2027 Advisory School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme

A bit about us 

Big ambitions. Personal investment. That’s Beyond the Ordinary. 

We’re big in the mid-market. With over 8,000 people, we’re the only organisation in the mid-market above £1bn. That gives you access to serious scale and expertise, while our size and culture mean you can still get to know the people around you and make your mark early. 

Ready to start your career, get involved in client work and see where your ambitions could take you? Welcome to the Advisory School Leaver Apprenticeship at BDO. 

The programme starts on Monday, 20th September 2027, for an organisation-wide programme (you need to be able to attend). 

In Advisory, you could find yourself working on financial operations and business-critical projects – from restructuring companies to carrying out due diligence for acquisitions. BDO’s Advisory practice spans nine specialist areas, including Business Restructuring, Transaction Services and Forensic Accounting & Valuations, giving you the chance to explore different sides of the world of business. You’ll get hands-on experience, learn how different businesses work and start building your skills through client challenges. 

You’ll be trusted to get involved, but you won’t be expected to know everything from day one. You’ll join a trainee community, learn alongside your peers and have experienced people around you to answer questions, share what they know and help you build your confidence. 

It’s a place to turn big ambitions into a career, with people personally invested in your growth from the start. 

And a bit about Advisory 

Over four years, you’ll gain hands-on experience while studying towards a recognised professional qualification such as ACA or CISI. Alongside your studies, you’ll develop your commercial and management skills through challenging Advisory work. 

As your experience grows, so will the responsibility you’re given. You’ll have opportunities to work with clients, contribute to complex projects and learn directly from experienced colleagues and senior leaders. 

Starting your career straight from school is a big step, so you’ll have support along the way too. You’ll study alongside peers across the organisation and have people around you to turn to as you balance your work, studies and development. 

It’s about building strong foundations now, while giving you the experience and confidence to explore where your career could take you next. 

When you complete the programme, a permanent role is waiting for you. 

As for you 

You’re curious, resilient and ready to learn. You enjoy solving problems, thinking things through and working with other people. 

You don’t need to arrive knowing everything about Advisory. Bring your logical thinking, curiosity and willingness to get involved, and you’ll gain the experience and support to develop from there. 

Join us in one of the following teams;

Business Restructuring - Birmingham 

Business Services & Outsourcing - London 

Risk Advisory Services - Birmingham 

Risk Advisory Services - London 

One thing to note: you’ll need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to. 

Relocation support is not provided, so please consider this carefully before applying. Time together in person matters – whether that’s in the office or with clients. It gives you more opportunities to learn from your team, build relationships and get the most from working together. 

Is it for you? To apply, you’ll need: 

• Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Advanced Highers at grade A-B (or equivalent, for example, BTEC Extended Diploma). Please note: we do not use UCAS points. You’ll be asked to provide evidence if you’re successful in securing an offer 

• GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C. You’ll also need to provide evidence if successful 

• Commitment to balance study and professional work 

• The right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for these roles as they do not meet the current minimum salary requirements for sponsorship set by the Home Office. Applications from candidates who have their own legal right to work within the UK must cover the duration of their 4-year training contract and employment) 

How the interview process will go 

We want you to know what to expect, so here’s the typical process: 

• Online application form. 

• Online assessments. 

• Video interview. 

• Virtual assessment centre. 

• Final interview in person. 

We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share tips to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a real person. 

What you get in return 

Our benefits are designed to support your life in and outside of work, with options including additional leave, gym membership and employee discounts, alongside pension, health and wellbeing support and a range of protection benefits. 

Salary 

£26,615 - £28,275 (Depending on location)

Closing date Sunday 15th November 2026

Before you go 

Starting your career is a big step. At BDO, you’ll get the chance to learn by doing, work on client challenges and build strong foundations for where you want to go next. 

You’ll bring the big ambitions. You’ll have people around you investing in your learning, confidence and development from the start. 

Big ambitions. Personal investment. 

That’s Beyond the Ordinary. 

Apply now. 

Our organisation is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.

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