A letter from one of our accountants - from South Africa to Newcastle, Australia!

 

Sometimes in work you receive emails that brighten up your day.

 

We assisted Annelo make the move from South Africa to Newcastle, Australia and we were delighted  when we received an email from her telling us about her experience. Annelo has very generously offered to share this story for any other any other people who might be considering making an international move.



 

 

 

 

 

From all of us here at Think Global Recruitment we would like to thank Annelo for this lovely update and wish her and Wessel the best of luck with their new life in Australia!

 

 

Natalie’s Story - I didn’t realise how stressed I was at home until I moved here...

Natalie moved from South Africa to BDO in Auckland with assistance from Think Global Recruitment eight years ago and has been there ever since. She is now the National Head of Technical for BDO in New Zealand. This is her story.

I wanted to leave South Africa, there were so many armed robberies that it was just a matter of time before something happened to me. I attended Think Global Recruitment’s Accountancy World Wide event where I had the chance to explore different country options and find out where I could work. For me, the choice was fairly easy.  I didn’t want to learn a new language, limiting the scope in Europe, UK & Canada seemed too cold and Australia just wasn’t that appealing. My family had moved to New Zealand and I had already been there on holiday and fell in love with the country. After talking to a Think Global Recruitment consultant, we were able to find a Technical Associate role based in Auckland.

Working for BDO

The big difference in New Zealand was the client base. They had much smaller sized clients to KPMG in South Africa. This meant that they didn’t have as many technical staff and therefore didn’t possess the same amount of knowledge. There was lots to learn, moving from SA GAAP to IFRS, but there were a few similarities too. It took about two years to get up to speed and required a lot of self-thought and thorough training. You’re trusted with more responsibility earlier on than you would have in South Africa. I’ve gone from one of many in a technical department to running one! Our specialism is quite unique and in short supply around the world.

Many entities in New Zealand no longer need to follow IFRS. The reporting standard has changed recently so many companies fall below the requirement to file accounts.  Only around 5% of businesses are required to file. Software companies are becoming the bigger competitors for clients. We liaise very closely with BDO in Australia as we count as part of their team. The Technical Department is much bigger over there, so there’s about 20 or 30 staff we can call on when needed. I arrived in New Zealand as a Senior Manager and have progressed up to the National Head of Technical, running the department, sitting within the National Office.

The Social Side 

"In the summer you aim to finish work by 5pm and then you can go down to the beach for a few hours."

The mentality here is to work hard but also ensure you get the right work/life balance. In the summer you aim to finish work by 5pm and then you can go down to the beach for a few hours. Everyone really encourages you to have an outdoor life. I met my ‘Pommy’ husband here. I'm not sure I achieve the outdoor life as much as I should, but I am married to a computer nerd.

 

At BDO, people go out of their way to welcome you and show you the ropes. There’s a social club that hosts activities throughout the year and you always have a team meeting once a month which gives you a chance to catch up with other colleagues. You are welcomed as a Kiwi, that is until your team is playing the All Blacks, and if you lose you are sure to hear all about it!

 

"You are welcomed as a Kiwi, that is until your team is playing the All Blacks"

 

Our firm is very multicultural. The office is full of expats, and expats love to socialise. Most of the younger staff are Kiwis but when you reach the qualified level there are more international employees.

I’ve managed to visit a few of the Pacific Islands but there’s definitely more I want to see. We have international training in Kuala Lumpur every year and have been on other trips to Hong Kong as well as lots of places in Australia including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

 

Comparing South Africa to New Zealand

 

Don’t expect it to be the same, it’s not going to be. People are different, the history is different, culture is different, but that’s good. I miss my friends of course but in terms of my family, my mum and dad emigrated over here two years ago.  I miss the food but luckily there’s a great South African butchers close to where I work. I didn’t realise how stressed I was at home until I moved here. When you are there it is the norm to worry about your security, your job, your commute etc. In contrast, so often here I have accidently left the door open and nothing happens. You can walk down the street without a care in the world. I can honestly say I’ve not ever felt homesick. I was lucky enough to have had two overseas secondments to the US and UK. This helped me get used to being away from home and being open to experiencing new things.

  

My Advice
 

Sort out your job before you arrive

The benefit of using Think Global Recruitment is that you have a job set up before you move. Others I know have moved and tried to find a job, which is extremely difficult. It also means that they have very different expectations as they haven’t been through an informative process.

