Sun, Sea and Jobs for Accountants - Part One

Our Managing Director, Abigail Stevens, has been away for the past month taking Think Global Recruitment on the international road, seeking out the best opportunities for our accountants. In this blog she visits London and Sydney to kick-start her global tour.

 

London’s Calling

 

On the 1st March I caught my first flight from Edinburgh to a location known famously as the City.  It was there that I met with the very knowledgeable and charismatic leader, Anne Swaine of APSCo. APSCo is the UK recruitment industries trade body of which I have just been appointed the Scottish Forum Chair. The organisation was hosting an international forum for consultancies with an interest in setting up offices overseas or recruiting internationally. These forums provide the expert advice and connections which are utilised to enhance the number of vacancies available for our accountants. After that I was off to Australia!

 

From Jetlag to Business

 

As soon as my flight touched down in Sydney, I began my busy schedule of meeting firms interested in hiring international accountants. Due to the economic downturn in the market businesses were unsurprisingly cautious, however, the market definitely is picking up in a number of areas post-recession.  

 

One of the contacts I met that is now seeking other accountants to join his firm had been helped by Think Global Recruitment, making the move from UK to Sydney, as a recently qualified accountant. Craig, who is still at the same firm today, has been a Partner there for a number years. Yet another success story for a British accountant building an international career overseas and a Life Improved!

 

Whilst in Sydney, I had the fortunate experience of meeting two more women with whom we assisted to make their first move to Australia and have done exceedingly well in their careers since! The first,  Chantal, moved over from South Africa with PKF and after just under four years with the firm, moved into the financial service sector.  She has since worked her way up to be a Senior Director with NASDAQ.  Her story can be read here. The second, Dorota, moved over from South Africa as a recently qualified auditor into an Internal Audit role with Macquarie Bank.  After just under three years she moved on to another two organisations to end up in her current role as a Senior Risk Manager. Her story will be in our next blog post so watch this space!

 

Social Networking

 

Through my contacts in the Scottish Government, I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to a charity luncheon ran by David Bocklehurst OEM of Reuters Charity. The charity arranges events for big businesses across the city to network, whilst donating the profits to a variety of Australian Charities.  The event was to present the chosen charities with cheques which amounted to a total of $1.5 million! The luncheon provided an excellent opportunity to talk with a number of high-profile individuals from some of the top global organisations.

 

My final engagement in Sydney was to go to an Australian British Chamber of Commerce's Whisky  Tasting event.  The chosen Bladnoch distillery could not have been more cross-continental, with the distillery being based in Scotland but wholly owned by an Australian company. The event was a great occasion to foster new business relationships and promote the Think Global Recruitment brand. I was also fortunate enough to win the door prize that had been donated by Whisky Live of a very special Islay Single Malt that was a one off special label and only five people in the world know which distillery it was from! It was the perfect way to end my stay in this beautiful city.

 

 

 

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.



What's Been Going On at Think Global Recruitment?

Abigail is on Tour!

Our Managing Director Abigail is back on the road again, taking her wealth of knowledge (20 years in the industry!) with her. She has been forging new partnerships with businesses and expanding the Think Global Recruitment network across the globe with visits to London, Dubai, Australia and New Zealand.

"The main purpose of the trip is to strengthen our relationships with some of the world's biggest accountancy firms to ensure that we deliver the best opportunities for our accountants." - Abigail

Abigail has also been catching up with some of the accountants that we placed as far back as ten years ago! As one of the world's longest running specialist recruitment agencies, we find it important to stay in contact with our accountants to find out how their move has improved their lives. We will be posting some of those people's stories in future blog posts so make sure to keep an eye out!

If you're a chartered accountant in Australia or New Zealand and would like to discuss your options about moving abroad you can get in contact with Abigail by emailing astevens@thinkgr.com. 






Think Global Recruitment says Happy 10th Birthday to Edinburgh University's eClub!

