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

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."  

Moving Abroad for Work: UAE and the Finance Industry, contributed by Emma Lathom

According to the Quality of Life Report conducted[i] by the Centre for Future Studies for Natwest, nearly 150,000 Britons are emigrating from the United Kingdom each year. Encouraged by the ease of contact with family and friends abroad via personal technology and mobile devices, many British workers are looking for work abroad, particularly in popular business locations such as the Australia and the UAE.

Popular destinations
The Quality of Life Report found that Australia and Canada[ii] were the top two destinations for British expats, with Australia coming out on top for Britons. Around 40,000 people move to Australia from the UK each year and the country now has up to 1.2 million British expats. Despite the potentially high cost of living, the sunny climate and high quality of life makes it a popular destination amongst those seeking a fresh start.

According to the report, the UAE beat the US and Hong Kong[iii], coming third on the list, with 75% of those surveyed suggesting that one of their main reasons for moving there would be career opportunities. Dave Isley, head of Natwest International Personal Banking[iv], suggests that this shift in views is one of the most notable in many years, with a large number of Britons stating that they’re willing to adjust their lifestyles in order to enjoy the stronger economy and better job opportunities available in the UAE.

The benefits of UAE
The UAE has quickly become one of the go-to destinations for British expats working within many industries. In general, the lack of tax is beneficial for any expats looking to earn a good money while avoiding outgoings. However, job growth is also causing Britons to flock to the country. According to the Monster Employment Index for the Middle East, banking, financial services and insurance[vi] sectors registered the maximum number of online job opportunities in the UAE, with a 9% grow year-on-year. This growth is only expected to increase after the UAE unveiled a new law[vii] that will aid job creation across the emirates.

The new law, which is currently being finalised, is aimed at boosting entrepreneurship using incentives as a means of creating jobs for a growing population. UAE Finance Minister Sultan bin Saeed Al-Mansouri says he believes that the law, which allocates 10% of the development bank capital to go towards helping the businesses, will come into effect within the second quarter of 2014, helping national and international workers within the financial sector to create a business of their own.
Of course, those wishing to enter the UAEs financial and accountancy sector via an already established company[viii] will also benefit from the country’s recent boost in attention[ix] from across the globe. According to Olivier Meier, senior mobility consultant at Mercer, an increasing number of foreign workers are being sent to the UAE for both short and long-term assignments due to the country’s new position as a key global economic hub.

Why Dubai?
Within the Emirates, Dubai is rapidly becoming one of the most popular expat destinations for finance and accountancy workers. The main draw for expatriates to Dubai is the zero rate of income tax, but financial workers are also attracted to the country to take advantage of its rapidly growing financial sector and the increasing job opportunities appearing as the industry booms.

This boom is partly down to the emirate’s recently unveiled plan to become the Islamic economic hub[x]. In December 2013 the Dubai government set up a new body for the financial sector, the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center. As part of Dubai’s goal, the center will provide legal and other services to companies within the Islamic banking industry, boosting growth and encouraging the emirate’s transformation into an economic hub. However, this growth is leaving a shortage of qualified workers in the sector, and so has prompted a search for talented financial professionals. 

In order to bridge this gap, many institutions and companies within the banking industry are developing strong intern programmes to provide hands-on training for younger bankers looking to gain practical experience in Dubai. Muneer Khan, a partner at law firm Simmons and Simmons Middle East[xi], has highlighted the role that international workers should play in the development of Dubai’s finance sector, suggesting that expatriate bankers are required to help globalise the Islamic economic sector.

However, Mr Khan also stresses that many Dubai banks are unwilling to hire international staff without the right experience. Managing director of the Dubai International Academic City[xii], a free zone for international university campuses in Dubai, has highlighted the importance of training and education within the Islamic economy, and argues that the emirate is working hard to help international workers enter the industry. He suggested that industry experts, government officials and leading academics are already working together to identify the skills gaps within Dubai’s finance industry and help national and international workers develop the required skills to meet the sector’s needs.

---

[i] Gulf News http://gulfnews.com/business/general/thousands-of-britons-relocate-every-year-outside-their-county-1.1328497
[ii] The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/houseprices/10803090/Is-Dubai-the-new-Spain-for-British-expatriates.html
[iii] Al Arabiya News http://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/travel-and-tourism/2014/05/05/Fun-in-the-sun-British-expats-prefer-UAE-over-Europe-and-U-S-.html
[iv] Natwest International http://www.natwestinternational.com/nw/personal-banking.ashx
[v] Quotezone http://www.quotezone.co.uk/debt-help.htm
[vi] Emirates 247 http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/looking-for-uae-job-sectors-with-most-opportunities-2014-04-22-1.546572
[vii] Arab News http://www.arabnews.com/news/555126
[viii] United Arab Bank http://www.uab.ae/cms/
[ix] Gulf News http://gulfnews.com/business/general/uae-a-hot-spot-for-overseas-assignments-1.1325425
[x] The International News http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-1-244105-Dubai-seeks-to-become-Islamic-economic-hub
[xi] Simmons & Simmons http://www.simmons-simmons.com/en/Locations/Middle-East
[xii] Dubai International Academy City http://www.diacedu.com

NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

ABIGAIL'S AUSTRALASIA  TOUR - MARCH 2013

COUNTRY 1 – NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

Awesome New Zealand!   Thanks to typical Kiwi hospitality, my journey started in the modern harbor  City of Auckland.  Within an hour of landing I was boarding a boat to go across to Rangitoto Island  – an extinct volcano with a fantastic view of Auckland.  The boat journey itself was great, with a panoramic view of the city, in the sun.  However, running up then down the volcano was a lovely way to stretch the legs after a long flight.  After which we had a BBQ on the boat, before heading back into Auckland. 

