Hi Just wandering if anyone knew anything about BDO's Managememt consultancy division- i understand they are very small but growing rapidly- is this a good career move for someone looking to become a Management consultant? They offer the chance to study for the ACA at the same time which will ultimately place 'the world at my feet' right?Any advice please, thanks

Pls cut with the caps. Yes we do understand you are a grad trying to get attention. However why can't you just go and do you research. You shall clearly find that BDO is a tier 2 audit firm and a virtually unrecognized entity in consultancy. Also inquiring about a third rate firm does speak volumes about your talent.

dont patronise me. I am on target for a first class degree from Durham...it was a mere inquiry. Thanks however for your comments about BDO.Let me rephrase the second part of the question now- does an ACA add volume to a consultants CV?

No not really. Firstly BDO will always be recognized as an audit firm. Hence it'll be hard to move into consultancy from a tier 2 audit firm. Secondly you must remember it is only in the UK that ACA's are given much credence. Elsewhere especially in the US, it is all abt business school. And frankly all the best consultancies are American and most of the top partners MBA's or non ACA's rather.If you want to move into consultancy and a front office role, go in directly. Go to a top tier and move into a front office role. Don't go backoffice. You say ure expectd a first from Durham. Great job - Now just do you research and only apply to top firms. Don't waste your time on third rate firms silly applications. And remember always go for front office roles. Goodluk

Thanks for your comments, much appreciated

I would have to agree with the comments posted by Behave but i would like to inform you that BDO's Management consultancy division offers excellent training for future consultants. I undertook an internship during the summer and many of their partners have recently arrived from some of the top consultancies. They are also planning to merge with the corporate finance division. Their consultancy division is growing at a rapid pace, they are attracting some high profile clients in the FTSE 350 and because it is a small team the level of training and support is excellent not to mention the early exposure to consultancy work. In summary i would strongly recommend BDO. At the end of the day if things dont work out you'll have an ACA and join their other teams in audit/tax/corporate finance etc. Good luck

Rahul just becos you did an internship at bdo doesn't mean that it is a great place to be. On the contrary it is the opposite.I'm very sorry but noone in management consultancy circles recognizes the brand nor do many companies. To combine the corp finance practise with the consultancy practise just seems hideous. And with regard to having an ACA - Yes it might be a good qualifacation to have. But not only is it for 2nd tier talent - those who do not get jobs in Ibanking and consultancy, but it is also quite stupid for a firm to expect one to take these exams whilst being a consultant. Rahul I do not think you understand the hrs and travel that analysts have at top tier consultancies.Lastly the transferrable skills one has as an ACCA is only if they have done proper audit/finance work not MC. Do you think a bank will hire an ACA qualified accountant who has done MC work? Hell No.Thus DJ pls do yourself justice and apply to proper top tier firms.

I disagree. I know a number of people who have obtained an ACA, worked at a mid-low tier consultancy firm and now work in Investment banking.

Jules,What nonsense. These mid tier guys are most definately working in back office - finance or ops role. I'm sorry but when the M&A and other teams CV's are sent off to clients, banks want them to be stellar and polished. A mid tier firm audit firm does indeed dent that. You might know OF people but deary I used to be an investment banker so I know PERSONALLY.Pls grow up and smell the coffee. These jobs are the most sought after for a reason. They are bloody hard to get in for reason. They are not for third tier non banking experienced individuals.Go back to your day dreaming.

Behave - sounds to me like you are just bitter. you sre not doing yourself any favours - I suggest you "behave" and stop being derrogatory!

Im living proof...got an ACA from a mid-tier prof.services firm, decided to get into Management consultancy (joined a 2nd tier firm) was there for 2 years and have joined a IB where i have been for 6 months.

Harvey good for you. You say tier 2 consultancy which by itself is vague. Can you please be specific. More importantly which IB do you work for now and in what capacity/role. Until then I'm afraid noone will take you seriously. Facts, facts, facts !

I don't have enough experience in teh sector or profession to be able to comment either way but despite the erm...'brutality' of Behave's 'advice' all opinions are worthwhile IMHO.I can see the value of an ACA if you're going into a certain area of consulting but the exposure to client work will add the real value to a CV and I would be intersted to know what BDO have got their analysts doing? Their client list will be smaller than the big boys in their market and will be limited by audit independence criteria but this might work in one's favour for a few years and accelerate responsibility and opportunity relative to the structure of other firms.Anyone have any idea how the programme works? Fast track ACA and then experience or blended (hard to imagine re: Behave's comments of travel of analysts; I appreciate it from personal experience-72 hours last week!)What type of work are you doing as an analyst in there?Cheers