BDO South West opens 29 new roles

Accountancy and advisory firm BDO has opened applications for 29 new trainee positions in its Bristol office as it continues to invest in its early in career programmes.

The 2025 trainee cohort will join the firm’s 8,000-strong workforce across its Audit, Tax, Deals, and Consulting, Risk and Outsourcing teams.

Applications are open for school leaver apprenticeships, graduates and university students undertaking a 12-month industrial placement. The majority will join the firm in September 2025, with applications now open until 5th January 2025.

As part of its commitment to improving access to accountancy, BDO will also open applications for its summer work experience and insight programmes later in the year.

‘Explore BDO’ is a three-day insight programme aimed at improving social mobility and access to accountancy for those from less privileged backgrounds. The programme is open to students in years 12-13 who meet the lower socio-economic criteria and are looking to understand what a career in accountancy might look like.

The firm will also recruit for its annual Black Heritage programme, aimed at first year university students. Both programmes are open to candidates from across the UK.

David Brookes, regional managing partner at BDO in the South West, said: “Just a few weeks after welcoming 25 new trainees to our office in Bristol, I am delighted we are starting our search for next year’s recruits and an even larger intake.

“Today’s world can feel uncertain especially for young people making some important life decisions. Our role in progressing the next generation of professionals has never been more important.

“By offering a number of entry routes into the profession, including school leaver apprenticeships, we are determined to help improve access to accountancy in the South West and kickstart a fulfilling and potentially lifelong career for those who join us.”

“Initiatives like BDO’s Black Heritage and Explore BDO insight programmes, designed for those who may not have considered or know much about a career in accountancy, have a huge role in diversifying the talent pool in our industry.”