Accounting High School Leaver Program - CA Fundamentals Pathway

About Bdo

At BDO Australia, our why is ‘empowering people, realising possibilities’. One way we bring this to life is by hiring and developing exceptional talent, to deliver on our wide array of audit, tax and advisory services.

About The Role

• Looking for an alternative pathway to university? Skip the student debt and jump straight into your accounting career!
• High school graduates can ‘earn-while-you-learn’ with CA Fundamentals
• Work full-time with BDO while completing your first professional qualification
• BDO covers the cost of your CA Fundamentals course and provides paid study leave

Not planning to go to university, but ready to take your first step into the world of accounting?

Join BDO and start your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant through the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ) alternative pathway, CA Fundamentals.

You’ll work full-time at BDO, learning from experienced professionals, gaining exposure to real client work, and building a strong foundation of accounting and business knowledge, with dedicated time to study online.

After completing your first year of CA Fundamentals, you'll progress to CA Foundations. Together, these stages develop the essential skills and knowledge you'll need to thrive in the CA Program. In total, this pathway takes around four years to complete, during which you'll continue to build your career and gain valuable experience working at BDO.

Team allocations will be based on available positions and discussed with you throughout the recruitment process.

About You

We’re looking for enthusiastic school leavers who:

• Are 18 years or older and have successfully completed your high school certificate in the last three years (2023+)
• Completed Year 12 Mathematics Standard 2 or equivalent (listed in application form)
• Have a strong interest in accounting, business, or commerce
• Are curious, reliable and keen to learn in a professional environment
• Enjoy working with others and being part of a team
• Have strong communication and time management skills
• Are an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or have the full right to work in Australia

What You’ll Get at BDO

• Paid, full-time work in a leading accounting, auditing and advisory firm
• Paid course fees to complete CA Fundamentals, and additional support for CA Foundations & the CA Program as you progress towards becoming a Chartered Accountant
• Exposure to practical, on-the-job learning from day one
• A supportive team, with buddy and mentor guidance
• Coaching and check-ins with a dedicated program manager
• Study support and flexibility to balance work and learning
• Fun team culture, wellness benefits and social events

How To Apply

Click ‘Apply’ to create your Workday home account, fill out the online application form, select your location, and upload your cover letter (1 page) outlining your interest in the program and resume.   

Our friendly student recruitment team is here to help you and wants to ensure you are fully supported. If you have any questions, or need any adjustments to the recruitment process, we encourage you to reach out to cafundamentals@bdo.com.au.

Applications close: 11:45pm Sunday, 2 November 2025

Program commencement: Monday, 2 February 2026

Why Bdo?

• Working for BDO you will be part of a growing and market leading professional services firm.
• Our national and global footprint provides our people with opportunities to work on interesting client engagements, across diverse industry sectors and services.
• Our open and collaborative culture ensures access to Partners and professional mentors, to guide and accelerate your professional career, across a wide array of career pathways.
• We provide our people with various health and wellbeing, social, financial, and professional development benefits to help realise what’s possible.

Participate in fitness challenges or take advantage of exclusive discounts to corporate health insurance, gym memberships and wellness facilities via our BWell program. Access benefits such as travel perks, retail discounts, free breakfast, employee referral rewards, study, and professional development support.

Our leave options cater to the unique needs of our people; and include enhanced family support, cultural and religious leave, and options to purchase additional leave. You can also give back and get involved in community initiatives via our BCaring program.

With a strong focus on learning and growth, we provide on the job training and formal development programs to help you succeed in your role and develop your skills and experience.

Our culture is underpinned by our core values (One, Bold, Human, Heart and Strive). We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia and an Employer of Choice by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).