2027 Advisory Graduate Programme - South East

BDO UK; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO UK is inviting graduates to join its Advisory Graduate Programme. Over three years you will gain hands-on experience while studying towards the ACA, learning from partners and directors on challenging client projects across M&A, forensic accounting and valuation services.

You’ll balance study and work, build client relationships and progress toward a permanent role with the firm. The intake starts in September 2027 with organisation-wide induction, and you’ll be supported by a network of

Qualifications

• 2:2 degree in any discipline required
• Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C
• GCSEs at grade 4 or above in Maths and English
• The right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship not provided)

Responsibilities

• Participate in Advisory Graduate Programme and work on client-facing projects
• Learn from partners and directors and contribute to audit, assurance and advisory work
• Develop technical, commercial and management skills through client assignments

Job description

A Bit About Us

Big responsibility. Personal support. That's Beyond the Ordinary.

A Bit About Us

Big responsibility. Personal support. That's Beyond the Ordinary.

Want to solve complex problems, work with clients and build experience across challenging projects? Welcome to the Advisory Graduate Programme at BDO.

The programme starts on Monday, 20th September 2027, for an organisation-wide induction (you need to be able to attend).

A Bit About Advisory

Advisory at BDO can mean working on everything from business restructuring to fraud investigations, with specialist areas spanning Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Forensic Accounting and Valuation Services (FAVS), to Business Restructuring. You'll use creative and analytical thinking to tackle real challenges, while working alongside experienced colleagues and senior leaders.

You'll get the chance to take on responsibility, build client experience and develop your confidence as you go. And while you'll be trusted to step up, you'll have people around you to ask questions, learn from and support your development.

It's big responsibility with personal support - and the chance to see where your strengths can take you.

And a Bit About The Programme

Over three years, you'll gain hands-on experience while studying towards a professional qualification - the ACA.

You'll learn directly from subject matter experts while building your technical, commercial and management skills through client work. As your experience grows, so will the responsibility you're given - with opportunities to contribute to projects, build client relationships and develop specialist expertise.

Our graduates talk about working directly with partners and directors, leading client conversations and taking on responsibility earlier than they expected. They also talk about having approachable people around them to help as they develop.

It means you can keep stretching yourself while having the personal support to build your confidence and shape where your career goes next.

When you successfully complete the programme and pass the exams, you'll be fully qualified as an accountant, and guaranteed a permanent role with us.

As for you

You're adaptable, curious and ready to get involved. You enjoy solving problems, thinking things through and working with other people.

You don't need to arrive knowing everything. Bring your logical thinking, curiosity and willingness to learn, and you'll have the experience and support to develop from there.

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One thing to note: you'll need to live within a commutable distance of the office you apply to. Relocation support is not provided, so please consider this carefully before applying. Time together in person matters - whether that's in the office or with clients. It gives you more opportunities to learn from your team, build relationships and get the most from working together.

Is it for you? To apply, you'll need

• A minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline (obtained or predicted)
• Three A-levels (or equivalent) at A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects), or four Scottish Highers or Advanced Highers at grade A-B (or equivalent, for example BTEC Extended Diploma). Please note: we do not use UCAS points. You'll be asked to provide evidence if you're successful in securing an offer
• GCSEs at grade 4 and above in Maths and English, or Scottish National 5 grade A-C. You'll also need to provide evidence if successful
• Commitment to balance study and professional work
• The right to work in the UK (we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for these roles as they do not meet the current minimum salary requirements for sponsorship set by the Home Office. Applications from candidates who have their own legal right to work within the UK must cover the duration of their 3-year training contract and employment)

How The Interview Process Will Go

• Online application form.
• Online assessments.
• Video interview.
• Virtual assessment centre.
• Final interview in person.

What You Get In Return

Our benefits are designed to support your life in and outside of work, with options including additional leave, gym membership and employee discounts, alongside pension, health and wellbeing support and a range of protection benefits.

Salary

£30,000 - £32,000 dependable on location.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th November 2026.

Before you go

Wherever you join BDO, you'll have the chance to learn by doing, work with clients and build your career with people around you to support your development.

The opportunity to build your experience, confidence and career without having to do it alone.

Big responsibility. Personal support.

That's Beyond the Ordinary.

Our organisation is distinctive because we preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.