Careers

We understand that being the leader in exceptional client service begins – and ends – with exceptional regard for our people

Relationships matter in our work and interactions with clients, and in the way we work and interact with each other. What differentiates BDO as an employer is our focus on relationships. We’re proud to have our people share their stories about how working at BDO has helped their careers take flight.

Pat Mokgatle

I elevate people by having a clear plan, clear expectations and direction; In the next 3 years, I don’t know where I’m going to find a job but I must find the next role within BDO


Donve Forbes, Audit Partner

Elevating People is where my passion lies. I enjoy my one-on-one interactions with staff, playing a role in their mentorship and making an impact in them to elevate themselves


Alethia Chetty, Partner and Head of Markets: Financial Services

I elevate people by being a role model and living the BDO values everyday in my personal and professional life, and act as an ethical leader by empowering my team to be the best that they can be.

SOME BENEFITS OF BEING AT BDO

COMPULSORY BENEFITS

At BDO, the wellbeing of our employees and their families is always top of mind. As a responsible employer, we include the compulsory benefits below as part of our complete employee benefit package.

MEDICAL AID

We take part in extensive comparative research of schemes to ensure that the scheme we select is best placed to protect or enhance the well-being of employees and their immediate families, consequently with regards to Medical aid, we are contracted to the Chartered Accountants Medical Aid Fund (CAMAF).

After review of the plans, you can select the plan that you feel best suits your needs. Please note that if your start date is after the 15th day of the month, medical aid cover will be active at the beginning of the following month. This is a compulsory benefit that is deducted from your Cost To Company (CTC), unless you are a dependent on your partner’s medical aid.

PROVIDENT FUND

All permanent full-time employees who are between the ages of 18 and 65 years will become members of the Momentum BDO retirement fund.

The contribution is based on 80% of the guaranteed package and employees can choose to contribute 10%, 12.5% or 15%. This is a compulsory benefit that is deducted from your CTC.    

GROUP LIFE AND DISABILITY COVER

In addition to corporate rates and discounts on select services, BDO provides other opportunities that enable you to receive financial support and have access to bonus payments, rewards and savings.

HYBRID WORK

We believe your career growth is faster when you learn from people in the same room as you. But that doesn’t mean you have to fight traffic every day to get to work. Instead, we’ll develop a working model that suits you, your clients and the BDO office you’re based in.

MOBILE PHONE, DATA & WIFI ALLOWANCE

As a BDO staff member, you are entitled to a firm sponsored data contract for work on the go.

HIGH PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES & OVERTIME

An annual performance review with your manager will highlight people who exceed their KPIs and are eligible for a lucrative performance bonus*.

TAKING LEAVE

We take part in extensive comparative research of schemes to ensure that the scheme we select is best placed to protect orWe believe in the value of taking time off, so we offer 17 days’ annual leave to our employees, increasing over time to a maximum of 22 days. In addition to other statutory leave, you also get birthday leave and bereavement leave.

WELLBEING

Life can become overwhelming at times, which is why our licensed psychologists are available to all staff for any issue free of charge. We also run monthly wellness workshops and virtual fitness sessions. In addition, our Wealth Advisory division is available to help you make good financial

OTHER PERKS

BDO offers a Referral Rewards Programme that incentivises you for referring a staff-member or client to the firm. You can also join our Sports & Social Committee to help us plan non-work events like Friday drinks, quiz evenings, party rides, you name it.


BDO GRADUATE BROCHURE 2023

Our employees: People & Culture information

Elevating our people – the heart of our business 

At BDO, we believe that a fresh perspective on employee connection and satisfaction leads to a higher level of performance. By introducing ‘THRIVE,’ we aim to elevate our employees’ day-to-day experiences, ensuring they feel valued, understood, and empowered to achieve their personal and professional best.

Our commitment to ‘THRIVE’ stems from our purpose, values and business growth pillars. We understand that the well-being of our people directly influences our ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Elevating our workforce through comprehensive support and development programmes is not only right but essential for maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

‘THRIVE’ is about leveraging our expertise in creating environments that foster growth and innovation. By focusing on comprehensive career development, continuous learning opportunities, and robust health and well-being programmes, we enhance our employees’ ability to contribute effectively to our clients’ success and to complex challenges on a global scale.

‘THRIVE’ is implemented through our commitment to a culture of inclusion and diversity. By operating as One BDO, we harness the power of our diverse, multigenerational workforce, enabling them with the tools and resources necessary to succeed. Collaborative platforms, mentorship programmes, and innovative technologies are just a few ways we ensure every employee has the opportunity to thrive.

