BDO reviews

3.5

62% would recommend to a friend

(10,353 total reviews)

Pat Kramer and Peter van Laer

73% approve of CEO

57% positive business outlook

BDO has an employee rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 10,353 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The BDO employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Finanzen industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

10K reviews
2.0
Jan 9, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Higher than average base salary levels compared to other similar accounting firms. Well-rounded suite of benefits. Flex time is offered and is one of the focal points of the interview process. Decent culture with many social events offered throughout the year. Ability to work from home on a semi-regular basis. Friendly people who work hard. "Career Advisor" system works well. Many opportunities for career advancement. PTO bank system with higher than average total PTO. Decent severance package depending on tenure with the firm.

Cons

Lower than average and almost laughable annual bonus. By the way, this is also the main reason base salary levels are higher than average so go for it if you don't mind getting a mediocre bonus for your efforts. Bonuses are discretionary and you will receive close to if not the same payout as others at your level no matter how hard you bust your hump and no matter how high you score on your performance reviews. Everything is based on how your business unit performs, not on how YOU perform. Very quiet office setting which diminishes the culture to "all work and no play" even though the firm seems to pride itself in its new cultural design. Even after working there for a good amount of time it seemed as though nothing had changed. Seems like the firm is stuck in its ways and is still adhering to the model of old school accounting firms. Though flex time is offered it is nearly impossible to get approval for it. I never tried but those who did had to jump through multiple hoops and go through multiple senior staff for approval. It also seemed as though those on flex were looked down upon because they didn't have to be in the office every day. Surprising as this is one of the main selling points of the firm when you're interviewing for a position. Internal processes such as billing, expense reports, etc. are excruciatingly complicated. Everything you are required to put into the "system" takes forever and the process is cryptic even with proper training. Be prepared to live your life according to billable time. Yes, this is how accounting firms make money but the firm is also insane about scrutinizing every minute of your day and you will be reprimanded at a higher and higher level for non-compliance. As in most large firms, back-stabbing and organizational hierarchy run rampant and are the root of all evil. The firm operates on an antiquated partner system which no one seems to be willing to change. Most members of senior management seem to be out for themselves and could care less about who they step on to gain more power. The exit process is quick, cold, and completely impersonal no matter if you chose to leave or were forced to leave.

4.0
Dec 11, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Opportunities for personal growth and skill development are plentiful. A majority of a consultant's time will be spent becoming experienced in technologies they already know very well, but a significant minority is also spent learning new things. If you have a main passion but also like to branch out into other exciting technologies, SWC is a great place to work. Also, the team at SWC works hard together AND plays hard together, making it an engaging place to work.

Cons

As is the nature of the business, consulting can be extremely stressful. As such, it is not a job for everybody. After 4 years, I was feeling burned out and in need of a change to a much less stressful environment. Also, opportunities for advancement, in some cases, tend to feel more tied to favoritism rather than the individual's merit.

1.0
Oct 9, 2014

Disgusting company

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Leaving the company for good.

Cons

The stuck up, biased and most patronising people I have every come across.

Viewing 454 - 456 of 10,353 Reviews

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