BDO RED (Readiness Experience Drive) Vacation Work Programme 2026

Opportunity Overview

BDO is offering its RED (Readiness Experience Drive) Programme, a vacation work opportunity designed for university students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)). This programme provides valuable first-hand experience of the CA(SA) profession and insights into the professional working environment at BDO.

The RED programme is held in person, giving students the chance to experience what it’s like to work within a dynamic accounting firm. Participants will benefit from a structured, output-based environment, which helps grow their knowledge and experience as a student and potential future trainee.

This opportunity can open doors to joining BDO's fast-growing team, servicing various clients, including listed companies. It also provides a unique chance to meet, interact with, and develop relationships with BDO SA managers and partners, fostering personal and professional development.

Minimum Requirements

For RED LITE (Vacation Work):

• Must be a 1st or 2nd year full-time university student.
• Studying one of the following degrees:
• BCom in Accounting
• BCompt
• Bachelor of Accountancy
• Bachelor of Business Science
• Your degree must lead to a CA(SA) qualification at any SAICA-accredited Southern African university.

For RED (Vacation Work):

• Must be a 3rd year, BCTA, ACCA or 4th year (CTA) full-time university student.
• Studying one of the following degrees or qualifications:
• BCom in Accounting
• BCompt
• Bachelor of Accountancy
• Bachelor of Business Science (leading to a CA(SA) qualification at any SAICA-accredited Southern African university)
• BCom/BCompt Honours
• BCTA
• PGDAS/CTA
• ACCA

Key Responsibilities

As a participant in the RED Vacation Work Programme, you will:

• Gain first-hand experience of what it means to be a CA(SA).
• Learn about the world of work within a professional services firm.
• Experience what it is like to work at BDO.
• Grow your knowledge and experience as a student and potential trainee.
• Meet, interact, and develop relationships with BDO SA managers and partners.
• Stretch yourself personally and professionally through structured tasks and interactions.

How to Apply

To apply for the BDO RED (Readiness Experience Drive) Vacation Work Programme 2026:

• Visit the official application portal: https://bdo.mcidirecthire.com/Graduate/External/Application?Ref=TEkBhDYErs0qhHgueWeCgt_yRI-cnPLR1MRk1RR6Cpp9paDo5rFRAcIhP2vGlqKKxtD2cT4itUp_3EAGIsvKp4h-3c2S34gziXCZlJ3qnoSsrM2zRuMtUgV7aF6xN1-8ee-NWaQChhMLtIZbNdPZ8g
• Follow the instructions on the portal to complete your application.
• The system will guide you through entering your details to generate and download a professional-looking CV, which will be used for your application.