 

 

Do your homework
 

  Do your homework on the country and the firm as things will undoubtedly be different. I was surprised at how things are viewed here. A large part is due to the size of the country, the company sizes and the general outlook on life. If you think it will be the same you will struggle. If you come from a big city firm you may feel that you know best, but that won’t go down well with Kiwis.  

 

 

Be prepared for a change
 

Being prepared isn't just referring to the work but also for the smaller details, like paying your bills. Try to move a field you know as there is enough life learning to do to keep you busy. If you go into a business you are expected to know about local accounting and legislations so try to come prepared with knowledge on this.

 

 

Know what you want to achieve
 

Decide for yourself if this is a long term or short term move and what it is you want to achieve. You need those goals cemented in your mind before you come over. For the first couple of years you are going to be focused on finding your feet and becoming a new person, but never lose sight of your goals. 


If this story has inspired you then share it and help those who may be considering making the move abroad. To hear more case studies and find out about job opportunities please email pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com

Dorota's Story - My role has allowed me to travel to Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, UK and New Zealand!

Think Global Recruitment assisted Dorota to move from South Africa to Macquarie Bank in Sydney where she was promoted within two years to Internal Audit Manager. Our Managing Director, Abigail Stevens, recently caught up with her to find out how her career has been since. This is her story.

Around the time I completed my training with EY there was a mass exodus of people leaving South Africa to move to London. I was going to go too but then the opportunity came up to attend Think Global Recruitment’s Accountancy Worldwide event. I had always thought that I would be living in the UK but that event encouraged me to consider other options. It was the first time I’d heard about Macquarie, so after the presentation I went home and did my research and discovered that they had a good reputation.

I naturally had the fear of moving to a new country, combined with the fact that I was doing it my own. I was worried about the cultural challenges and that I might find it hard to understand the way that people spoke. Altogether it took me a couple of years to properly settle in. Unless you know people it can be tricky but it does also depend on where you go. If you join a big institutional bank people would usually just go to work and that’s it, but if you are working for a company that’s more retail facing, they tend to have more active social circles.

Macquarie Bank

I started out as an Internal Auditor at Macquarie Bank in Sydney. Whilst I was working there I learnt a lot about Risk Management and decided that it was the area that I was most interested in. There was a very competitive and ambitious work culture, If I’d decided to stay in practice the situation would have definitely been a lot easier.

BNP Paribas

After two and a half years l decided it was time to leave Macquarie. I felt done with Audit and went searching for a job with new opportunities. I managed to find one with one of France’s biggest banks, BNP Paribas.  I was involved within the three lines of defence: Internal Audit, Operational Risk and Risk Management.  Working there allowed me to get exposure to Risk Management but from a back office prospective. I had the best of both worlds, working for a big brand but in a small office environment.

CommSec

“My role has allowed me to travel to Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, UK and New Zealand.”

 I left BNP after fifteen months when the opportunity came up to work for CommSec (Commonwealth Securities), where I have been for the last three years. CommSec is a large stockbroking firm that works with Commonwealth, Australia’s biggest bank. I work in line one Risk Management as a Risk Senior Manager. My role is all about helping businesses succeed and ensuring they do things the right way. I work with a friendly group of people, something which I now really appreciate.

My role has allowed me to travel to Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, UK and New Zealand.  With these trips you could be away for around three weeks at a time, so you’re able to get a proper feel for the countries that you visit. I’ve also taken advantage of my location, travelling around Australia, Bali, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Thailand and Indonesia. My favourite places so far have been Tonga and the Great Barrier Reef.

My Advice

Anyone thinking about making a move should do it. Don’t be put off by the idea of living away from home. Time passes so quickly and before you realise it you’ve been away for seven and a half years. I have learnt so much and have been exposed to many more opportunities. Most importantly, I found out what was available and through that was able to make a decision about what I wanted to do. In South Africa Risk Management has only just started, so I would not have been able to have gained this experience.

“Most importantly, I found out what was available and through that was able to make a decision about what I wanted to do.”

 Anyone that moves abroad will be guaranteed to have great experiences that will shape your life. It’s easier to put off idea of moving and get stuck in one way of thinking, but if you want to be a good accountant you have get out there and find out how different economies work. It’s important to remember that it’s not always about the first place you go, the experience at Macquarie was great but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. However it led to me getting the job I wanted and now I’m happy and settled.

Sydney and South Africa

To any South Africans who may be thinking the countries are identical, they’re not. The tax system and the job specifics are different.  It’s not South Africa 2.0 so it’s important to have an open mindset and then go for it. The sense of humour is certainly different, South Africans are more direct whilst Australians can be quite sarcastic. The thing I miss about home the most is my friends but there are South African expat communities all over Australia which makes it easier.

