BDO

About BDO

BDO is an international accounting and tax consulting firm network. BDO reported a revenue of 7.6 billion US dollars and had 67.731 employees in 2016. BDO operates in 154 countries in over 1400 offices.

Application procedure

The first step of applying at BDO is filling in the application form. This form asks for the usual information about your education, previous experience and background information.

If your application is successful, BDO will usually invite you to do a few online reasoning tests. Usually these are verbal and numerical reasoning tests. These reasoning tests are developed by assessment test publisher CEB SHL.

In a numerical reasoning test, candidates are required to answer questions using facts and figures presented in statistical tables (work with percentages, proportions, fractions, ratios, estimations and currency conversions). Numerical reasoning tests are one of the most commonly used aptitude tests that come up during a job application. Numerical reasoning tests are standardized psychometric assessment tests that provide the employing organization with information about a candidate’s general numerical aptitude. These tests are designed to measure a candidate’s ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical or statistical data. It is intended to measure the ability to work with numerical data in a realistic workplace context.

In a verbal reasoning test, it basically comes down to reading comprehension. The test provides a better/additional insight on the expected work level of the contestant. It also provides a more accurate image of the contestant than just the CV or a job interview. Therefore, the verbal reasoning test is used to test, with or without other assessment tests, which candidate is best suited for the job.

After the reasoning tests, BDO usually invites the most suitable candidates for an interview. These interviews are for BDO to get to know you better, and get a deeper insight in your competencies. You will usually be reviewed on skills and competencies that are related to the position you applied for.

For many positions, there will be an assessment day. This day contains several activities and tests. In many cases there will be a case study and a group exercise. Furthermore, you will often be asked to do some In-Tray exercises. Usually BDO will also ask you to deliver a presentation.

During the case study, you will usually be presented with a brief about a case, and you will be asked to come up with a plan of action or to solve a problem. This case related to the job you are applying for. Thereafter you will present your findings and recommendations to the BDO assessors. Following this they will ask you some questions about your findings. At Assessment-Training.com you can practice and read more about how to successfully take do a case study.

This will then usually be followed by a group exercise. In this group exercise you will be grouped together with typically four other candidates. Again, you will be briefed with some information about a certain problem. After this you must come up with a solution together. At Assessment-Training.com you can practice and read more about how to successfully take part in a group exercise.

In an In -Tray or  E-Tray (digital equivalent) exercise BDO asks candidates to prioritize their task based on a real work scenario. You will be given a selection of letters, emails and reports in either paper or electronic format, which someone might find in their mailbox.

For the presentation exercise, you will usually also be briefed with a problem related to the position you are applying for. It is your task to prepare a short presentation for your assessors how to deal with such a problem.

BDO Assessments and Aptitude tests

BDO uses, depending on the specific job profile, one or more of the following psychometric tests during their recruitment process:

• Numerical Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension
• Deductive Reasoning
• Situational Judgement Test
• Error / Data Checking Test
• Presentation
• Interview
• Personality Test

BDO usually uses CEB/Gartner (SHL) tests to test their applicants. However, this might differ depending on where you're taking your tests. We, therefore, advise you to inquire about the test publisher and the tests that will be used during your aptitude test.

All Test Package

Click here for more information about our bundle test package that includes all of the psychometric tests that Assessment-Training.com offers!

Note: It is possible that the organization, based on specific job roles and / or specific personality traits, composes a tailored assessment. As a candidate you have the right to know what you can expect on your assessment day. Therefore, it is wise to make sure that you are well informed before the assessment and request information from the recruiting organization or assessment center where you will take your tests.

Do you have any information regarding the recruitment procedure of BDO and would you like to share this with us to help prepare other candidates ace their assessment? Please contact us here!

Examples of Psychometric test exercises:

Numerical Tests:

• Mental Arithmetic Test
• Number Sequences
• Numerical Reasoning
• Word Problem Test

Verbal Tests:

• Antonyms
• Verbal Analogies
• Syllogisms Test
• Verbal Reasoning
• Vocabulary Test

Logical Tests:

• Diagrammatic Reasoning
• Abstract Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Spatial Reasoning
• Logical Reasoning
• Venn Diagrams

Simulation Tests:

• In-Tray and E-Tray Exercises
• Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
• Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Test
• Error Checking Test
• Group exercises