BDO Yorkshire continues to invest in early career opportunities with 34 new roles

Accountancy and advisory firm BDO has opened applications for 34 new trainee positions in its Leeds 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, 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.

Gareth Singleton, regional managing partner at BDO in Yorkshire & the North East, commented: “Just a few weeks after welcoming more than 20 new trainees to our offices in Leeds, 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 Yorkshire and the North East, 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.”

Rachel Jackson, a tax trainee in BDO’s Leeds office, started her apprenticeship with BDO in 2022 after taking part in the Explore BDO programme.

“Explore BDO gave me an insight into what a career at BDO and in accountancy might be like, as well as giving me the opportunity to be fast tracked into applying for an apprenticeship at BDO,” says Rachel.

“Of course, for many, university is about more than just the qualification but for me an apprenticeship has meant gaining real experience of the working world as soon as I finished school, whilst also getting the chance to gain a respected professional qualification.

“Going down this route means I qualify as chartered tax adviser more quickly than if I had gone to university, without accumulating any student debt and giving me the chance to earn while I learn.
 
“Doing a programme like Explore BDO or an internship before applying for an apprenticeship is really useful. You get to know the firm and its people before deciding whether it is somewhere you think you’d enjoy working. I’d recommend it to anyone considering a career in professional services.”