How I Made Partner

London - New York - London

Have you heard?  Think Global Recruitment will be visiting London tomorrow to deliver a presentation outlining the options open to you and amazing benefits if you take your CA qualification overseas!  We will take a tour around the globe, outlining what it is like living and working each location and the types of opportunities available for qualified accountants. 

While we have been working away, organising this fantastic evening, one of our colleagues got in touch with Nassim who Think Global Recruitment assisted in her move back in 2003.  Nassim, originally from London, moved over to New York and has now returned to the Big Smoke where she has made Partner (Head of Valuation Control Group) at PwC!  Here's what Nassim said when we caught up with her:

Can you confirm your original location and current location?

I'm originally from London, I moved to New York and now I am back in London.

Why did you originally move overseas?

I was a junior at the time, 25 years old and had just qualified with my ACCA at Deloitte in London.  I wanted to have international experience, learn as much as I could and join my sister over in New York.

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

Yes, I was young and naive.  I had established bonds at home, I was worried about leaving relationships - my family and friends.

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take to settle?

At first, I struggled with the clash of ideas, I had a volatile six months where there were ups and downs and I didn't really feel like I fitted in.  However, after that passed, I felt a sense of belonging.

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

I met my husband!  I loved PwC and I would not be in the position I currently hold in London without the experience.

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

My expectations were surpassed.  I loved New York and PwC.  There was a strong internal network and once I was part of that, people believed in me, it was exciting to be trusted.

Did you feel that your move improved your standard of living?

Yes, there and subsequently.  I do not think my career would have been nearly as successful without my time in New York.

What were the highlights of your location?

I loved the city, the people, and the "work hard -play hard" attitude.  My firm was an amazing place to work.

What cultural differences did you notice?

Similar to London but they worked harder, longer and then socialised hugely.  It was a very mixed cultural team, less old school hierarchy than London.

When and why did you leave New York?

I was there for seven years and it was a very difficult decision to come back to London but I wanted to be near my elderly parents.  I had built up a strong network in New York and was concerned at the prospect of building up another one in London.

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas?

Experiencing a different culture is invaluable, makes for well-rounded people, increased business acumen, I would not be as good at my job without my time in New York.  For someone who is driven and ambitious - working abroad is now part of who I am.  I am a better Partner because of my ability to understand cultural differences which have given me insight and different views.

What advice would you offer to other accountants who are thinking about working overseas?

Absolutely no hesitation in advising anyone driven enough and with enough support from family and friends to make an international move.  An international move gives an adrenalin rush and a real buzz of learning and being challenged. 

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

A friend of mine recommended Think Global Recruitment to me, I knew exactly where I wanted to be and which firm I wanted to work for - Think Global Recruitment got me everything I was looking for.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

They have a network of contacts with the best employers, excellent screening and interview preparation and support all the way through the process.

Do you believe the original move that you made with Think Global Recruitment has enhanced your career?

I categorically know, I would not have the role I have today and would not be as good at it without Think Global Recruitment and my time in New York.

Nassim has done an incredible job getting where she is today.  If Nassim's story has inspired you, please contact Emma: emaloy@thinkgr.com to register for our event.

Moving Country - 15 Ways to Leave Your Mother

Are you thinking about moving abroad? We know that planning a move overseas is exciting and here at Think Global Recruitment our team has visited, lived and worked in many countries across the globe - so we know there's a lot to think about! With that in mind here are our top considerations on how to ‘leave your mother’.

Choosing your location

• Planning a move is a great opportunity to work out what your long term career aspirations are, and how your next step can help you reach them. Every overseas location will offer a different type of work experience. Talking to people who have lived and worked abroad can help. They might just suggest somewhere you wouldn't have considered ordinarily!
• Ask yourself if location or career progression is more important to you. While you might be attracted to one location for the career growth opportunities available there, the culture in another location might have a greater value for you.
• Pinpoint what is important to you in a location: Do you want to discover a different culture? What do you want to do outside of work? Are you keen to develop a second language – or is it important that at work your colleagues speak in your native tongue?
• How do you feel about being away from family and friends? There might be a location with direct and cheap flights home that will allow you to relocate without feeling disconnected.
  
  

Getting a job

• 
  Help your CV to stand out in the local job market. It's likely you will need to tailor your CV for the country you are applying to, as well as to specific roles. The information that prospective employers look for in a CV varies from country to country. For example Australian employers look for lots of details of previous jobs and certificates of achievement in a CV whereas the in USA employers tends to like a brief, to the point CV. Doing some research on how your target country (or countries) like a CV is a good start.

• Be mindful - it isn't all about the money, money, money! A prospective salary will always be important but consider everything on offer, the whole package. In this day and age remember that you are unlikely to make vast savings on your cost of living unless you are in a developing location. Keep in mind too that there will always be 'distractions' to spend your money on, wherever you are!

