Too Much Politics - Anonymous employee BDO Employee Review

3.0
10 Mar 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Big 4 structure without being a number; Much better learning than the big 4 because the jobs are smaller, so you are not stuck at one client for three months - variety is huge; Overall, everyone is pleasant, supportive and helpful at face value. Compensation is comparable to other similar firms and big 4, bonuses were actually paid, surprising in the current economy. Lots and lots of work hours, yet better work life balance than big 4.

Cons

Incredible amount of politics, among other things everyone goes around you to your boss, to their boss, on every little thing, then you get negative feedback from the top; Certain partners/senior management make it difficult to enjoy the work, many quit because of these individuals, but that is common in many firms; People hired outside as opposed to grown within the firm feel like outsiders for years, many leave; Health/Dental plans are not at par with similar firms, it's surprising that the office keeps insisting that they are. Comparing to 7 other similar companies they have the worst. Fitness allowance is comparable, mat benefits don't kick in for 2 years, unlike other firms.

Explore other reviews about BDO

5.0
11 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Flexible work schedule and great leadership

Cons

Workload sometimes is a lot, but that is normal for the industry.

1.0
22 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

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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