Well Done You Made It!! Now Collect Your Ticket...

The day is finally here, all that hard work and the long hours

waiting in anticipation are over. The FAE results have been published! A massive well done to all of those who have passed. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves - we're not accountants but we know it was hard. Once the celebrations are over (have a drink or two for us please) you will probably being thinking 'what next?'...

We have said it many times before and will continue to declare for many years to come - your CA qualification is like a ticket to the rest of the world. You can move virtually anywhere and many accountants do.

Last week we visited Dublin to present and meet with over 50 trainee and recently qualified CAs. It was just phenomenal to be around so many young professionals who are considering an international move. Some of whom, had already gone ahead and got their visas for their chosen destination and some who were open to anything but seeking guidance. It really was a fantastic atmosphere. We

carried out our Worldwide Opportunities presentation which briefly covers nearly every location across the globe (if only there was time to detail each individual place - we'd be old and grey by the time we finish!) and everyone was so enthusiastic to learn.

We told them about the accountants that we have already assisted in their move to the stunning beaches of Bermuda and the opulent countries of the Middle East. We told them about the serene temples and rich culture of Thailand and the thriving business and financial centre in Singapore. Also, Canada - home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core. And the Czech Republic, known for it's night-life and growing economy. Name a country and I bet we've assisted a CA in moving there. If we haven't... Well, we probably have.

What country takes your fancy? Many accountants that we talk to take on a two year contract so that they can experience another country and culture. This is more than travelling, it's living and working. And not only is it one of the most life changing experiences that you will probably ever have, it is incredible experience to have on your CV. It proves that you are independent and willing to do anything for your career, it makes you stand out from other people interviewing for jobs and on top of all of that, the exposure you will gain is second to none.

If you don't believe us about how you can Improve your Live by living and working overseas, here are a few quotes from Irish Chartered Accountants who took their qualifications to the other side of the world...

Emmet - NYC - Audit Associate to Partner in 10 years

'To get to where I am in my career... Being a part owner of one of the largest professional services in the world... There is no way this would have happened back in Dublin. I arrived in New York with only my bag; I now have a wife, five kids and a lovely house in the suburbs with a pool. I am living the dream. That isn't to say it was easy though, I had to put a lot of work in to get where I am but if you can work hard, you will get the rewards.'

'The career acceleration in New York is second to none. The opportunities are endless and every day is an adventure. With my firm I have visited the likes of, Brazil, Japan, Europe, Singapore, all over the world'

'I would do the experience all over again and recommend it to anyone. You learn nothing from being inside your comfort zone. You need to get out, test your resilience and build the skills and experience that you need to advance in your career.'

'By embracing this experience you will be giving yourself huge development opportunities, you really are elevating the ceiling on your career. There will be huge development opportunities if you choose to take this route and work hard with your career'.

Aisling - Hobart, Down Under - Audit Senior to Assistant Manager in 8 months

'It probably took about three months to settle in, we spent a lot of time going on trips and doing fun things, we kind of felt like we were on holiday for a while'

'The work life balance is amazing, they love Irish and British people because we work so hard. Their busy season here is just like normal busy back home. If you work until 7 you are generally the last person to leave, they all go home at 5.15pm. It's appreciated if you stay late, not expected.'

'I am getting massive exposure to larger clients over here. There's loads of different offices with a lot of different cultures.'

'My firm is heavily into investing in people. Training is really important to them. I'm doing a coaching course at the moment where I look at everyone and see how I can help them do better. I think this will look great on my CV. They are really into training and getting you involved.'

'Just do it! Your won't regret it.'

Katy - Sydney - Assistant Manager to Manager

'Yes, I love my job, my place where I live and the weather!!'

'It shows you are adaptable and makes you very independent and self-relliant.'

Helena - Cayman Islands - Audit Senior to Manager

'Having international experience on your CV is viewed positively by future prospective employers... The proximity of the Cayman Islands to the United States and South America is ideal for additional travel.'

'I love the Cayman Islands, it's so beautiful. I expected George Town to be bigger and more developed but I now like its quaint charm. The beaches are postcard perfect and I love the outdoor activities. I am currently learning to sail and I love it!'

'I have met so many amazing people from all over the world. I sit next to a guy from Zimbabwe and we have become the best of friends. An unlikely pair but a friend for life.'

'I feel a great sense of achievement for moving here alone and making a success of it, it's scary as well as exciting but more than worth the risk.'

'My work day flies because I am so happy.'

'If you are thinking about it, stop thinking about it and just do it! You will never look back. For me it's been and remains to be a very positive move and I love my new life.'

From all at Think Global Recruitment, Congratulations, you made it!!

Now collect your ticket...

Come on People! Up Your Customer Services Game - You will Love It!!

I had to put pen to paper, or at least finger tips to keyboard, on this one.   Over the last few weeks I have increasingly noticed the wide gap between those that provide a good a customer experience and those that don't - and I just dont get why anyone wouldn't!?

