In February the firm expanded the space it occupies in Temple Square from 5,500 sq ft to 17,085  and it pledged to grow its team from 100 people to around 250. Tony McDonough reports

Accountancy firm BDO has created 19 new jobs at its Liverpool office in the latest stage of its expansion in the city.

In February the firm expanded the space it occupies in Temple Square from 5,500 sq ft to 17,085 after agreeing a new 10-year lease on the premise and it pledged to grow its team from 100 people to around 250.

The latest 19 hires include two new graduate trainees who will sit within tax, audit, advisory and the business services and outsourcing streams and 17 new hires within the firm’s Shared Service Centre (SSC). 

Alongside their relevant professional qualification, trainees will get the opportunity to work towards a Level 7 accountancy or taxation professional apprenticeship, equivalent to a master’s degree.

Skills push

And the firm is also calling on the Government to make changes that support and encourage the number of quality apprenticeships. In particular, a reform of the Ofsted assessment system for schools and colleges to track the number and quality of apprenticeship places secured by their students.

Mark Sykes, partner at BDO Liverpool, said: “BDO is committed to investing in Liverpool and continuing to grow our team based here in the city.

“Graduate talent is a vital part our growth strategy as a firm, so we’re fortunate that Liverpool is home to four world-class universities and an incredible graduate talent pool – undoubtedly one of the city’s greatest assets.

“Recent ONS statistics show that Liverpool has one of the lowest population outflows in the country, which indicates the city is doing a good job at retaining its graduates.

“That being said, it’s vital that Liverpool continues to invest in keeping talent here in Merseyside – while many firms, BDO included, offer world-class training opportunities and the city’s creative and entrepreneurial community continues to grow, attention must also be maintained on making sure Liverpool remains a desirable city to live and build a family.

Positive investment

“The investment coming into Liverpool is very positive, and major schemes such as Liverpool Waters and Ten Streets will not only regenerate swathes of the city, but will create new employment opportunities as well as vibrant new business destinations.”

BDO has also hosted its annual intern and summer school programmes. This year the firm welcomed 38 A-Level students on its Summer School Programme, with 39 undergraduates also joining on an Internship Programme, spending six weeks gaining invaluable experiences of the real world of work and a taste of BDO life.