Chantal’s Story – From Audit Senior in South Africa to Senior Director at NASDAQ Sydney

Chantal started out her training in audit with EY in South Africa. It was there that Think Global Recruitment assisted her to secure a dream move to Sydney Australia, where her career has gone from strength to strength. Our Managing Director caught up with her in Sydney.  This is her story.

My Story

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa, I decided it was time to move overseas in search of better opportunities. I had a young baby at the time and was wanting to find somewhere with more stability. Luckily, I was used to moving around South Africa and had learnt to adapt to change easily. Sydney seemed like the ideal choice.

Think Global Recruitment found me a position as an Audit Senior for PKF in Sydney.  They made sure that I was prepared for my new location and offered me continuous support after I arrived. As PKF was a smaller firm I gained very valuable experience.  I was promoted twice in the three and a half years I was there. The best thing about the firm was the people I worked with. I even met my best friend there.  In comparison to a Big Four firm, they felt different, more dynamic and much closer to the people. I worked with so many different clients, in a Big Four firm it would have been just one type of client.

"In comparison to a Big Four firm, they felt different, more dynamic and much closer to the people."

I finally left PKF because I wanted a change from audit. I moved into industry but the first role I took wasn’t as good as I had expected and it was not as challenging as I thought it would be. 

After just over a year I decided to move to NASDAQ for a more challenging, global role.  I now head up the finance division for Asia Pacific, look after a number of different countries and manage a large team.  The team consists of people based across various Asia Pacific countries.   I report to my remote manager based in Stockholm. My job has taken me all over the world to places that include Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Sweden and New York.

The lifestyle is excellent in Sydney and it's great being able to walk home safely at 10pm, something that you would not do back home. The move has changed my life.

My Advice

 The Value of CA Firm Experience

I believe that having CA firm experience is invaluable when making the move into industry. There is a lot of transferable knowledge available within a CA firm. You can draw on it for information about a region.  Tax, accounting processes and requirements are different.  The business world is very diverse across the globe, even western societies like Sweden and US are different.

"Even if you are taking a step back don't be afraid to, within six months you could be promoted up."

 Managing Job Expectations

It’s important to have realistic expectations. If you decide to make the move to another country don’t expect to walk into a position higher than the one you have been in.  There is a lot to learn.  However, even if you are taking a step back then don’t be afraid to, within six months you could be promoted up.  Stick it out.

New Surroundings

If you are seeking a move to any location you should speak to people who have lived there. It is difficult to know your way around the suburbs and if you stay in a place that isn’t that nice the transition is more difficult, so try and be close to work.  However don’t let that put you off.  I believe you should make the decision to move and just do it, don’t think twice on what you might miss out on! You are likely to feel home sick at some point but after a year it will all be alright. You may not have all the luxuries of home, but give up a little luxury in some areas and you will gain in others.

"I believe you should make the decision to move and just do it, don’t think twice about what you might miss out on!"

Think Global Recruitment

The best thing about Think Global Recruitment was the support through the entire job process and continuous support after. Setting up a new life in another country can be stressful, so this assistance can be extremely important.

If this story has inspired you then please share it and help those who may be considering making the move abroad. For any further enquiries please contact pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.