Australia and South Africa share similar climates. As a nation they have a very outdoorsy way of life, with a big focus on activities like running and swimming. This is great for encouraging a healthy lifestyle and I’ve really embraced it, swimming in the mornings and doing Zumba after work. The move has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

If this story has inspired you then share it and help those who may be considering making the move abroad. To hear more case studies and find out about job opportunities please email pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com

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.



THINK Charity

Here at Think Global Recruitment, we take corporate social responsibility very seriously.  With a vision of improving lives, we are always looking for ways to help others.

This year, we have already sponsored a number of events and last month, six, brave members of our team took part in a 135ft abseil off Murrayfield Stadium.  It was a great day and with a target of £600, they managed to raise £790.50 for the Stroke Association.  That is 132% of the original target and all for a fantastic cause!  Here's a photo of our team suited and booted in their abseil gear - hair nets included!

Over the next year (we have all split up into small teams) we are hoping to raise £2,500 for a charity called B1G1.  This is a micro-finance charity that supports people starting their own business.  It operates in many countries around the world and we have already donated enough money to provide 240 days of education support to disadvantaged children in Zimbabwe, hired a rickshaw for a month for 30 drivers in India, provided a lady in India with a sewing machine to set up a tailoring business and provided 1 life education program to a disadvantaged person in South Africa.  We will be running a number of events to raise money and more than likely take part in some silly activities (like climbing the dizzying heights of Edinburgh's rugby stadium and jumping off)...

We are really hoping to make a difference and improve some more lives this year so wish us luck!!

Think Global Recruitment - Improving Lives Annual Survey

"International Experience makes me a Citizen of the World"

Each year, Think Global Recruitment conducts primary research in the form of an overseas survey to analyse the experiences of each accountant that they assist in their overseas move.  This year, over 100 participants took part in the survey and the aim of this report is to present; what is motivating international moves, the best elements of international moves and further interesting comments that participants have shared.

The survey was completed anonymously but participants were asked to state where they moved from and where they moved to.  Countries included; Africa, Americas, Asia, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, the UK and Channel Islands.

Why move overseas?

When asked, "what is the main factor that prompted your desire to work overseas", the vast majority of participants claimed that work experience, followed closely by lifestyle was their biggest reason for the move.

Other reasons that were given included: moving to somewhere more family friendly, experience another culture, close proximity to other countries, learn a new language and improved weather.

Interestingly, only 12.93% were motivated to make the move because of money.

"Besides the work experience, visit beautiful places and increase culture"

The response to the question, "what was the best thing about the move?" indicated that lifestyle (36.54%) and work experience (25.96%) were the two most highly rated aspects of working and living overseas.  A significant drop to 14.42% brings money in as the third most populous answer. Other answers included; "a mix of lifestyle, money, culture and change" and "a better living level".

Living and working overseas gives enhanced access to travel and the opportunity to visit countries that might normally be difficult or out of reach.  One participant said, in reference to the positive aspects of their time overseas, "ability to travel to several European countries'.  Using Europe as an example, flights are reasonably priced and most countries can be visited with a short journey.  For someone who has lived in the USA all of their life, they may not get the opportunity to explore Europe because cost and travel time can make it quite difficult.

"Quicker progression overseas means that when you return, it is a higher level than you would have achieved had you stayed in your original location"

An extraordinary 85.29% of participants agreed that working overseas helps with long-term career development.  Only 1.96% of participants claimed that working overseas may not help long-term career development.

An almost even amount of participants agreed on each of the three following statements:

• International experience is increasingly sought after in management positions (32.43%)
• International experience shows that I am adaptable to change (30.81%)
• International experience makes you a more rounded person (31.89%)

When the participants were asked if they would consider taking another role in their (new) location 75.73% said yes, 4.85% said no, 13.59% said they were unsure and finally 5.83% said other answers such as, "I would love to work in a different location to gain more working experience and experience another culture" and "I am planning to make this my permanent home.".

Following on from these statistics, the participants were asked if they believe that they made the right decision to move to their new location when they did.  A phenomenal result of 87.25% of participants claimed that they did make the right decision to move.  Only, 0.98% said that they did not, 6.86% said they were unsure and 4.9% gave other answers such as; "Could have moved here many years sooner".

