Accounting internship & graduate programmes

Be your best at BDO

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Summer internship & graduate opportunities

At BDO, you’re not just beginning a career in accounting, you’re joining a connected, people first profession where your growth truly matters. With 21 offices across Aotearoa, you’ll experience big firm opportunities within a supportive, locally grounded culture.

From day one, you’ll work on real client projects across business advisory, audit and tax backed by structured learning and teams who want you to succeed.

At BDO, you’ll:

  • Progress with confidence through structured learning, CA/CPA support and clear pathways
  • Build capability and networks, learning directly from approachable Partners and mentors
  • Contribute to community initiatives, sustainability projects and office level activities
  • Belong to a team that feels like whānau, where connection and collaboration are part of the everyday.


Application timeframes may vary by location
While our main campaigns typically run nationally during March and July, some BDO offices recruit interns & grads at different times to suit their local business needs.
If you’re interested in working with us in a specific region, we encourage you to get in touch - we’d love to hear from you.


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Our programmes

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Internship

Our paid rotational Summer Internship gives you hands on experience across Business Advisory, Audit and Tax, helping you discover where you thrive. You’ll work on real client projects, build your network, and get support from buddies and mentors throughout the programme. A great way to explore what a future in accounting could look like. Our Summer Internship Programme runs annually from November to February.

Applications open in March.

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Graduate

Our Graduate Programme sets you up for a confident start in your accounting career. You’ll join a supportive team, work directly with clients, and access structured learning, CA/CPA support and real opportunities to grow. Build your skills, your network and your future with us. Our Graduate Programme runs annually from February to March.

Applications open in March.

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Māori Scholarship for accounting students

Our Sir Henare Ngata Scholarship supports talented Māori accounting students in their penultimate or final year of study. Recipients gain financial support, mentoring and meaningful connection to a nationwide network of professionals committed to their success. Our Māori Scholarship runs annually from February to March.

Applications open in March.

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The application process

 We’ve kept things simple and transparent, so you know what’s coming next. Your time matters and we want the journey to feel smooth, supportive and genuinely enjoyable. Learn more about what to expect.

Why BDO?

Ko koe te mea nui - you matter. You’ll join a culture where your ideas are valued, your curiosity is encouraged and your wellbeing matters.

From induction week, it was clear that the firm cares about our personal and professional development alike. It’s encouraging knowing that my own goals matter and that my managers are genuinely interested in my growth.

I joined BDO as a grad last year and had a really positive experience. Starting alongside a group of other graduates made the transition much easier and fun as we spent the whole first week together.

BDO’s study leave days have been highly influential to my success in my CPA qualification. I have been able to lean on multiple people in my team for advice and support, from graduates all the way up to partners!

Our service lines

If you choose a career in Audit, you’ll get hands‑on experience with real clients across Aotearoa’s SME, community and larger sectors. You’ll learn how businesses operate, how systems work, and how to deliver assurance leaders rely on. With national training, partner access and global methodology behind you, you’ll build strong technical and professional skills while shaping the future of how organisations run.

“In audit, we get exposure to a big mix of clients - everything from not‑for‑profits to large tech companies. The work we do helps build public confidence by giving assurance that financial statements are free from major errors and that organisations are following the right laws and regulations.” 
Andre, BDO Auckland




Learn more about Audit
 

If you choose a career in Business Advisory (BAS), you’ll work closely with Kiwi businesses to understand how they operate, where they’re headed and how to help them get there. You’ll use numbers, tech and problem‑solving to add real value from day one. With supportive training, variety and client contact, BAS offers exposure to strategy, growth and the human side of business - perfect if you enjoy working with people and making a measurable impact.
 

“From very early on, we are introduced to clients and maintain relationships alongside our managers and partners. This creates meaning behind the work we do and develops understanding of accounting issues, both simple and complex.”
Nick, BDO Christchurch


 

Learn more about Advisory Services

 

If you choose a career in Tax, you’ll work in an area that touches almost every part of business: people, decisions, strategy and growth. You’ll help clients navigate changing tax rules, solve problems creatively and give clear, practical advice they trust. With hands‑on experience across everything from individuals to cross‑border transactions, plus expert mentoring, Tax is ideal if you enjoy analysing information, understanding complexity and helping people make confident decisions.

“As a graduate, I’ve worked on a mixture of compliance and consulting work. I’ve worked on a range of clients from individuals to large international companies. I can see that what we do genuinely helps clients, we help businesses stay compliant and make informed decisions.”
Liv, BDO Wellington





Learn more about Tax

If you choose a career in Deal Advisory, you’ll gain hands‑on exposure to mergers, acquisitions, valuations and other critical business transactions. You’ll support due diligence, financial modelling, data analysis and client presentations, working alongside experienced advisors in real deal environments. With structured training and mentorship, you’ll build strong analytical, commercial and problem‑solving skills through meaningful, real‑world project experience.
 

“Deal Advisory supports businesses through major moments like buying, selling, or raising capital. In Christchurch, we’re a small, agile and supportive team where you learn fast, add real value, and still have space for life outside work.”
Kenji, BDO Christchurch




Learn more about Deal Advisory

 

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Career development & professional qualifications

Grow with support from day one. You’ll work on real client projects, learn from approachable mentors, and build confidence quickly through national training that sets you up for long‑term success.


Ready to become a Chartered Accountant?

As one of Aotearoa’s largest CA employers and a CA ANZ Recognised Training Employer, we offer a seamless pathway to your CA or CPA. You’ll get study leave, mentoring, and a learning environment designed to help you thrive - locally and globally. When you’re ready to begin your professional qualifications, we’ll back you all the way.

Learn more about BDO at upcoming events


DateEventLocation
Tuesday 21 JulyCareer Expo University of Otago
Thursday 23 JulyCareer Expo
Victoria University of Wellington

Discover your place at BDO

Every BDO office has its own unique culture and perks, with benefits designed to help you do your best work and feel supported from day one. Explore what being part of the BDO whānau looks like, and discover our offices across Aotearoa to find the location and fit that feels right for you.

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Our values

Our values define who we are and what we care about – they reflect how we interact with each other, our clients and our communities. They are our foundations and concepts that we live and breathe every day at BDO.

Still have questions?

IDEAS

PEOPLE

TRUST

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Grad-Website-People-goals

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Grad-Website-People-supportive

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Keep in touch

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