Accounting High School Leaver Program 2027 - CA Fundamentals Pathway

We’re BDO, a global professional services firm connected to local markets. Our people work together to provide specialist expertise, helping businesses achieve their goals.

We inspire others, to go further. We create together, to reach higher. We build trust, to lead purposefully.

Whether you're building your future or starting your career with us, you won’t do it alone. From creating solutions for our clients to building careers for our people, we shape what matters, and that’s where you come in.

• Looking for an alternative to university? If you completed high school within the past three years, you could avoid university debt and start building your accounting career through BDO’s High School Leavers Program.
• High school leavers can ‘earn-while-you-learn’ with a paid, full-time role.
• Undertake online study with CA ANZ, working towards a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (GradDipCA).
• BDO covers the cost of your online CA ANZ study and provides paid study leave to help balance work and learning.

Join BDO and begin your journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant through the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ) pathway for high school leavers. You’ll work full-time, learn from experienced professionals, contribute to real client work and build a strong foundation in accounting and business through, on-the-job training and mentoring.

While working at BDO, you’ll begin the online study pathway towards becoming a qualified Chartered Accountant. You’ll receive dedicated paid study time to help you balance work and learning. In your first year, you’ll complete CA Fundamentals, followed by CA Foundations in your second year. These stages build the essential knowledge and skills you’ll need before progressing to the CA Program. The full pathway takes around four years, giving you valuable work experience and a head start on your career while you study.

Available opportunities may include Audit, Business Services or CFO Advisory, depending on your location and the positions available. We’ll discuss suitable team options with you throughout the recruitment process.

About you

We’re looking for enthusiastic school leavers who:

• Are 18 years of age or older when the program starts
• Have completed high school within the past three years (2024 onwards)
• Have completed a Year 12 Mathematics subject
• Have a strong interest in accounting, business, or commerce
• Are curious, reliable and keen to learn in a professional environment
• Enjoy working with others and being part of a team
• Have strong communication and time management skills
• Are an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or have the full right to work in Australia

What you’ll get at BDO

• Paid, full-time work in a leading accounting, auditing and advisory firm
• Paid course fees to complete CA Fundamentals, and additional support for CA Foundations & the CA Program as you progress towards becoming a Chartered Accountant
• Exposure to practical, on-the-job learning from day one
• A supportive team, with buddy and mentor guidance
• Coaching and check-ins with a dedicated program manager
• Study support and flexibility to balance work and learning
• Fun team culture, wellness benefits and social events

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply’ to create your Workday account and complete the application form. You’ll be asked to select your preferred location and upload your most recent high school results, resume and a one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in the program.

We review applications right away, so don't wait to apply.

Our friendly Student Recruitment team is here to support you throughout the process. If you have any questions or require adjustments during recruitment, please contact [email protected].

Why BDO?

Working for BDO you will be part of a growing and market leading professional services firm.

Our national and global footprint provides our people with opportunities to work on interesting client engagements, across diverse industry sectors and services.

Our open and collaborative culture ensures access to Partners and professional mentors, to guide and accelerate your professional career, across a wide array of career pathways.

We provide our people with various health and wellbeing, social, financial, and professional development benefits to help realise what’s possible.

Participate in fitness challenges or take advantage of exclusive discounts to corporate health insurance, gym memberships and wellness facilities via our BWell program. Access benefits such as travel perks, retail discounts, employee referral rewards, study, and professional development support.

Our leave options cater to the unique needs of our people; and include enhanced family support, cultural and religious leave, and options to purchase additional leave. You can also give back and get involved in community initiatives via our BCaring program.

With a strong focus on learning and growth, we provide on the job training and formal development programs to help you succeed in your role and develop your skills and experience.

Our inclusive culture is underpinned by our core values (One, Bold, Human, Heart and Strive).

We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2025-2026 by Diversity Council of Australia and a 2026-2028 Employer Committed to Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).

BDO is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment practices. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview process, we encourage you to contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]