BDO Proud: Tax trainee, Samson Daniel places 1st in Ireland, 7th globally in ACCA exam

Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you found your way into tax?

A: I did my Bachelor’s degree in law in India. While I thoroughly enjoyed studying the intricacies of legal frameworks, I found myself consistently drawn to subjects that involved numbers and financial analysis. This motivated me to pursue a  Master’s in Law and Finance at Trinity College Dublin, which was an excellent way to bridge both disciplines and gain a global perspective.

As I explored different career options, I realised that tax is a truly unique and specialised field. It sits right at the intersection of law and finance, allowing me to leverage both my legal training and my interest in financial systems. What excites me most about tax is its universal relevance - across every aspect of business and personal life, from multinational corporations to individuals. The rules are always evolving, which means there’s always something new to learn, and no two issues are ever quite the same.

Q: What made you choose BDO's graduate programme?

A: My introduction to BDO was somewhat spontaneous. I attended a recruitment event when I was doing my Master’s, where I happened to have a genuinely insightful, informal conversation with Derek Henry, who is now my Tax Partner and Head of Tax. Derek shared stories about BDO’s global reach, describing the firm as a “passport to the world.” The phrase stuck with me, as gaining international experience was a top priority for my early career. I wanted to be part of an organisation where I could work with clients from different industries and countries, and BDO seemed like the perfect place for that.

Since joining BDO, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients from all over the world, which has given me a much broader understanding of international tax issues and business practices. The firm’s diverse client base means I’m constantly exposed to new challenges and perspectives, which has accelerated my professional growth.

Another factor that made BDO stand out is the supportive culture, especially when it comes to professional development. The study leave policy is generous, which has been invaluable as I work toward my qualifications. Beyond that, the ACCA community within BDO is incredibly active and supportive - sharing resources, advice, and encouragement throughout the exam process. 

One thing Derek mentioned during our first chat was that “no two days are the same” at BDO. In my experience, that couldn’t be more accurate. Every day brings a new set of clients and unique tax challenges. This constant variety makes my work genuinely engaging and ensures that I’m always learning and growing. Looking back, I’m grateful to have found a role that combines my interests in law and finance, offers real international exposure, and keeps me excited to come to work every day.

Q: How did you prepare for such a strong ACCA result?

A: My university experience gave me a strong theoretical background in both law and finance, but I quickly realised that professional qualifications like the ACCA are a different ballgame altogether. The exams are more applied and require a deeper understanding of how concepts work in real-world scenarios.

This is where BDO made a significant impact. Being part of a firm where so many colleagues have already gone through the ACCA journey was invaluable. I had the chance to chat with people at BDO who had finished their exams, and they shared their experiences - what worked for them, what to avoid, and how to balance work and study. This peer-to-peer insight helped me tailor my own approach and set realistic expectations for the process. 

When it came to preparing for the AFM paper, I knew I needed to be both organised and proactive. The lectures from my tuition provider came with a detailed schedule, which I shared with my manager at BDO. This was a game-changer - my manager made sure I had the time to attend every session, even during busy periods. Having that support and understanding at work made it much easier to stick to my study plan. 

In addition, I regularly spoke with my manager about my progress. These weekly check-ins were helpful - they kept me accountable and ensured I was staying on track with my preparations. I also made it a point to complete all the homework questions assigned by the tuition provider. These exercises not only reinforced my understanding but also helped me identify areas where I needed to improve.

Q:  How did you manage the demands of practice alongside study time?

A: Honestly, juggling work and ACCA study was one of the toughest things I’ve done - especially when the weather’s great and you’re stuck inside with textbooks! At BDO, there are so many things going on: sports, societies, and team nights out. It’s actually hard not to feel like you’re missing out sometimes. For me, I had to remind myself that ACCA is just a phase - a tough one, but temporary. Sometimes that meant turning down invites, which isn’t easy, but it helped me keep my eye on the bigger picture.

That said, I tried not to cut myself off from everything. Building good relationships at work is so important - some colleagues really do become close friends, and having those connections makes a huge difference when you’re under pressure. I always made an effort to show up for the important things, like birthday celebrations or team lunches. Taking a bit of time out to relax with the team honestly helped keep my stress levels in check and made the tough weeks a bit easier. 

I also have to say, the team spirit at BDO is amazing. Whenever I had to take study leave, my colleagues were always willing to help cover my workload and look after my clients. That gave me real peace of mind - I could focus on my exams knowing my work was in good hands.

Another big plus is the openness at BDO. If I ever felt like things were getting too much, I knew I could just talk to my manager. Before exams, I’d let them know when I needed to dial back a bit, and they were always understanding. The study leave policy is actually really generous; when you’re on study leave, there’s no expectation to answer work calls or emails. Plus, there’s flexibility to study from wherever works best for you. I actually did some of my revision from the UAE, which meant I got to enjoy home-cooked food and a change of scenery - both of which definitely helped me focus.

Q: What advice would you give to trainees considering Tax - or deciding their career path - right now?

If you’re thinking about a career in tax, I honestly think it’s one of the best departments you can choose. No two days are ever the same - there’s always something new to tackle, and you really have to think on your feet. Whether it’s changes in legislation, unique client queries, or complex transactions, you’ll be constantly learning and problem-solving. 

That said, in today’s environment, it’s more important than ever to have a strong professional qualification. Exams like the ACCA are definitely a challenge - they require dedication and hard work - but they also give you a real edge in your career. Not only do they open up more opportunities, but they also help you build a solid foundation of knowledge and credibility that clients and employers really value.