Our Operations Director, Cramond, was delighted to attend a morning’s seminar at the eClub Start-up Festival last week.

  “There was a fantastic turnout and it was great to see and hear from all those involved including  the legend that is Pete Irvine who is responsible, for amongst other things, the best travel guide book ever written, Scotland the Best!(new edition out next month)” - Cramond

Peter Irvine’s company, Unique Event’s, was responsible for organising all of the punk, mod and new wave bands in Edinburgh in the late 70s and 1980s via Regular Music (thanks for all the memories!). The seminar also had, among other eminent speakers, Simon from Frisky Yoghurt, Scotland’s original frozen yogurt brand, and Alan Mahon from Social Bite who served George Clooney as the main course at the Scottish Business Awards event last year.

 People Searching for a Land Down Under

Jill, Henrica and Peter all got a chance to attend Down Under Live in Glasgow to talk to people wanting to make the big move to Australia and New Zealand. From families to graduates, the sheer range and numbers of all those drawn south of the equator is a trend that does not seem to be slowing down. 

"It's a Saturday morning and it's raining really heavily outside, you would of thought it would put people off but there seems to be a really big appetite for working overseas, especially in Australia and New Zealand!" - Peter

 The event had stalls to assist with all the essentials of moving abroad and featured some useful talks on the visa processes, job markets and costs of living. There was also events held in Birmingham and London.

Are you an accountant that we have helped over the years? If so, please get in contact with Peter at pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com to share your story for other accountants who may be considering making the move abroad.  

Great increase in demand for global accountants! - says specialist recruitment director

 

Think Global Recruitment’s Managing Director, Abigail Stevens, has successfully assisted accountants to secure international careers for 20 years.  Having set up Think Global Recruitment almost 16 years ago, she analyses the current state of the global job market.

Movement in any job market, but especially the accountancy sector, is always a good gauge on how the economy is doing.  The great news is that we have definitely seen a large increase in the need to hire in 2015, not quite to the extent of pre worldwide recession 2007, but certainly the best we have seen since then. As 2016 gets underway, it’s worth noticing just how international professional accountants are this year. We have witnessed unprecedented numbers of candidates enter the UK from a wide-range of countries across the world. 

What’s happening in the UK Job Market?
 

"They have realised there are just not enough recently qualified accountants and junior managers"

As firms come out of the recession feeling stronger and ready for growth, they have realised there are just not enough recently qualified accountants and junior managers available on the local market to support the increased demand on the sector.  In the last few months we have assisted the Top 6 CA firms to hire accountants from Ireland, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Latvia, Czech Republic, Canada, Cyprus, Tanzania, Ukrainian, Romania, Lithuania, Brazil, Argentina, Mauritius, the Philippines and Malaysia over the last year.

Think Global Recruitment has assisted firms in the UK to fill around 200 vacancies in the last 12 months with professionally qualified accountants from locations as far away as The Philippines and as close to home as Ireland.  These accountants have filled a much needed skills gap and enabled our clients to prosper.  The UK market has certainly kept us busy for the last couple of years.

 

 

The table above shows a broad-based rise in demand in the UK for permanent staff in December, accountancy & finance jobs are rated third. (Source: Markit report)

 

What about outside the UK?
 

Well there has certainly been movement there.  We have assisted accountants from Britain and other countries across the globe to secure permanent jobs in locations such as Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, The Caribbean, Germany, France, Switzerland, Asia and the Middle East.  It certainly feels like the world has opened up again to accountants seeking global experience.

There are however, still some locations that have not opened up again, post-recession, to bringing accountants in yet.   America, whilst being one of the highest on people’s lists, still remains the hardest to get into.   There has been a huge decrease in the number of visas available for skilled migrants and its lottery type system leads to very low odds and difficult terms in getting one. Canada has also increased its restrictions on entry making the process more complicated. Australia, New Zealand and Middle East have been recruiting, but the numbers are lower in comparison with the pre-recession years.