Taking care of the practicalities

• Usually your new employer will arrange your visa for you but you'll have to gather the accompanying paperwork and fill in forms yourself.
• 
  If you have financial ties at home consider how you will continue to meet these. It can be hard to rely on sending money home with exchange rates and other issues. Understanding the implications for your pension is smart too!
• Tell your current bank that you're moving, organise your direct debits and understand how much access you'll have to your accounts when you move. Having accessible savings and a credit card for emergencies will offer you peace of mind. It's a good idea to find out before you go what you will need in order to set up a bank account, including any fees you might have to pay.
• Some locations do offer tax benefits such as tax free salaries or low tax rates. Wherever you are moving to it's important to understand how much tax you will be required to pay and what the implications are back 'home'.
• Your health is vital so find out about healthcare and dentistry. It may be that your new employer offers these as part of your package – however it's organised make sure that you have a contact number and know where it is!

Making your new location Home

• Many of our accountants find that when they get into a role they quickly build relationships with colleagues and making new friends is a big part of building your new life. That said, it can really help to have a friendly face on the ground when you arrive. When Irish CA, Aisling, moved we put her in touch with an English girl who we had also assisted in moving to Hobart, Australia . She told us “she was so helpful, she helped me out with loads of stuff.”
  

• Reach out - if you can find a fellow country man or woman working in a similar field to you on LinkedIn get in touch. Leah, who we have helped to move twice, relocated in 2014 to the Isle of Man. She told us “there is a huge Filipino community so it's really nice knowing that your fellow countrymen are there when you are so far away, it's very comforting.” However independent you are having a link to home can be great.
• 
  Keep in touch – while your new job will keep you busy the folks back home will want to hear how things are going. Set up Skype and make sure you have the contacts for the important people in your life, as well as in your business network.
• Once upon a time getting on a boat and taking to the high seas was the only way to really find out anything about another country. In today's super connected world even if you can't visit there's so much you can find out. When we helped Leroi, CA move from South Africa to Abu Dhabi initially he admitted that the different culture was 'quite difficult'. Since then he's come to see the cultural difference as a highlight of his stay! His advice to anyone considering an international move is 'Do your research so that you have a bit of an idea of what to expect. Whilst seeing your new location on screen is no substitute for the real thing, Instagram, Twitter and Lonely Planet will all help you to find out what's going on at your destination - it's a good way to make some local connections too.

Wherever you choose to move there is a whole team at Think Global Recruitment who can support you every step of the way, and we're only ever a phone call away.

ABIGAIL'S TOP TEN SHOWS FROM EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 2015

Unlike some locals, I absolutely LOVE Edinburgh Festival!  

I have had a great festival so far this year and thought I should share some of the highlights.   These are shows I would definitely recommend attending in the forthcoming last week.

Apologies to the venue for my snaps, not sure you wanted me to use my camera, but its all publicity after all!?

Velvet - The Famous Spiegletent, St Andrews Square
Bought to Edinburgh by the Australian Le Clique group, this show already had a high chance of being excellent.  I always love Le Clique performances and this one did not fail to impress. 

Marcia, the lead singer has an excellent voice.  She and the other two lovely female back up singers deliver many excellent songs, taking you back to Boogie Nights Disco Inferno era.

Costumes are glittery and glamorous, oh and in a couple of the acts risky and sexy.

The acrobatics are excellent and there is another surprise act in the show which I won't give away.

The whole show has heaps of energy and is incredibly entertaining.   You'll be dancing in the aisles by the end of it.  A must do if you haven't already.. or even a must do again if you have.   I have been twice already.

Le Haggis, Assembly, George Square Gardens SpiegleTent.
Wow, wow, wow.   I have also been to this show twice.  It was that good!  

It is like Le Clique turned Scottish and put on speed. 

Although it starts a little slower, once it gets going the show is on fire!  The lead signer, this time Male, gives you the impression he has so much energy, he might even be a little crazy!    He stomps up and down the stage throughout the show with huge enthusiasm and confidence...  and why not, he has a cheeky smile, looks good top less in a kilt and in fact out of one...

The acrobatics are also really good.  It is nice to see one of the female artists dressed in feminine underwear rather than the black briefs and bra tops so many sport in other shows these days.  The male acrobat has a nice sexy number.. followed by a good tie in to Scotland (did you know Scotland is the only country in the world that has a soft drink that outsells Coke?)..

The Female singer has an amazing voice also.  The lovely back up ladies and gents complete a prefect band, delivering excellent music.  

On both nights I went the audience gave a standing ovation, which included everyone getting up to dance the last number.

Thanks to the crew of Le Haggis.

