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!!

15 ways Think Global Recruitment show our staff we care

Lately we have been rejoicing the fact that for the last 15 years, we have been finding jobs for accountants and professionals across the world.

To celebrate internally, our entire team enjoyed a summer barbecue and a long weekend in Amsterdam (which remained a mystery location until we reached the airport - and what a fantastic time we had!) Our team makes our business. Celebrating our success from the past 15 years has been great fun!

Roger and Kevin in South Africa

Roger, Senior Recruitment Consultant – “If we reach £60,000 in a quarter, we win our Object of Desire which really promotes success and is a great perk!  I have recently been to Marrackech which was amazing!  I have actually had the chance to travel to Africa twice this year with a business trip in Durban last month.” 

Here at Think Global Recruitment, we value our staff and we work hard to create a successful, professional environment that people enjoy working in. We are currently expanding our team and would love some more, bright, driven recruits!  Here are the top reasons to join us:

We are global

• Our founder is passionate about travelling and discovering different cultures. Her love of adventure is part of the reason Think Global Recruitment became an international recruitment company – Abigail understood the many advantages of working internationally when she started out!
• Our staff get to see the world and work with people from many cultures. In the past month our staff have ventured to London, Dublin, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Zurich and Geneva. On these trips we get to meet people we usually only speak to on the phone, and we always make sure to explore the local culture.
• In our super connected world working with people all over the globe is incredibly time efficient. Because of the time differences, we can catch accountants out-with their working times but within ours.
  
• Helping accountants to make an international move is very rewarding and we know Think Global Recruitment makes a real difference to people's lives. So many people who we have helped to move to another country do keep in touch and it's great to hear from them.  Sometimes they will even come back to us, ready to take on another adventure!
• Declan, Recruitment Consultant – “Every day is different, you have the opportunity to not only build relationships but improve the lives of people from different backgrounds and cultures”

We value training

• Helping ambitious and focussed people achieve is important and we run the Think Global Recruitment Training Academy to facilitate this. We recruit and develop young people and gained Investors in Young People accreditation in recognition of this.
• Training begins in our academy when new recruits join. It provides a comprehensive 12 hour induction and their education continues with individual, ongoing modules. Our training library and on the desk training from our team offer support too. We know having a buddy helps when you're starting out too. It gives you somewhere to direct the inevitable questions you have in the early days, so all of our new recruits are paired up with one.
• We give our people external training too because, while our fantastic team know our sector well, developing the skills within our business is vital.
• Many of our team have worked their way up through the business and we offer real opportunities to progress. We use our appraisal system to set goals together with each member of staff so we can evaluate their progress together. This means everyone, from reception to senior consultants, know what it will take to get to the next level.
• Dan, Senior Recruitment Consultant - "You can progress as fast as you like here, if you put the work in, no one will hold you back. The training offered is excellent"

Our 15th birthday celebrations

Our staff have great benefits

We offer staff benefits from the day our staff start with us.

• We have fruit in the office, offer long lunches and subsidised gym memberships as well as a bike to work scheme. Staff who stay with us are rewarded with long service holidays as well as healthcare and a stakeholder pension scheme after two years, and there's a chance to set these benefits up in advance of that two year mark too.
• Every quarter our team have opportunities to get great rewards just for going over their targets– we've given away luxury holidays all over the world, Gucci handbags, Tag watches and surround sound TVs.

Our Christmas party celebrations

We play hard too

• Every year we have two events that gather everyone together for fun, one in Summer and another at Christmas, which partners can come along to too.
• We have an optional 'casual smart' dress code – business dress is only required for client meetings and formal events.
• Katherine, Office Manager & PA to Directors – “My work varies each day but I always have a good time with my colleagues and there is a great energy”

Everyone gets involved

When new recruits join us they're joining a team who have established business relationships and accumulated knowledge over the years, but we know that keeping those conversations going is the key to building our business.

