

BDO looks back on a successful fiscal year. We, like our sector peers, face challenges from the dynamic pace of change.
The 2017 reporting period went well for BDO. It was a year of rising revenue and growth in the advisory business. It’s encouraging to see that all of our service lines and product groups once again contributed to the positive results. Particularly noteworthy is the excellent development in Advisory, which was instrumental in strengthening the BDO brand through numerous one-off projects, innovative complementary services, and major acquisition activities. Our business success is all the more impressive in light of the tough economic environment, including a strong franc that burdened exports or the chaos around Corporate Tax Reform III.
"Personal contact and tailored advice will continue to grow in importance."
Werner Schiesser, CEO.
BDO’s revenue surpassed the CHF 200 million mark for the first time in 2017. The increase of 4.9 percent confirms the company’s continuing growth trajectory.
Income from services and fees
204.8 +4.9%
CHF million
CHF million
22 100 +4.1%
Clients
1 261 +5.1%
People
Proportion of women
48.1 -0.3%
Percent
Average age
36.8 +0.8%
Years
81 -1.2%
Trainees
7 036 +1.1%
Audit Engagements
2 679 +64%
Clients Internet-Accountant
2016 | 2017 | Change | |||||||
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Worldwide revenue (USD million) | 7 600 | 8 100 | + 8% | ||||||
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People | 67 731 | 73 854 | + 9% | ||||||
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National member firms | 158 | 162 | |||||||
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New headquarters: BDO prepares for the future
With a move to new headquarters in Zurich’s District 5, BDO is responding to the growth of recent years and preparing for the future.
Read moreBDO agrees collaboration with ADDFIN
The alliance with technology company ADDFIN, which has RegTech experience and expertise, will support the development of BDO’s service platform for asset managers.
Read morePension Reform 2020 rejected: lower VAT rates
The people and the cantons have rejected the proposed Pension Revision 2020. That doesn’t mean nothing’s changed though. New VAT rates are in effect as of 1 January 2018.
Read moreBDO Global Risk Landscape survey
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Read moreTomorrow’s digital consulting ready to use today: BDO launches HelloNina
Start-up tips powered by chatbot technology: the digital platform ‘HelloNina’ makes day-to-day work easier for young entrepreneurs by providing consulting and detailed business information online.
Read moreBDO’s study of boards of directors in 2017: member fees down 12 percent at SMEs
Fees for serving on the board of directors of SMEs fell 12 percent on average in 2017 compared to 2014. BDO’s study also revealed two points where action is needed to improve the structure of boards.
Read moreCTR III: list of tax measures for companies
The rejection of Corporate Tax Reform III means Switzerland lacks the tax instruments required to counteract the impact of the removal of cantonal special rules for holding and domiciliary companies. The Federal Council communicated on 21 March its dispatch on the Tax Proposal 17 (TP17).
Read moreBDO is owned by its Partnership Association and its pension fund. The Executive Committee comprises the CEO, five Heads of Regional Management, and the Heads of Audit, Business Solutions & Outsourcing and Tax & Legal. Under the chairmanship of the CEO, the Executive Committee makes decisions on annual planning, allocation of funds, appointment of key personnel and all topics of significance for the company. The Board of Directors is also made up of partners. The Chairman of the Board of Directors is President of the Partnership Association as well.
From left to right
Markus Helbling
René-Marc Blaser
Denis Boivin
Werner Schiesser
Heinz Vogel
Rudolf Vogt
Andreas Wyss
Harry Affolter
Martin Nay
Rudolf Vogt (Chairman)
Werner Schiesser (Delegate)
Heinz Vogel
Konrad Graber