Future predictions? 
 

"There will be a worldwide shortage of qualified accountants for the next two or three years"
 

Well if the 2000/2001 dip in the economy is anything to learn from, there will be a worldwide shortage of qualified accountants for the next two or three years.  This will result in a considerable increase in movement in this sector across all the global hotspots. So if you're an international accountant you won't be out of work anytime soon!

Jason's Story: A professional accountancy qualification is a passport to working anywhere!

Jason attended an event we held in Dublin and before long he was on his way to work for PwC in Sydney. It was there that he met his wife and got introduced to a fantastic new city.

Jason who is now Deputy Director Corporate Finance and Operations for University of Newcastle, Australia, allowed us to catch up with him to hear how his move benefited his career. 

 

Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

I attended the Think Global Recruitment event in Dublin and heard about opportunities in Australia and began to think about that as a location.  I was invited to Birmingham where the Big Four pitched to a room full of recently qualified accountants.  That led to an interview with PwC Sydney and then I got the job! I felt I wanted to break out of my comfort zone and move abroad whilst I was still young.
 

What was the biggest benefit of moving?
 

I found Sydney to be a fantastic city.  Along the way, I met a lady from Singapore who was also working for PwC Sydney and we are now married!  Professionally, I have done better than I would have had I stayed in Ireland.  There is so much to do socially and I love living in a city with a big ‘wow’ factor.  There is a strong Irish ex-pat community, and I’ve had lots of visitors, so have never felt very homesick.
 

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

 

Money was not that big a motivator for my move, but I’ve enjoyed the lifestyle it has afforded me.  There was a ‘living-away-from-home’ allowance and lots of tax breaks.  The outdoor life improved my standard of living too – the culture was initially unfamiliar, but once I got used to it, I loved it!

 

What were the highlights of your location?

 

Sydney is a beautiful city, with amazing beaches, stunning weather, a lovely outdoor, healthy attitude and very sport-orientated.  As a city, it is easy to get around and I was always proud to show it off.

What location are you in now?
 

After 5 years I moved to Newcastle, north of Sydney with PwC. My contract as a foreign employee had been extended and extended and I wanted to put down roots and get Australian citizenship.  I thought this was best done out of a main city and somewhere a little similar to Cork, where I am from.  Newcastle has 180,000 inhabitants and is a major port, similar to Cork.  I had met my now-wife by this point and wanted to buy a house for us both, which I have done in Newcastle.

 

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

 

In my opinion, overseas working is virtually mandatory to achieve progression in the Big Four.  It is essential for learning new skills and bringing new knowledge back to use in future work.  It demonstrates the ability to be tenacious, self-reliant, to work with a number of very different people in diverse cultures.

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

DO IT! For several years! It shows global companies that professionals are also global in outlook, have a 5 year plan and stick to it.  A professional accountancy qualification is a passport to working anywhere!

 

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

 

Think Global Recruitment is a truly global company and the contacts you have are unrivalled.  The event that you held in Dublin initially gave excellent information and the Birmingham event was, at the time, really novel.  Having the Big Four pitch to us candidates was great and a nice change from candidates just having to convince employers.

 

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

 

The events allowed me to hear all of my options and I would not have thought of Australia had it not been for your consultants.  I was given good, honest advice and what I wanted was the most important thing.  The international contacts, the knowledge of the consultants, the willingness to listen and support – all of these things made you stand out.  I have recommended you to people over the years so I’m a huge fan of Think Global Recruitment.