The Church of Malcolm, George Square Main Buildings. 
This was one of those pot luck shows we went to.  A few of us had time to kill, so went onto the app and found this gem in the half price Hut.  A shame to see it there, having now been.  It deserves to be a sell out. 

Malcolm tells his story as he sings excellent songs, with his son and another young man accompanying him, that remind me a little of the Beetles. 

Malcolm also has two guest acts in the performance, which adds a little variety to the hour that flew by.  He also invites the audience to join them on the stage at the end.  At least half the audience took him up on the offer, where the other half stood up and danced where they had been sitting.

The entire show is uplifting, it's great fun and you will come out with a big smile on your face. 

Hendrick's, 91 George Street, by the Famous Grouse pop up bar.
I had no idea what to expect, which I think partly accounts for the fact I loved it so much, not just the generous shares of gin. 

I don't want to give too much away in this review so that I don't spoil it for others.  I can share that you will be taken on a magical tour that will explore all senses.  

The rooms are decorated perfectly to help you explore the senses.  I love them so much that building is for sale and I would love to buy it just as it is to make a very quirky  office block (we are currently based next door). 

Sonics of Toren, Gilded Balloon, Teviot House, Bristo Square
Absolutely fantastic acrobatic show.  Futuristic costumes, dream scape, great imagination, I couldn't put my camera down, every moment was a wow one.

The lovely cast were outside, very humbly taking the compliments everyone leaving gave.

The Coin Operated Girl, Liquid Rooms Annex, enter through the Cowgate
One lovely lady talking about her life, working in the oldest trade in our world,  as a prostitute.  Yes that right. 

Absolutely hilarious.  You can imagine she would have some great stories, which she has and she delivers them in a well timed, funny manor.

She does also get in a couple of important, more serious, messages worth listening to.  Prior to finishing up with the Top Ten Things Men Ask For...

Go see, it's free, but of course she deserves every penny you can donate at the end, for a top show.

Christian Reilly, Songs of Insolence

One man, one guitar and a huge variety of impersonations.   A lot of humour, with some obligatory politics thrown in. 

Get there early for a seat.  It was so popular the room was packed and we sat on the edge of the stage.

Donate for this free show also! 

Tina C - Her Story, Underbelly, opposite the BBC stage.

A friend suggested this one to me, knowing the artist.   I knew nothing about it and had already committed when I discovered it Tina C is a Country singer.. eeek, the only music I hate.   However, I have to say, I was soon turned! 

Tina C is extremely intelligent, she sings very well, using her own lyrics which are witty, humorous and sometimes political.  She also has great dress sense and sparkles on the stage.

After all,  Scotland is being ran by the Fish people.. Sturgeon and Salmon...

The one hour went extremely fast and I love it!

BARBU Electro Trad Cabaret, Underbelly's Circus Hub, Meadows
Another acrobatic show, but with a different slant.  I hope the male part of the cast don't mind my saying, but they proved you can do acrobatics with an average shaped body. 

These bearded Canadians  (French Canadians I believe), did a range of acrobatics with some great graphics and music in the background.  The DJ sat above them seemed to have modelled himself on Jonny Dep in Pirates of the Caribbean,  very well.

In contrast to the men, the two ladies in cast looked exceedingly fit!

From roller skating, to human towers, somersaults and nakedness, this show has it all.

BBC, Gary The Tank Driver
This one, I don't think you can go to, being a one off interview with the main actor and one of the actresses from this TV show.  I don't have a TV so didnt know the programme or what to expect.  However, found the interview very entertaining, interesting and fun.  I would also recommend hanging out in the BBC Gardens if you are looking for somewhere peaceful to chill and the sun comes out again before the end of the Festival.  

Bleeker, Fingers Piano Bar 2am 

Having such a good time and don't want the evening to end?  Then head to Fingers Piano Bar.  Fingers is an Edinburgh Institution.  Its a very down to earth, basic Piano bar.  It is packed to the brim in August, so be prepared to Queue and be squashed a little when in side.  Dont worry though, it is very well ran and you very rarely see any trouble in there.  Most people who go are in a good humour ready for a good sing song and dance.  Much loved local band, Bleeker are playing at 2am, once the Pianist finishes. 

Whatever you do, do go out and enjoy the Festival.  Take in the atmosphere, visit the pop up bars and people watch. 

Maria's Story: Isle of Man - safe, green, clean and the ideal location for me right now!

We recently spoke to Maria who has made two international moves and is now thoroughly enjoying her new life in the Isle of Man! Originally from the Philippines, Maria then moved to Malta before settling in the Isle of Man.

Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

My whole family wanted a better life and had moved to various places overseas. Financially and career wise, it made sense to me.  

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job overseas?

One of my colleagues from Malta recommended Think Global Recruitment.  So quite soon after calling up you had helped me find a new position and move from Malta to the Isle of Man.