                   View from Boat back at Auckland

The next day I was in a string of meetings with potential employers of accountants.   There are a number of varied really interesting opportunities across New Zealand.   The thing that stood out the most when speaking with employers was that they are very enthusiastic about how the companies they work for look after them.  Companies appear to concentrate on a work life balance, through to providing fruit for staff and a large number of social events.

Another consistent theme seems to be that all the businesses are based in lovely, modern buildings, with good views of the lovely city and its harbor.  I could imagine myself having lunch breaks on the harbour before returned for an afternoon’s work, leaving at a reasonable hour and then off to the gym.

I then headed down to Wellington.  The capital city, also with a lovely waterfront.  Home to the government, most work opportunities there will be either working for the government or providing a service to it.  

However, instead of being a ‘stuffy’ capital, the city has an air of cosmopolitan about it.  Excellent restaurants from Waterfront Sea food and wine bars to trendy funky Mexican to American breakfast diners. 

Wellington is a very hilly city.  It reminds me of Cape Town for the mountains that surround it and of Chicago because it is such a windy city.  However, you don’t have to run up the hills, as I did, you can even take a tram to the top to get the view’s.  

From Wellington I took a ferry across to Picton on the South Island .  Now I am sure you are getting the theme, but yes, I did take place in a run around Picton.  What better way to see all these great places.  Picton has the feel of a small sleepy town.  It is pretty and a great gateway to the wonders of this fun filled beautiful island.

   View from Ferry between North and South Island

The rest of my trip consisted of visiting more remote old fashioned hotels, to walking through forests to the lovely pretty town of Nelson, with its stunning long beaches.  Previous trips have included flying in small planes over the stunning Lord of the Rings type scenery, river surfing down the rapids in Roturua, climbing a volcano near Lake Tapo and watching crazy people bungy jumping against the most scenic backdrops.   There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country, I could go on forever!  

Why wouldn't you want to live and work there?

Time for a Run...

Unusually early I am sitting waiting to run my first half marathon of the year. I love this distance, it is a challenge, but does not consume my life leading up to it and not too high a threat of injury if I keep my fitness good inbetween races.

My fun running has taken me all over the globe, one of the reasons I am so pationate about finding positions for people overseas. Seeing what the world has to offer is enlightening.

Living in two continents has helped me run in Australia, New Zealand, England and Scotland on many ocassions. The trickiest run I had was going from snow and minus 15degrees in Scotland to running in plus 38 degrees 48 hours later.

Other hot places I have ran in include Thailand, Cambodia, Borneo, Panang, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands and Malaysia.

Oops better go, got a half marathon to run...

Which countries have you ran in?

Abigail

When in Rome...

I am off to one of my favourite European cities today.. Rome. What a lovely city. The buildings, the history, the people, the food, the drink... I can not think of anywhere better to spend the weekend. There is also the weather. As its been getting colder and colder here in the UK, going into minus figures in Scotland, I am looking forward to 18 degrees in lovely Rome.

As you may tell from lack of blog updates, its been a busy few weeks leading up to this break. The international accountancy job market has gone mad. Heaps of new vacancies coming through from all corners of the world. Australia, New Zealand, Far East, Middle East, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe... you name it we have roles there! Now all we need is to find qualified accountants with the right experience to fit each role.

Post recession companies are still being very choosey regarding the experience, qualifications and personalities they are recruiting. There is certainly competition for the Hot Roles. However, I am told by the accountants we work with that we give the very best interview preparation they have ever received, thus giving them an edge over other applicants. The statistics seem to back this up, showing our applicants are more likely to secure a role than any other. We truly believe time invested in this area pays off. After all, all we want to do is Improve Lives....

Here's a question... How long do you spend preparing for
an interview?

My first Blog.. What is it all about?

So this is the first time I have written a blog. However, having been using Twitter, Facebook and Linked in for quite sometime, I think I will enjoy the freedom of words available!

My plan will be to use this space to update anyone interested on topical knowledge of what is happening in the recruitment market worldwide and also include blogs about my travels. The recruitment market is a great indicator of the economic climate and I am a frequent traveller.

I mainly live and work in Edinburgh, although spend a large % of my time living in Australia and travelling the rest of the world. In the last 12 months I have visited and travelled across:

Australia
New Zealand
Thailand
England
Scotland
Ireland
Italy
France
Belgium
Guernsey
Jersey
Penang
Malaysia
Hong Kong

So, if you are interested in following my rather hectic lifestyle then please feel free to follow me.
Abigail