• The people who know our business best are those working here and we value them and their opinions. Each year when we review our vision, mission statement and key values, all of our staff have the opportunity to contribute if they feel that changes to these are necessary.

• 

  Our charity abseil

  It's not just our staff who we listen to, we get feedback from the people that we help to move every year and that feedback is invaluable to everyone.
• Jill, Customer Care Consultant – “I get to spend a large part of my day helping accountants with one of the biggest moves of their lives and I laugh a lot at my witty colleagues while doing that”
• We love helping charities!  In the past we have raised over £10,000 for Kenyan schools and recently we have done an abseil for the Stroke Association and sponsored a charity football match for the Edinburgh Sick Kids.  We are currently working on raising money for small start up businesses in less developed countries.

We have openings in recruitment and accounts so if you are a bright, ambitious and this sounds appealing - get in touch with your CV: mail@thinkgr.com

From Dublin to Bermuda- making a dream come true!

Last year, Amy attended one of Think Global Recruitment's Worldwide Presentation & Drinks Evenings in Dublin.  Nearly a year later she is living the dream in the tropical paradise - Bermuda!

We spoke to Amy last week to find out how she is getting on...


Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

I wanted a change, I wanted to get out of Dublin and leave home - I don't think it would have happened otherwise!

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

Yeah, going alone and being by myself, Bermuda is so far away from home.  I originally wanted to move to London so that I could fly home easily but Bermuda is really great.  My first day was a bank holiday which I spent on a boat.  There are so many ex-pats and everyone is so welcoming and friendly!

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

It was really quick.  I was lucky enough to find my house within two weeks and I think once you have found your house, you are settled.  I managed to get my driving test done in the first month too.

Did you have any expectations and do you think the move has met them?

Well not really.  I didn't plan to go to Bermuda!  I was open to anything but yeah, it has absolutely exceeded them!

What has been the biggest benefit of moving? 

There's no commute - I live a five minute walk from my work.  The island is completely different to any city.  It's so small and laid back.  The weather too, the weather is amazing!

What are the highlights of your location?

Definitely spending a lot of time on boats!  Spending the weekends drinking and floating on boats!

Are there any cultural differences?   

There's nothing really that different...  There are so many ex-pats here that everything is kind of geared towards them.  No, I don't think there really is anything that stands out as different.

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

Just do it!  Don't think about it, just be brave and everything will fall into place.

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

You have the best contacts and jobs, I had no intentions of moving to Bermuda before my consultant told me about the opportunities there. You were really helpful all the way through the recruitment process.


There are still spaces left for Wednesday so if you fancy spending your weekends floating in the Atlantic Ocean and relaxing on the beach then register by emailing emaloy@thinkgr.com 

 

How I Made Partner

London - New York - London

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

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

Can you confirm your original location and current location?

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

Why did you originally move overseas?

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

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

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

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

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

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

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

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

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

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

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

What were the highlights of your location?

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

What cultural differences did you notice?

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

When and why did you leave New York?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving Country - 15 Ways to Leave Your Mother

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

Choosing your location

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

Getting a job

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

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

Taking care of the practicalities

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

Making your new location Home

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

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

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

ABIGAIL'S TOP TEN SHOWS FROM EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 2015

Unlike some locals, I absolutely LOVE Edinburgh Festival!  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks to the crew of Le Haggis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christian Reilly, Songs of Insolence

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

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

Donate for this free show also! 

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

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

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

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

The one hour went extremely fast and I love it!

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

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

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

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

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

Bleeker, Fingers Piano Bar 2am 

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

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

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

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

Why did you originally decide to move overseas?

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

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

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

Did you have any concerns about moving overseas?

 

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

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

Did your move meet your original expectations and how?

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

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

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

What are the highlights of your location?

The Isle of Man is green, safe and clean.

What disappointed you about your location? 

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

What cultural differences did you notice?

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

What is your current job title?

Audit Executive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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