B-BBEE Level 1

BDO South Africa is recognised as being a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor. As part of the scoring process for this certification, BDO scored well in the areas of ownership, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, as well as socio-economic development. For the 2023 year-end ownership was at 57.27% Black Owned.

Developing talent

A key focus for the year has been on further developing our strategic partnerships with the top learning institutions across South Africa. We have also expanded our reach to a number of historically disadvantaged universities. We continue to run learning-based competitions at selected universities in an effort to help students develop academically.

These competitions also provide students with the opportunity to interact with some of our people and gain a better understanding of our firm and the industry at large.

Our Annual BDO Financial Services Advisory hackathon challenged students to formulate innovative solutions to crypto currencies and emerging market technologies such as web 3.0 for Financial Services Advisory.

We have also hosted vacation programmes and job shadow experiences for students who want a first-hand experience of our workplace culture and environment. This empowers them with the knowledge and experience to make the right career decisions for themselves.


Yes Programme

In South Africa, we are aware of the major skills gap in the country, and we have made a deliberate effort to contribute to filling this gap in recent years.

In the 2023 financial year-end we partnered with Yes4Youth, employing 32 Yes Interns to take on various roles across our South African offices for a period of 12 months. For many graduates of the Yes4Youth programme, the experience, CV and reference letter have been a passport to permanent, entry-level work.

Working at BDO

1
01. BUSINESS EDUCATION
Our CSI committee drives support for those in need.
02. EXPOSURE
02. EXPOSURE
Our clients are large JSE-listed companies, private companies, public sector entities and individuals.
03. CORE VALUES DRIVE OUR FIRM
03. CORE VALUES DRIVE OUR FIRM
Our staff work hard to support our values and what matters to them, matters to us.   
04. WE CARE
04. WE CARE
Our CSI committee drives support for those in need.
05. PROFESSIONAL BUT FUN
05. PROFESSIONAL BUT FUN
We work hard but also play hard.                                                                                                                                                     
06. YOUR CAREER
 06. YOUR CAREER
Your future grounded in a strong foundation.          
07. TRAVEL
07. TRAVEL
See the world on a secondment.                                                                                                                                                           
08. MORE OPPORTUNITIES
08. MORE OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities to work in industry sector teams, thereby broadening your experience.
09. RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
09. RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
Hands-on involvement with clients and colleagues.
10. LOCATION
10. LOCATION
We have offices in 7 locations in South Africa (5 of which run graduate programmes) and 167 countries globally.

What do we ask of our people?

The heart of our business isn’t about numbers and spreadsheets – it’s about our people. BDO is committed to providing an environment for Partners and staff that empowers them to work to their full potential and pursue their interests outside of BDO. We look to our people to:

  • Consistently deliver exceptional client service
  • Be active in building client relationships and growing the business
  • Contribute ideas and listen to the views of others
  • Put effort into developing strong working relationships
  • Continually add to our atmosphere of trust and cooperation
  • Be committed to the personal and professional growth of themselves and others.



What we offer

Our people identify career development, empowerment, a collaborative and personal culture, flexibility and being part of a growing global firm as the core attributes that define us as an employer.

  • Flexibility - your career with us is just one important aspect of your life
  • Career development – buddy and mentor programs, along with professional development, to support your growth
  • Empowerment – an environment where working directly with clients is encouraged
  • Collaboration - a culture based on our values of ONE, BOLD, HUMAN, STRIVE and HEART
  • Inclusion and diversity – a feeling of belonging and respect
  • A growing global firm – a strong local presence together with global reach and global opportunities.

Our Values

Through Project Siyakhula, we elevate our approach to quality through action plans, focusing on:

  • Firm Culture: We emphasise audit quality through strong leadership messages, setting clear expectations, and leading by example.
  • Experience and Expertise: We elevate our team by increasing the use of experts among partners and staff.
  • Supervision and Review: We enhance partner involvement in audit planning and execution, implementing rigorous review processes both during and after engagements.
  • Accountability: We link audit quality to remuneration for engagement and review partners, extending this accountability to firm leadership.


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“The BDO brand elevates its elevation multiplier effect, enabling us to seize abundant opportunities in auditing, advisory and tax. We are able to successfully manage large-scale and complex projects, and in doing so, elevate people, business and society.” Bonga Mokoena, CEO, BDO South Africa