Too Much Politics - Anonymous employee BDO Employee Review

3.0
Mar 10, 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Big 4 structure without being a number; Much better learning than the big 4 because the jobs are smaller, so you are not stuck at one client for three months - variety is huge; Overall, everyone is pleasant, supportive and helpful at face value. Compensation is comparable to other similar firms and big 4, bonuses were actually paid, surprising in the current economy. Lots and lots of work hours, yet better work life balance than big 4.

Cons

Incredible amount of politics, among other things everyone goes around you to your boss, to their boss, on every little thing, then you get negative feedback from the top; Certain partners/senior management make it difficult to enjoy the work, many quit because of these individuals, but that is common in many firms; People hired outside as opposed to grown within the firm feel like outsiders for years, many leave; Health/Dental plans are not at par with similar firms, it's surprising that the office keeps insisting that they are. Comparing to 7 other similar companies they have the worst. Fitness allowance is comparable, mat benefits don't kick in for 2 years, unlike other firms.

Explore other reviews about BDO

5.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work life balance and range of opportunities

Cons

Tools available and total pay

2.0
Jun 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There actually are great people, but you play manager roulette.

Cons

BDO is notorious for promoting people who just never leave. The middle of the road, not great, not awful, people get promoted over and over again. There have been changes every 3 seconds since the ESOP. Terrible communication around change (non-existent). My manager's favorite term was "We are building the plane as we fly it". After 4 years, I was hoping to have more plane built. It was never built.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All