 

 

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 

The Top 15 Places You MUST Visit in Europe

Thinking about a move to Europe?  There is so much to see and do. You’ll find everything here, from fabulous culture, history and architecture, to outstanding nightlife and delicious food, and wine. The wonderful thing about living in Europe is that, as the second smallest of the seven continents, accessible transport options are plentiful throughout Europe’s tight geography. Flights between European destinations are increasingly cheap, while the European rail system extends from dense cities into the quiet countryside. Once based in Europe, you become the envy of the world, with literally countless countries and opportunities at your fingertips. Here we’ve listed 15 European locations that you can’t afford to miss during your time off.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of Europe's most visited cities -- and rightly so. Much of the city's activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys filled with restaurants, bars and a lively pedestrian market. From these tree-lined streets to the city's the beachside nightclubs, from its dozens of spectacular churches and cathedrals to its unique modernist architecture, this city by the sea has something to offer everyone.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is increasingly popular as a ‘must-see’ European destination. Wander around the medieval city walls to enjoy stunning views overlooking the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, while inside these walls lies the city’s beautiful, pedestrian-only Old Town. Its marble streets are filled with elegant Baroque buildings and aristocratic palazzi, while a grid of narrow alleys harbour countless cafes and restaurants where you can sit and watch the world go by. Add to this pristine beaches, chic hotels and adventure sports facilities, and Dubrovnik becomes a destination you just can’t pass by.

Vienna, Austria

As one of the most elegant cities in Europe, it would be hard not to include Vienna in one of our     go-to destinations. Few cities can boast the imperial grandeur of Vienna, once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy. Furthermore, the city’s world famous coffee scene can be enjoyed amidst its palatial, yet welcoming cafés. Austria’s capital is also one the most musical cities in the world, which is partly due to the great number of great composers and musicians who were born or lived and worked here. Visiting Vienna therefore means experiencing the works of Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven and many others.

Prague, Czech Republic

A grand city with extraordinary historic and cultural sights, Prague is definitely somewhere not to be missed. The city’s views are breathtaking: although the Czech capital is nicknamed ‘the City of a Hundred Spires’, in fact it is filled with nearly a thousand towers and spires, with a huge diversity of architectural styles. Nightlife in Prague is diverse and plentiful, from trendy clubs, to sophisticated wine bars, to late-night cellar bars. On top of all this, Prague wins hands down over most other European destinations in its affordability.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

From the history-drenched medieval tenements and narrow lanes of the Old Town, to the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town, Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in the world. You can spend hours wandering the city’s cobbled streets, marvelling at its character and charm. Not least among Edinburgh’s magnificent buildings is the 900-year-old Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city’s iconic skyline. The whole city comes together in August each year for the largest arts festival in the world — often described as one big party — which is not to be missed.

Monaco

The tiny yet glitzy principality of Monaco sits along the French Riviera, and is perfect for a luxurious getaway. One of the many great aspects of Monaco is Monte Carlo, which has arguably one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Perhaps what makes it so spectacular are the dramatic cliffs and sky-blue waters, not to mention the multi-million dollar mega-yachts. While Monaco is full of glitz and glamour, visitors are often surprised by the laid-back vibe found in the Old City (or Monaco Ville), on a high promontory called the Rock. This is where you'll find the Prince's Palace and St. Nicholas Cathedral (where Princess Grace is buried), as well as sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean.

Florence, Italy

For a small, riverside city, Florence looms large on the world's 'must-sees' list as a historic and beautiful destination. The city is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, and its urban fabric has hardly changed since that time. Even for the least arts-savvy visitor, it’s possible to feast on the city’s breathtaking architecture and magnificent, world-class art galleries for hours. The Uffizi Gallery is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world including Botticelli’s masterpiece,The Birth of Venus. Tuscany is no doubt one of Italy’s most revered wine regions, so when in Florence, you are well placed to sample such delights. In fact, the city’s food and wine are so wonderful that the tag 'Fiorentina' has become an international label of quality assurance.

