2026 Black Heritage Insight programme in Leeds

Overview

A Bit About Us: Big enough to matter. Personal enough to care. That’s BDO.

Location: London, Leeds and Birmingham

Applications close: Monday 9th March

About the Programme

The BDO Black Heritage Insight Programme is your opportunity to learn, connect, and take the first step into a world of possibility. Over two days, you’ll get under the skin of life at BDO. You’ll explore what careers in accounting really look like, hear from inspiring people, and build valuable skills for your future. You’ll take part in interactive sessions, hear stories from our people, and put your learning into practice. There’s even a chance to fast-track your way into a Summer Internship, Graduate Programme, or a paid university Brand Ambassador role. Like the careers we offer, this opportunity goes way beyond the ordinary.

And a Bit About Accountancy

Accountancy is more than you might think. At BDO, you’ll work on real projects, with real impact, alongside people who are supportive, down-to-earth, and genuinely enjoy what they do. We offer adaptable working, excellent benefits, and a culture that values wellbeing and balance.

You

You’re curious, ambitious and ready to explore what’s possible. You’re a student who wants to find out more about the accounting industry and where you might fit within it – we’re here to help you do just that.

Where and When

The First Day Of The Programme Will Be Virtual, With The Final Day Taking Place In Either The London, Birmingham Or Leeds Office On The Following Dates:

• Leeds- Tuesday 11th August (Teams) and Wednesday 12th August (in person)
• Birmingham- Tuesday 18th August (Teams) and Wednesday 19th August (in person)
• London- Tuesday 25th August (Teams) and Wednesday 26th August (in person)

You must live within a commutable distance to the office you would like to apply for. We are also able to support with travel expenses.

About You

This programme is aimed at students of Black Heritage who want to learn more about careers in accounting. We’re looking for candidates who are studying towards an undergraduate degree and in their first, second or third year (of a 4 year course) and meet our social mobility criteria. Eligible candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Be on track to achieve a 2:2 degree in any discipline.
• Have three A-levels or equivalent at grades A*-C (excluding General Studies and Extended Projects).
• Have GCSEs/Scottish Standards in Maths and English at grades 9-4 (or equivalent).

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK from the start date, as we are unable to sponsor visas for this programme.

To Help Us Support Those Who Need It Most, We Follow The Social Mobility Commission’s Guidance. Eligible Candidates May Be Considered If The Main Earner In Their Household Works In:

• Technical or craft work: motor mechanic, plumber, printer, gardener, train driver, electrician
• Routine, semi-routine, manual, and service work: postal worker, machine operative, security guard, caretaker, farm worker, sales assistant, HGV driver, cleaner, porter, packer, labourer
• Long-term unemployed: claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance or earlier unemployment benefit for over a year

Not sure if your background qualifies? Apply anyway – our team will confirm once they’ve reviewed your application.

How the application process will go

Once you apply, you’ll complete an online test and a video interview. Don’t worry – we’ll send you tips and guidance to help you prepare. You’ll need access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. If that’s a barrier, just let us know – we’re here to support you. We’ll keep you updated at each stage and share tips to help you prepare. And just so you know: we don’t use AI in any part of our candidate screening process. Every application is reviewed by a real person.

Before you go

We’ve got 17 offices across the UK, but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of a team that cares. You’ll learn by doing, be supported by people who’ve been in your shoes, and build skills that actually matter. We’re serious about your well-being, adaptable about how you work, and offer benefits that support you inside and outside of work.

Big enough to open doors. Personal enough to walk through them with you. Go Beyond the Ordinary with BDO. Apply now.

Our firm 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.