At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior partners and managers with administrative and personal assistance.
- Company: Join BDO, a leading accountancy and business advisory firm.
- Benefits: Agile working, career development programmes, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for networking and learning.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that fuels the UK economy.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We’re BDO, an accountancy and business advisory firm, providing the advice and solutions entrepreneurial organisations need to navigate today’s changing world. We work with the companies that are Britain’s economic engine – ambitious, entrepreneurially-spirited and high‑growth businesses that fuel the economy – and directly advise the owners and management teams leading them.
Playing an important support role at BDO, our Secretarial and Administration team contributes to our success by taking responsibility for planning and organisation. Their proactive approach ensures our projects operate seamlessly and co-operation remains strong across our firm. Joining this team, you’ll enjoy a friendly and supportive environment – and plenty of variety to keep you on your toes.
You’ll be someone who is both comfortable working proactively and managing your own tasks, as well as confident collaborating with others and communicating regularly with senior managers, directors, and BDO’s partners. You’ll be encouraged to identify and draw attention to opportunities for enhancing our delivery and providing additional services to organisations we work with.
This role will provide a full range of support for Partners (including senior Partners) and a group of managers - providing administrative, business and personal assistance within the department and becoming an integral member of the support team.
Key responsibilities:- Demonstrable experience within a similar role
- Intermediate to advanced level of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Fast accurate typing skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to manage / prioritise tasks
- Be a proactive member of the team
- Ability to readily understand the Group’s and Firm’s environment, the Firm’s structure and culture
- Ability in exercising initiative, discretion and organisation
- Be able to identify and evaluate problems and demonstrate the ability to approach and tackle problems effectively
- Be flexible and able to adjust quickly when priorities change
- Ability to communicate at all levels within the Firm and externally
- Work on own initiative and be self‑motivated
- Ability to pay attention to detail
- Awareness of BDO Brand, layout of documents etc.
- Be forthright when necessary
- Able to work in an area which is task orientated
- Ability to adhere to strict deadlines
- Ability to work within a team environment
- Proactive in driving things forward
- Ability to chase partners
- Ability to see things through from start to finish and staying on top of to‑do lists
You’ll be able to be yourself; we’ll recognise and value you for who you are and celebrate and reward your contributions to our business. We’re committed to agile working, and we offer everyone the opportunity to work in ways that suit them, their teams, and the task at hand.
At BDO, we’ll help you achieve your personal goals and career ambitions, and we have programmes, resources, and frameworks that provide clarity and structure around career development.
Mutual support and respect is one of BDO’s core values and we’re proud of our distinctive, people‑centred culture. From informal success conversations to formal mentoring and coaching, we’ll support you at every stage in your career, whatever your personal and professional needs.
Our agile working framework helps us stay connected, bringing teams together where and when it counts so they can share ideas and help one another. At BDO, you’ll always have access to the people and resources you need to do your best work.
We know that collaboration is the key to creating value and satisfying experiences at work, so we’ve invested in state‑of‑the‑art collaboration spaces in our offices. BDO’s people represent a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and we’ll encourage you to build your network, work alongside others, and share your skills and experiences. With a range of multidisciplinary events and dedicated resources, you’ll never stop learning at BDO.
At BDO, we help entrepreneurial businesses to succeed, fuelling the UK economy. Our success is powered by our people, which is why we’re always finding new ways to invest in you. Across the UK thousands of unique minds continue to come together to help companies we work with to achieve their ambitions.
We’ve got a clear purpose, and we’re confident in our future, because we’re adapting and evolving to build on our strengths, ensuring we continue to find the right combination of global reach, integrity and expertise. We shape the future together with openness and clarity, because we believe in empowering people to think creatively about how we can do things better.
Personal Assistant - 12 month FTC in London employer: BDO UK
At BDO, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values each individual's contributions. As a Personal Assistant, you'll benefit from our commitment to agile working, extensive career development programmes, and a people-centred environment that fosters mutual respect and growth. With state-of-the-art collaboration spaces and a focus on continuous learning, BDO is the ideal place for those looking to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Assistant - 12 month FTC in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at BDO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching BDO’s culture and values. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their team. Bring examples of how you’ve demonstrated similar values in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with senior managers and partners, being articulate and confident is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Assistant - 12 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Personal Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we’re looking for, like your ability to manage tasks and communicate effectively with senior managers.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your intermediate to advanced skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you’ve got fast typing skills or experience with tools like Outlook and Concur, let us know! We love seeing those details.
Be Proactive:In your application, give examples of how you’ve taken initiative in previous roles. We want to see that you can identify opportunities and drive things forward, just like we do at BDO.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BDO UK
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Personal Assistant role at BDO. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and required skills mentioned in the job description. This will help you tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Proactive Nature
BDO values a proactive approach, so be ready to share examples of how you've taken initiative in previous roles. Think of specific situations where you identified a problem and took steps to resolve it without being asked. This will demonstrate your ability to manage tasks effectively and contribute positively to the team.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Personal Assistant, you'll need excellent communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points, especially when discussing how you've collaborated with senior managers or handled challenging situations.
✨Prepare Questions That Show Your Interest
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in BDO’s culture and operations. For instance, you could ask about the team dynamics or how they support professional development. This shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
