reach for stretch goals.”

Quality of Life

“The best part is the use of flex time, which helps a lot when you have something going on and then can work extra on a day and use that time later on in the week. The worst part is busy season, as work/life balance becomes harder during that time because you’re just a lot busier. However, that’s just part of the job.”

“During regular non-busy season hours, I feel the firm has excellent flexibility. However, busy season lasts approximately 14 to 15 weeks of the year where we are required to work a minimum of 55 to 60 billable hours. This is an extremely challenging time to find work/life balance and has a negative impact on the quality of life. Additionally, there has been an industry shortage of CPAs/qualified individuals to work at the firm and in public accounting in general. This impacts the workload. However, the firm makes significant efforts to try and make up for the intense demand of busy season. They do this through happy hours, other firm events, and allowing ample flexibility. Additionally, management (all the way up to principal level) have continuously encouraged us to speak out if we’re feeling burnt out/need help. There has always been an open-door policy at our office that I appreciate when the challenges of this industry feel overwhelming.”

“With any job in the accounting industry, there are busier seasons. The first few months of the year we are required to work 55 hours a week, which can be difficult to manage. With preparation and taking time for exercise and meal prepping, it is possible. My office also tries its best to help by providing lunches twice a week. They also throw an after-busy season party, which is always great. The summer and non-busy season times are very flexible and allow for longer vacations. Overall, they try to help you out at the firm with the busier times and have a great culture in general.”

“The firm does its best to make the office a pleasant place to work in and encourages camaraderie with community lunches, open-door policies (managers and up), and occasional social events. The office itself is beautifully laid out with open plan desks near large windows so the floor feels spacious and light-filled. Busy season is always the hardest time, but management does its best to ensure work is equitably distributed and staff are taking care of themselves. Directors and principals are in the trenches with us, just at a higher level.”

Salary and Benefits

“They pay well, have decent benefits, and have many perks, including occasional free lunches, free snacks in the office, PTO, etc. I have no complaints about the overall salary, benefits, and perks.”

“I am moderately satisfied with my salary, although I wish it were a bit more at this point. I am optimistic that it will increase next year. Benefits are solid, including a nice 401(k) match and the newly created employee stock ownership plan. Paid time off is also very good when you make manager (several weeks per year). PTO is decent for associates and seniors but much less than managers and above.”

“I do not feel that my compensation is adequate for the hours worked, intense workload demanded, and inflation. However, this could be due to economic factors, the firm’s overall financial state, and several other factors. Our firm also offers us an ESOP which fully vests in 6 years. The firm often allows us to expense lunch and provides excellent benefits.”

“For the number of hours we work during busy season, salaries could be higher, but that is the public accounting norm. The benefits and perks of the firm are wonderful.”

Wellness Efforts

“We are provided counselling sessions through Talkspace. We have access to Total Brain for meditation and relaxation. We have offers for fitness (some offices have an on-site gym).”

“BDO typically offers programs such as counseling services, providing access to mental health resources to support emotional and psychological well-being. Exercise programs are also available, which may include gym memberships, on-site fitness classes, or partnerships with local fitness centers. The firm encourages mindfulness practices through meditation sessions or workshops to help employees manage stress and improve focus. Nutrition education is another key component, offering guidance on healthy eating habits through workshops, seminars, or access to nutritionists. Additionally, BDO often organizes wellness challenges, promoting healthy habits and encouraging physical activity among employees. Flexible work arrangements, such as flexible scheduling or remote work options, are also supported to enhance work/life balance. BDO's commitment to wellness is generally reflected in their efforts to create a supportive work environment, emphasizing the importance of employee well-being, and encouraging participation in wellness programs. However, the level of support and specific initiatives may vary by location and office.”

“My office has a step challenge every busy season, encouraging people to walk more during our stressful times of the year. The firm also has meditation apps for mental wellness. The firm's formal flex policy is used often by my peers who need additional time during their day to aid their wellness in one way or another.”

“There are wellness initiatives and an Employee Assistance Program in place. The information is readily available but could be presented front and center a little more often, especially during busy season. There is free gym access at my office building for employees.”

Community Engagement

“The company culture does a lot to make all people feel safe and welcome at work. I appreciate the firm’s program to match $300 worth of donations to nonprofits annually and how they increase that to $1,000 match on Giving Tuesday.”

“The best aspect from my experience is the inclusivity. I don't find that these diversity initiatives need much advertising; I find that the people are always accepting and do not judge or have prejudice against race, sex, gender, and sexual orientation. The firm does also promote philanthropy and charitable giving, community involvement and engagement. The worst aspect is that the involvement is based on office and reliant on key individuals to organize and galvanize such charitable giving and community involvement. On a national scale, there is a lot of great work being done and planned.”

“I think BDO does its best to accommodate everyone from all backgrounds. The culture is extremely inclusive. One time my office had a trans woman come in and speak to employees about her experiences and she gave a presentation about LGBTQ+ challenges. It was a well-received meeting and good experience to be a part of. They also take part in the Pride parades in Orlando and Tampa and invite employees to join in. It feels like a very safe environment in terms of diversity and inclusion. Additionally, there are a lot of women in executive roles at the company. BDO also has sponsored tables at the annual UCF Women in Accounting Symposium, a conference to promote women in accounting.”

“The firm has a BDO Counts program on a national and firm level. We also have a BDO Pride Alliance for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies. Our firm also holds several events for different cultural holidays. In addition, the firm hosts many charity events the staff can volunteer in (Farmers Against Hunger, Soup Kitchens, Big Brother/Sister program, food/toy donations, etc.).”

Business Outlook

“The business outlook is focused on improving audit quality and developing and retaining good, trained people, which makes me confident in the long-term vision of the firm. The ESOP gave everyone a little bit of financial stake in the firm, so we all feel invested and can directly contribute to overall firm success.”

“BDO is growing rapidly and continuing to secure its position as a top middle-market competitor. However, employee morale is low. Employees feel overworked and underpaid. Leadership sometimes is tone deaf to the negative impacts their decisions have made on employees.”

“BDO’s business outlook has experienced significant changes, particularly since transitioning to a corporation and later to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). These shifts have introduced both challenges and changes in the firm’s culture and operations. Previously, BDO celebrated achievements with extravagant dinners for a job well done, but such acknowledgments have diminished over time. The introduction of an offshore team in India to reduce costs has also impacted operations. While cost-effective, this move has led to frustrations, as the offshore team is often perceived as not matching the caliber of U.S. workers, and employees are compelled to use the RISE system. The firm's focus on EBITDA has intensified. Cost-cutting measures are evident, with downsizing efforts in the Chicago office and a push to bill clients monthly, charging for even minor services. This approach emphasizes rapid collection of payments, which can feel transactional and impersonal. Overall, while BDO’s business outlook is focused on financial growth, these strategies have affected employee morale and the firm’s traditional values.”

“Overall, I am confident that the firm is doing well and trying to get the right clients to work with. However, I am concerned by a lack of hiring in the past two years, resulting in lower staffing and replacement rates. This was due to prior leadership in my office. I am confident that the current leadership is striving to correct those errors. However, this will likely be a one- to three-year journey rather than a quick fix.”

UPPERS
“Collaborative culture and kind, intelligent, supportive, hardworking coworkers”
“Ability to work remotely and flexible work schedule”
“Professional development and growth opportunities”

DOWNERS
“Long hours during busy season”
“Deadline stress”
“Inadequate compensation”