FAQ - Job Seekers

Q. If I want to move overseas, when should I start looking for a new job?

A. There is no time like the present! Seriously, the sooner you start researching the better - there is a lot to consider when planning an international career move. Some companies start recruiting eleven months before a start date, so it’s worth speaking to us to ensure you make the most of any upcoming opportunities. Companies will also make offers to Accountants before their training contract has expired, with a start date for after this time.

Q. What types of companies does Think Global Recruitment work with?

A. We work with the most prestigious Accountancy, Commerce and Financial Service companies. Our clients include Big Four firms (PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Deloitte and Ernst & Young), as well as blue-chip companies such as Goldman Sachs, Coca Cola and Procter & Gamble. We recruit for a range of positions spanning locations in Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, the Caribbean, USA, Canada, the UK, Channel Islands,  Europe, Middle East, Far East and Africa.

Q. What type of salary package could I expect?

A. This varies between different locations. However, whatever happens, you will be paid a fair salary that will allow you to lead a comfortable lifestyle. And, the good news is accountants can afford to be selective about where they live and work. Some locations, such as the Middle East or Africa, may include accommodation and other generous allowances in their salaries. Various locations offer differing tax incentives.

Q. Can I take my partner?

A. This is a very important question. Firstly, it depends on what your partner does for a living and whether that type of job is available in the location you want to move to. It also depends whether your partner will be able to obtain a work permit/visa to live and work in that location. Accountants are very lucky – your profession allows you to work in many diverse locations.  You will also need to consider cost of living and schooling if you are planning on moving with children.

Q. I have recently qualified and only worked in an accountancy practice. However, I would like to move in general industry, is this possible?

A. It is. There are less positions available out with the accountancy firms, purely because an accountancy firm requires lots of accountants and other companies do not. However, dependant on your experience, it is possible to make your first move into industry or financial services at the recently qualified level or above. Take a look at the vacancy search engine on this site for just some of our current vacancies.

Q. Can you assist me with my resume?

A. Of course, we’d be delighted! We have many years of experience liaising with clients and therefore, we know what prospective employers want on resumes. You can use our ‘Information Form’ to request a sample resume, which provides suggestions for layout and text. If you are a qualified Accountant or an experienced Finance Professional, we are more than happy to review your resume and provide constructive suggestions for improvement.

Q. Can you give me assistance with interview preparation?

A. Always. Whenever anyone has an interview arranged through us, we provide extensive interview preparation. You can also use our information form to request some interview tips.

Q. Who would sort my visa?

A. Usually your new employer. However, it is likely you will be required to fill in forms and get together a number of documents to accompany the form. Often you will also be required to have a medical examination. Requirements vary between countries.

Q. Would I receive relocation assistance?

A. From most employers, yes. How much is offered will depend on the location you are moving to, but it is common to receive a flight to the location and temporary accommodation for the first few weeks. Again, amounts offered can vary greatly.

Q. How long will I need to commit to?

A. Most employers are seeking a commitment of a least two years, in return for carrying out international interviews, relocation costs, organising visas, training and induction and more. Two years can sound like a lot, especially if you're coming out of a third year training contract. However, research shows that 83 per cent of those who work abroad for an initial two years, actually end up staying longer. After the first year, you have just found your feet, made friends, located the best pubs and restaurants and become a key player in the local sports team, you may as well stay and enjoy this now you are settled in!  Contracts usually vary from two years to permanent offers.

Q. Where can I go to make financial savings?

A. Some locations offer tax free salaries or low tax. However, these locations also offer a lot of ‘distractions’ to spend your money on, such as, sports, proximity to visit other locations on a regular basis, pub culture etc. Also, some locations are more expensive to live in than others.  

In short, it depends on where you are moving from if you will be better off.  We will always tell you the salary package on offer and cost of living including rent, tax, meal out etc, so you can compare the cost of living.  Although the majority of Accountants we assist move primarily for an improved lifestyle, a recent survey revealed 70 per cent were financially better off as well.

Q. How do I register with you for assistance?

A. Visit the 'Registration' page under 'Job Seekers' to submit your details. Alternatively, go to our ’Contact Us’ page and email us. We visit many locations to carry out one to one meetings, so it doesn’t matter where in the world you are located.

Q. There is so much to know and consider, how do I find out more?

A. Contact us. We have years of experience and expertise in placing accountants overseas. It is important that you work with a specialist if you are going to be making such a big move. We can help you work out the most appropriate locations for your requirements, provide a selection of vacancies and network of employers interested in someone with your skills and importantly, we will assist you throughout the interview process.

Helpful links
www.xe.com - currency converter
www.worldtimeserver.com
www.bbc.co.uk
www.lonelyplanet.com

Country websites
Australia - www.australia.com
Austria – www.austria.info
Belgium – www.visitbelgium.com
Bermuda – www.bermuda4u.com / www.bermudatourism.com
British Virgin Islands - www.virginventure.com/bvi_info.htm
Canada – www.canada.worldweb.com
Caribbean – www.caribbeantourism.ca
Cayman Islands – www.caymanislands.ky / www.grandcayman4u.com
Czech Republic – www.czech.cz
China – www.cnto.org
Denmark – www.visitdenmark.com
Dubai – www.godubai.com / www.dubai-online.com
England – www.enjoyengland.com
Europe – www.touristheaven.co.uk
France – www.francetourism.com
Germany – www.germany-tourism.de
Gibraltar – www.gibraltar.gi
Guernsey – www.visitguernsey.com
Hong Kong – www.discoverhongkong.com
Ireland – www.discoverireland.com
Italy – www.italiantourism.com
Jersey – www.jersey.com
Luxembourg – www.visitluxembourg.com
Middle East – www.uae.org.ae
New Zealand – www.newzealand.com
Poland - www.poland.com
Russia – www.russia-travel.com
Scotland – www.visitscotland.com
South Africa – www.southafrica.net
Switzerland – www.myswitzerland.com
United Kingdom - www.visitbritain.com
USA – www.seeamerica.org
Wales – www.visitwales.com

Expat Websites
www.expatica.com
www.escapeartist.com
www.aussiemove.com


Expat Networking Websites

South African:
South African Business Club UK - www.sabusinessclub.com
South African Expats - http://saexpats.com
South African Expats - www.southafricanexpats.com

Scottish:
St Andrews Society of Montreal - www.standrews.qc.ca
New York Caledonian Club - www.nycaledonian.org
St Andrews Society of Japan - www.st-andrews-society.com
The Bangkok St Andrew's Society - www.bangkokscot.com
Waipu Caledonian Society - www.highlandgames.co.nz

British:
Bristish Expats in Russia - www.expat.ru
British Expats - www.britishexpats.com

Irish:
Irish Expats - www.irishxpat.com
Irish Abroad - www.irishabroad.com
Irish Association of Toronto - www.torontoirishassociation.com

New Zealanders:
New Zealand Society UK- www.nzsociety.co.uk
New Zealand Society Scotland -  www.nzsscotland.org.uk
New Zealand Society Ireland - www.newzealand.ie

Australians:
The Britain-Australia Society - www.britain-australia.org.uk
Australians Abroad - www.australiansabroad.com
Australians in America - www.ozinamerica.org

Filipinos:
Filipino Expats in Qatar - http://qa.filipinoexpats.com
Filipino Expats - www.filipinoexpats.com

Indians:
India e-news - www.indiaenews.com
Indians in Australia - http://chingrimaachh.com.au

Canada UK/Channel Islands Asia Americas Middle East Australia/New Zealand Europe Bermuda/Caribbean Africa