London, United Kingdom

London is an iconic, diverse and exciting city. Rich in history, culture, fine cuisine and shopping, the city has something to offer everyone. Having been the capital of the world’s greatest empire, history really comes to life when you’re walking through the streets of London. Westminster is a town unto itself within the heart of London, and it is home to some of the city's most famous images and architectural structures, including one of the most beautiful government buildings in the world, the Palace of Westminster.  London is also a multicultural paradise, and this is especially so when it comes to food. Check out some of London’s many markets to experience this — and many other delights — first hand.

Sorrento, Italy

Overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy, Sorrento is a peaceful and pretty town, with colourful buildings, refined restaurants, and every excuse to relax. When the sun shines, both the city and the azure waters are said to genuinely sparkle. Come to Sorrento for some great sea fishing, diving and boat cruises, as well as excellent hiking trails cross the peninsula. Sorrento is also an ideal base for exploring Europe's most compelling archaeological site: the ruins of Pompeii, as well as the famous volcano responsible for the town’s destruction in 79AD, Mt. Vesuvius.

Athens, Greece

Athens is a must-do for culture buffs. Having long been referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, Athens is home to many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Wandering about these ancient landmarks may just cause you to pinch yourself. Amazingly, the city’s cultural and social life takes place amid this historic centre, merging past and present. Since its pre-Olympics revamp, contemporary Athens boasts one of the most happening nightlife scenes in Europe, which now centres on the urban-chic bars and cafés between Syntagma and grungy Monastiraki (at the foot of the Acropolis).

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Having been the location of several significant historical events - including the Hungarian Revolution - it’s the kind of place where you are really breathing in history as you wander its streets. Notable sites here include Heroes Square, St Stephen’s Basilica and the Hungarian Parliament Building. Budapest is often referred to as the city of spas, as it offers the opportunity to bathe in an astounding array of thermal Turkish baths. It’s the perfect way to unwind, whilst enjoying centuries old architecture. Round off your time in Budapest in one of the city’s edgy, alternative bars.

Lisbon, Portugal

Full of bleached white limestone buildings and intimate alleyways, Lisbon has a wonderful mix of contemporary culture and traditional architecture. Eating out in Lisbon is a delight - from the revered Portuguese custard tarts, to fresh, locally caught sardines - the diverse dining scene is one of the many great things about Lisbon. Another great thing is that you are not far from the sea: the coastal town of Estoril is in close proximity to the city, so when you want to get away from it all, you can hop on the train and enjoy a calming coastal walk with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

St Petersberg, Russia

Russia’s imperial capital is today a dazzling metropolis whose sheer grandeur never fails to amaze. St Petersburg is replete with long boulevards, narrow canals, and grand public squares, and is an almost unrivalled treasure trove of art and culture. You can spend days in the Hermitage, seeing everything from Egyptian mummies to Picassos, while the Russian Museum, spread over four sumptuous palaces, is perhaps the best collection of Russian art in the world. On top of that, the city offers an exciting nightlife and restaurant scene — certainly enough for several repeat visits.

Berlin, Germany

The capital of Germany is an unmissable destination for those who appreciate history, culture and vibrancy. It really has an exceptional variety of attractions, including top historic sights like the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, not to mention the famous Berlin Zoo. The city has a relaxed vibe and lots of open spaces, from forests, to lakes, to sprawling parks. In summer, Berlin moves outdoors to the beach bars along the banks of the Spree, pavement cafés and open-air cinemas – perfect for capitalising on the warm summer nights.

Paris, France

The City of Lights; the City of Love; the Capital of Fashion — this elegant city has a plethora of alluring names. Paris draws millions of visitors ever year with its unforgettable ambiance and unparalleled reputation as a mecca of culture, art, fashion, gastronomy, history and architecture. The city’s world-famous museums and monuments are worth a visit in themselves — these include the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Coeur and Notre Dame, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, to name but a few.

Europe is a fantastic location to live and work - there is always a country nearby to explore!  If you're a Chartered Accountant thinking about an international move, get in touch with Think Global Recruitment and hear more about the opportunities that we have on offer!

This article was contributed by Kirsten McKinlay