At the firm, expect a “fun environment” with a “strong presence” in the industry. BDO “is not as hierarchical as many other firms, especially the Big Four.” And the firm’s culture has an “excellent work/life balance, especially for a CPA firm,” notes one insider. While a contact characterizes the firm as “pretty conservative,” BDO doesn’t seem to suffer from stuffiness. Comments one accountant, “On the tax and audit side, the culture is open, fun, hardworking and hard-playing.” Another agrees, adding, “The office environment is one of team spirit and camaraderie.” Yet another contact notes, “Employee morale is good. We work hard, get along with each other very well and have plenty of social events, which are great fun.” Insiders say the big yet small aspect of the firm is a plus. One source explains, “I receive great experience at BDO because the firm is large enough to allow me to work on audit teams that I am only a small part of, so I can specialize in certain areas and learn to lead and follow leaders of that team. It’s also small enough to allow me to gain experience doing accounting, auditing and tax jobs completely alone.” Another says, “I have been here almost six years now and I sincerely believe that it is a fantastic place to begin a career in accounting.”