Overall, it is clear that the biggest motivating factors for moving overseas are work experience and lifestyle.  This strongly reflects Think Global Recruitment's vision of Improving Lives.  Living and working overseas not only enhances world, cultural and personal experience but it is hugely recognised as a desirable feature when going through a recruitment process.  Working overseas gives massive exposure to different working environments and proves to employers that their candidates are independent and willing to go the extra mile.  It is fantastic to be able to report that so many people believe that they made the right decision in moving overseas.

Further Information:

The participants were asked if there was anything else they would like to add.  Here are just a few of the comments that were made:

"Just do it!"

"If you are given the opportunity to relocate, take it. It is rewarding and character building."

"It's always a plus to gain international experience"

"Move forward always"

"The decision to move was to gain the work experience, very happy that I did"

"Move to Australia has been very positive for the following reasons:

• Financially much better off
• Necessity to work overtime is an irregular occurrence more often than not
• If you have a strong educational background, chances are your job prospects should be superior 
• Quality of life is much better, great weather, cost of living much lower "

"It's really great to live and work here in the UK because of the working lifestyle, hospitable people and healthy environment to live in. I must say I am delighted to have worked with Think Global Recruitment during the employment process."

"Relocation definitely helped my career progression. The international experience gained is invaluable. In addition, I was able to identify best practice and applied it on my engagements subsequently. On a personal level, the work-life balance and the financial part was way above my expectations."

"It has been a great learning experience for many aspects, well recommended."

"The greatest part about working in a new place is seeing how others work, approach problems and develop solutions."

"The world is so big that you find opportunities almost everywhere, if you are really keen to make it. The important this is that you must be ready to design your life and then you can start to look after the new location. So basically, the first question is 'What do I want?', then the second one is: 'Where can I find it?' That's it."

"Cultural diversity is really a gain / enrichment in personal development."

"Think Global Recruitment are the best people in helping professionals relocate and start new careers internationally"

"It's great to have exposure to other cultures and diversity is an awesome experience" 

"It is an incredible experience. The time zones and distance to travel home were one of the downsides. But travel opportunities were in abundance, it was awesome making friends from across the globe and I certainly expanded my work experience and skills."  

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

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

The move of a lifetime to the UAE!

In 2013 Think Global Recruitment assisted Leroi in gaining a new job in a Big Four firm in the UAE, roughly 3,883 miles away from his original location in Pretoria, South Africa. I got in touch with Leroi to find out more about his experience.

Leroi worked for five years in one of the Big 4 firms in Pretoria, just outside Johannesburg. This was enough time to lead him to the conclusion that he was ready to move overseas to explore ‘new opportunities and gain new experiences’, something that he had always wanted to do and the timing couldn't have been better.

Leroi was quite open to moving anywhere, some of the options he listed were: Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Europe. Though, his preference was the Middle East because his wife had previously lived and worked there as a teacher, meaning, she would find it quite easy to join him and gain employment there.

When Leroi applied for a job that we had advertised online, one of Think Global Recruitment’s international experts got in touch with him. "They spent a considerable amount of time finding out what I was looking for in a move and all about my experience". Our consultant then agreed an action plan and a list of companies that he would contact to identify where the most suitable positions would be and which of them would be most interested in his vast experience in internal audit, risk and advisory.  Through this approach his consultant promptly secured him an interview with a Big Four firm in the UAE. His first choice location!

On the 14^th of April 2013, Leroi was offered a job in Abu Dhabi, he moved in mid July. We asked him what he felt was the most helpful thing that Think Global Recruitment did throughout the process- 'you looked after me really well and were really informative. I was very happy with the service. It is great to have someone to take care of the administration side of things which made the whole process much easier. There was always someone to answer your questions and give you support and peace of mind.'

The different culture was, at times, ‘quite difficult’ in a business sense and Leroi said, ‘there will always be an uncertainty on a personal level when you move far away’, however, after a few months his wife joined him on his new adventure and they settled very quickly in their new home. At present, Leroi sees the cultural differences as a highlight of his location.

Following our chat, we are happy to conclude that Leroi is thoroughly enjoying his time in Abu Dhabi and feels that the move has benefited him in many ways, he has a lot of ‘new connections’ and has ‘broadened his horizons’.  We strongly believe that the life experience and career progression that you can gain from living and working overseas is endless.

Leroi’s advice to anyone who is considering an international move:

• ‘Do your research so that you have a bit of an idea of what to expect’
• ‘Try to get hold of people who have done the move before and get their opinion’
• ‘It’s hard to know what to expect until the day that you get there, you should try to understand the pros and cons before you move’ 

We couldn't agree more!

By Emma Maloy, Marketing Assistant