Did you have any concerns about moving overseas?

 

Leaving my family behind in the Philippines was obviously hard and also being further away from members who had moved to the US was difficult too.

However, I settled in quickly.  My firm really helped me with this and a bank account was opened and an apartment was found, everything was good.  

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

I was hoping to work with solid, professional clients within a Big Four Firm, to feel safe and secure in my new home, somewhere green and not too built up.  That is exactly what I got.

Did you feel that the move improved your standard of living?

My standard of living on the Isle of Man is much better than that in Malta.  You can make more money and I have a better apartment.  

What are the highlights of your location?

The Isle of Man is green, safe and clean.

What disappointed you about your location? 

Nothing!  It is the ideal location for me at the moment.

What cultural differences did you notice?

Although Malta is supposed to be quite British, the Isle of Man is much more so.  I love being exposed to that.

What is your current job title?

Audit Executive

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas?

Financial reward, career progression, exposure to bigger and more interesting clients are all advantages.  Promotion is also much faster here than in the Philippines.

What advice would you offer to accountants that are thinking about working overseas?

I would recommend this experience to every professional, particularly those from the Philippines or other locations that are not as economically "sophisticated".  The UK experience has been crucial for my career.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

I am very impressed by how Think Global Recruitment treat candidates.  My consultant guided me through every step and supported me on an individual basis.  She made herself available to answer any questions - even over weekends.  I really felt that she understood my eventual goal and would work with me to get me there.

Do you believe the original move you made with Think Global Recruitment has enhanced your career?

Absolutely.  It has enhanced my CV, my career prospects have improved and I have gained relevant experience.

We wish Maria every success and a long and successful career with PwC!

LONDON TO SYDNEY – NOT JUST A CAREER CHANGE BUT A LIFE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER – Samantha Frost, British CA

In 2005, Samantha moved from London to Sydney. She had a friend who wanted to travel with her originally but sadly had to pull out. This did not stop Samantha though and 10 years, a husband and 2 children later, Samantha is still in Sydney and has never looked back!

We recently caught up with Samantha to find out about her move and how her life is now.

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

I had previously lived for a year in Spain, having moved there knowing no-one and not speaking a word of Spanish so it wasn’t too scary but the thought of leaving my parents as I am an only child was concerning. I knew no one in Australia but I reconciled myself to leaving with the knowledge that I would be able to come home if I was miserable.

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take you to settle in?

I think I settled in fairly quickly. The routine of work and forming friendships via my job made it easier to settle in. The gorgeous weather and outdoor lifestyle really suited me as well. A year after my move, I met my husband through my work and meeting him and having that security quickly made Sydney feel like home. 

Did your move meet your original expectations? How?

Sydney’s lifestyle exceeded my expectations as the people were very welcoming. It also made me realise how unhealthy my lifestyle in London had become. Life in Sydney made me feel immediately healthier and better as I wasn’t spending every evening in the pub with friends. As I didn’t have friends immediately, I had much more time to do recreational sightseeing. I fell in love with the city!

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

The best thing about my move to Sydney was meeting my husband. The biggest benefit to my move now is the childhood and lifestyle my children enjoy, something they would in no way have in London. The weather is far better in Sydney, the city is beautiful and our house here is much better than the one we would have had in the UK.  I also gained enough experience during my first placement, that myself and my husband felt we could open our own management consultancy.

What were the highlights of Sydney?

The weather and city were definite highlights for me. As well as this, the work/life balance I achieved in my second job was great. The people were very welcoming.

What culture differences did you notice?

The Australian and British cultures are very similar.   I found the main difference to be in the lifestyle. Australia’s lifestyle is based on the outdoors and is a lot healthier than the UKs.

If you are in a different location to where we placed you, when and why did you leave?

After my initial role in Sydney with PwC, I moved my career on to work for Macquarie Bank. I then stayed at that job until 2013 when I left to have my second child. After this, I joined my husband at his management consultancy.   

What is your current job title?

I am a Director.

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?

I would not have got my second role if I had not moved to Sydney. Because of my move, I am much more self-reliant and I am not scared to fail. I am also much braver and bolder because of my international move and having to fit in with other cultures.

What advice would you offer accountants thinking about moving overseas?

Do it! If it all goes wrong, you can go home and at least you will have tried. If it goes right however, it will massively improve your life and career.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job?

They were very encouraging my consultant, had already moved from UK to Australia previously. He gave me the confidence to make the move from London and then when I was ready to move on from my first job, he helped me gain my new role, a move which I would never have imagined I could do.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

The firm’s (Think Global Recruitment’s) market knowledge is an advantage definitely. Consultant’s commitments, client contacts and networking abilities were also positives.

We wish Sam and her husband all the best in the running of their consultancy Think Consulting.