We recently spoke with Sanjeev Kumar, one of our Audit Senior Associates, who has been working on a compliance-focused client engagement alongside core audit work.
His recent experience highlights how early exposure to different disciplines can accelerate development and create lasting value, for both our people and our clients.
Q: Sanjeev, tell us about your journey into BDO and how your role has evolved.
I started as an intern with BDO in India in 2018, working in audit across a wide range of companies. That gave me a strong technical grounding and exposure to different industries.
I then moved into offshore work, supporting teams in the UK, Dubai and Jersey, mainly in funds and private equity. That was a turning point, introducing me to a very different client base.
After relocating to Jersey and completing my ACCA, I continued in audit before moving into my current, more compliance-focused engagement. Having experience across audit, accounting and now compliance has given me a much broader perspective relatively early in my career.
Q: What does your current role involve, and how does it differ from traditional audit?
The work focuses on compliance monitoring, testing whether processes and controls meet regulatory requirements and are operating effectively.
It’s like audit in that you review evidence and form conclusions, but there’s an important difference. It’s the advisory element is what makes it particularly interesting. You’re not just identifying problems, you’re helping improve processes and reduce risk, adding real value by helping clients solve their problems and not just highlighting issues.
A consistent standard of quality was maintained across engagements, with outputs reflecting attention to detail and a clear focus on quality work. Sanjeev played a key role in this by adopting feedback constructively and contributing to continuous improvements, enhancing both the effectiveness and efficiency of the work delivered.
Q: How has your audit background supported this transition?
Audit provides a strong foundation, particularly when working with financial data. You develop a clear understanding of how information flows through systems and what good evidence looks like.
This makes it easier to challenge assumptions, interpret data effectively and explain findings in a clear, structured way. It also allows you to support colleagues who may not have the same technical grounding.
Q: You’ve been working with senior stakeholders - how has that experience been?
That’s been one of the biggest differences. In audit, you work with a range of contacts, but not always at senior level.
In this engagement, I’ve reported directly to senior compliance leaders. It’s been a great opportunity to build confidence and refine how I communicate.
You need to adapt your style, be clear and focus on what matters most to the client.
Q: How quickly were you able to get up to speed in a new area?
The work was new initially, but I was well supported by the team and able to use internal tools, including BDO’s digital assistant, to accelerate my learning.
These tools helped me access information quickly and understand requirements in a structured way. As a result, I was able to move from file reviews into more advanced testing and take on greater responsibility within a relatively short time.
Work was completed to a high standard with a strong emphasis on accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. Sanjeev’s contribution supported this through a proactive and dependable approach, helping to maintain momentum, strengthen team capacity, and ensure consistent delivery of quality outcomes aligned with objectives.
Q: What makes this kind of work valuable for early-career professionals?
The biggest benefit is exposure. If you only work in one area, it’s difficult to see how organisations operate as a whole.
Gaining experience across audit, accounting and compliance helps you build a more complete view of the wider ecosystem. That not only supports better decision-making around your career path but also allows you to add more value to clients.
It also creates opportunities to build relationships across teams and with stakeholders, which is critical for long-term development.
Q: What have been the biggest challenges?
Transitioning into a core compliance role came with a learning curve, particularly in understanding new processes and expectations.
There’s also a strong performance expectation. Clients expect a consistently high standard, so you need to be detail-focused, proactive and clear in how you communicate.
Q: What feedback have you received from clients?
Feedback has been very positive, reflecting the quality of work and the focus on communication. It’s clear that delivering value, not just completing a process, makes a real difference.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting their career?
Focus on communication and relationship-building as much as technical skills.
Doing good work is essential, but progression comes from being visible, engaging with others and clearly communicating your thinking.
Final thought
This type of engagement shows how audit can be a gateway into broader advisory work. For early-career professionals, it offers accelerated development, wider exposure and the opportunity to build a more rounded skill set. For clients, it delivers practical insight, stronger outcomes and support that goes beyond compliance.