Smile over the Smelly Fish and Chips  
OK, so I am in the customer services industry and have been for most of life.  I still don't get why it doesn't come naturally to be polite and friendly.  Its far more fun.  One of my first jobs was working in a chip shop when at School.  Even as young School girls working in a smelly and greasy environment, my colleague Kirsty and I made the most of our job.  We had fun and quickly noticed it rubbed off on the customers.  They liked to joke and laugh with us as we had races to see which of us could wrap the chips the quickest.   They would tell us about their days and we would smile and listen and cheer them up.  That was our job.  People would queue up to have our fish and chips.  I certainly don't think they were the best in town, but we made the experience pleasurable.

Hotels - where do I start!
Part of my role involves a lot of travel.  The best thing that happened to the hotel and leisure industry is TripAdvisor.   This site puts them on the radar.  Every customer that walks through their doors could make or break them.   Hang on though, why do so many hotels not think about that.  I recently stayed at one of Dublin's grandest and oldest hotels.  It used to be the place to go.  The building is still grand.  Communal areas such as the reception and coffee lounge ooze money of long gone days, decadence and somewhere special to be.  Although some bedrooms are still a little 'tired', many rooms have been recently renovated to a good standard.  This hotel is just a few tweaks from being as grand as it once was.  Then why can you book a room there for as little as EUR55?  I believe it has to be down to customer services.  OK, yes they need a good gym or spa and have opted to inconvenience customers by telling them to go across the road to one that you have to pay EUR10 per day for, that is annoying. However, the worst thing any hotel can do is ignore its customers.  I was working there and so on several occasions over the 4 days I was there I ventured in the bar or coffee lounge for a break.  On all occasions I sat their waiting and trying patiently to gain staff attention.  Sometimes I just go up and walked away after 45 minutes of no service.  On the couple of times I did get served, the staff seemed to be in hurry to get away.  If there was more than one in my group, they would take an order from one and rush off without checking if anyone else needed anything.   Rubbish with a capital 'R'.   The staff did not look happy to be there and to be quite frank, it did not make me want to be there, or go back.

In reverse to that, I was in South Africa on business and stayed at the lovely Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban.  Nothing was too much for the staff.  Even though it is a large hotel, from check in to check out, they took time to ask me about my stay, what I needed and delivered.  They remembered who I was and would great me by name and always a smile.  I had guests turn up and they would show them to where I was meeting them in person.  If I asked directions to go somewhere they would take me.  Nothing was too much.   Would I be back?  Like a shot and as you can see from Trip Advisor I might be fighting for a room, people love them so much.

Great Customer Services Debenhams - I will be back!   
Today I visited Debenhams - the staff were friendly, in each department they would ask if I need assistance, without being pushy.  They showed me around the shop, telling me they have other sizes- even in the sales shoes.  I walked out with 5 pairs having gone in for 1.  On returning to the office I found out I had left my smart phone (i.e. my life) somewhere and quickly retraced my steps.  First 2 two places said they didn't have it, but didn't make much of an effort to help, offer to take my number should it turn up or give me the impression they cared.  Debenhams were amazing.  The lady in the shoe department dropped what she was doing to take me to another lady who could radio to lost property.  Lost property had already had a call and could tell me immediately which department it was in.  The care they showed was amazing.  I would not hesitate to go back and have already told several people, including writing this blog.

Last week alone 8675 people in Britain have decided to start a new business
Look at Start up Britain's web site, at time of writing they have said that in the last week alone 8675 people in Britain have decided to start a new business.  That's just Britain, we are competing in a worldwide market now.  With so many new businesses starting up every day we have to stand out to survive.   My recent experience of web development companies has really highlighted just how bad it can get.  I mean, how many web development companies are there out there?  I get at least 5 approaches a day and they are just those that get past the gatekeeper or spam.  I can not believe how many have fired a quote to me before I have even told them what I am looking for.  Before they have worked out what issues I have had in the past so they can sell back a solution.   Who seem to have the attitude of take it or leave it.   I have received quotes ranging from £300 to £30,000, but not even given anyone a brief yet!   I might just start a wager on which will still be here in a year..

It takes around 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 muscles to smile...
Customers have a choice of where they go and will vote with their feet.... Make sure they choose you and do not become a failed business statistic!  Honestly, you will have move fun being nice.  As a good friend always says 'Its Nice To be Nice!'....

Written By Abigail Stevens, Managing Director, Think Global Recruitment

From the Philippines to the UK, Ericson, CPA...

I started with my career as an auditor with one of the Big 4 audit firms in the Philippines in 2009. I have worked for more than 5 years and have progressed through the ranks from an Audit Associate to an Assistant Manager in 2014.  For the past five years, I was assigned in handling multiple engagements for different listed and non-listed clients from various industry sectors. Furthermore, I helped deliver the trainings to the local firm.

