Decent company to work for if you're an audit or tax professional... - Anonymous employee BDO Employee Review

2.0
Jan 9, 2015
Anonymous employee
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.

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Pros

Strong team culture and they offered great flexibility throughout the internship.

Cons

High workload during busy season (although that is expected)

1.0
Jun 22, 2026
Recommend
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Pros

Compensation is OK. There are some really nice people in the organization to work with, but you have to find them.

Cons

If you are not part of the SWC "club" (company name prior to them joining BDO), good luck. Poor leadership!!! Practice lead talks to everyone like they are talking to a CEO, not relatable in most cases. No clear employee development plans. You are held accountable for things completely outside of your individual control. They stress incorporating AI into work strategy, but have no plan on what that looks like or how to do it and want everyone to formulate it because leadership has no roadmap. One has no control over where you want to take your career, yet you are expected to know everything, about everything. As a result, you become an expert of nothing! Work assigned rarely leverages skills, almost as if they throw darts to see who works on what.

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