In June 2014, I started looking for opportunities abroad.  I know that I was ready to move overseas and be in the next level of my career to gain new experience. There were job openings advertised on the website and I was contacted by Michael Black, one of the international consultants of Think Global Recruitment. At first, I was asked for my top 3 locations where I want to move abroad. I asked Michael to look for job opportunities in the New Zealand, Singapore and in the UK. We have agreed on what suitable role my current profile would fit to. In July 2014, there was an opportunity with a Top Ten Firm in the UK. Then on the 13^th of August 2014, Michael called me to tell me about the good news. I was offered a job as an Audit Executive in their Birmingham office.

Think Global Recruitment was very helpful throughout the recruitment. They do not just give out your resume to the different employers but they are always with you in “every step of the way”. They are very informative and give you tips and research about your prospective employer. I also like the pre and post evaluation calls after every interviews. This helps the applicant to know what went well and what are the things that could be improved on.  Moreover, The UK is 7 hours behind the Philippines. Think Global Recruitment was really accommodating when it comes to your schedule. I am very thankful for Think Global Recruitment and Michael for helping me all the way through the process.

I am currently preparing to move in the UK by the end of the month, I am a bit scared but more of being excited to move in the UK and grow in my profession. I know that this will give me the experience that benefit me personally, professionally and financially.  I know l will make a difference. For those who want to experience a global move in their career, follow your thoughts and dreams. There are a lot of opportunities waiting for you.

Contributed by Ericson CPA

Out of South Africa!!

It is amazing how a whirlwind business trip of 6 days can still feel like a great break!  

On the 8^th October, three of the Think Global Recruitment team, Alistair, Calum and myself, boarded an overnight flight to Johannesburg, just a little excited about the people we were about to meet and a wee treat my PA Lara had organised for us on the last day.  We were so right to have been.

After a 1 hour flight Edinburgh to London and 11 hour flight London to Johannesburg, with Virgin Atlantic, we arrived!  On arriving in Johannesburg airport we were met by a driver who whisked us off the Radisson Blu hotel in Sandton, the business district of Johannesburg. The hotel we stayed at was great for business, clean, modern with WiFi throughout.  They also had suites, which with a partition, can double up as a bedroom and meeting room. Of course, we also liked the pool by reception that you could sneak to for a coffee or bite to eat between appointments. 

We met with a few accountants on the day of arrival (Thursday), including two that we had assisted who had just received job offers to move to the UK.  It was great to be able to meet them in person after phone and Skype conversations leading up to then. 

Early evening and we headed across to Nelson Mandela Square to The Butcher Shop restaurant.   Wow! Wow! Wow!    All three of us had 2 courses, bread and a sausage dip, the best steak we had ever eaten, an amazing bottle of wine and some beers and it came to less than £50.   The atmosphere and service were also great.

The next morning, Alistair headed back to the airport and took a British Airways flight to Cape Town, I took one to Durban, leaving Calum in Johannesburg to meet with accountants seeking an international move over the next three days. Again, I was met at the airport again by a driver and this time driven to the The Beverly Hills Hotel.   Now this hotel is fantastic!   The people that work there would bend over backwards to look after you.  From check in to check out.    I was allocated a suite that had two balconies looking out to sea, a large lounge, lovely bathroom and walk in wardrobe.  I could see, although having a pretty busy schedule, I was at least going to be doing it in fabulous surroundings. 

After one meeting on the Friday afternoon, I was lucky enough to have two good friends join me for dinner.   Lesley and Mark, whom I know from Sydney and now live in Vietnam, were visiting Lesley’s parents in Durban and then getting married in Cape Town.  What great timing!  We visited the very famous Light House Bar at the Oyster Box next to the Beverly Hills to catch up.   Lovely to see them.

The next two morning’s, I had a walk on the beach, brief workout in the gym and then lovely early breakfast on the veranda overlooking the pool and out to sea.  I then headed back to my room for a full day of meeting South African trained Chartered Accountants seeking an international move.    The meetings were great.  Everyone showed up, most early and all were keen and eager to venture out there.  Everyone had a variety of different destinations on their minds, but the one thing they had in common was a genuine desire to gain international experience, both to Improve their Lives and their Careers.   After 18 years of assisting accountants to secure a new position overseas, I still enjoy every meeting of this nature.  

On Monday morning, after meeting with around 60 Chartered Accountants, the three of us reconvened back in Johannesburg – for our treat prior to boarding our international flight!   A visit to the LionPark!   Wow again!  We had a fantastic time seeing Lions and Leopards and so many wildcats up close.  Stroking a Giraffe and a pack of Lion Cubs… Yes I said ‘Stroking a pack of lion cubs’!   The best way to end our trip and spend an afternoon before a long haul flight.

South Africa – we will be back!

Abigail Stevens

International Recruitment Expert

Managing Director of Think Global Recruitment