When Nomusa, a South African Chartered Accountant (SAICA), packed her bags for Bermuda in February 2025, she was stepping into a world that was as different as it was exciting. Having worked as an Audit Manager at Deloitte in Cape Town, Nomusa was ready for a new challenge both professionally and personally.
Just eight months later, she smiles and says, “It’s my home away from home now. I have my people, my routines, my favourite spots, and I do not miss my family as much as I used to.”
Finding Her Feet on the Island
Settling into life on a small island for some can be challenging, but for Nomusa, the transition was smooth and surprisingly sociable. “Making friends has been easy,” she shares. “My colleagues at the firm are friendly and inclusive. They invite me to events, and the company organises a lot of social activities that make it easy to connect.”
Her roommates, who work at another Big Four firm, have also introduced her to their own networks, creating what she affectionately calls “a community away from my old community.”
Outside of work, Nomusa’s days are full of firsts. She goes to the gym daily, has started swimming lessons at the National Sports Centre, picked up golf, and even taken up running.
“The extra time gives me the chance to explore all these new things I could not do before because of work,” she laughs, and yes, there are favourite restaurants too. “There are great places on Front Street that serve vegetarian-friendly meals. I have my regular dinner spots now!”
A Career Step Up in Bermuda
Professionally, the move to a Big Four firm in Bermuda has been everything Nomusa hoped for: a refreshing mix of new industries, international standards, and supportive leadership.
“The clients here are amazing,” she explains. “I am learning so much about new industries, new regulations, and how things are done differently.”
Coming from Deloitte South Africa, the main challenge was adapting to the firm’s methodology. But she tackled it head-on and quickly found her rhythm. “At first, I had to check the manual for everything! But now, I can coach team members on how the firm does things. The feedback I am getting is great.”
Nomusa particularly appreciates Bermuda’s open-door culture. “Everyone is approachable, including Partners. They are hands-on, and you get real one-on-one coaching from senior leadership. It’s very different from South Africa, where partners are often too busy to spend much time with you.” That mentorship has helped her grow technically too. She’s now working on PCAOB and US GAAP engagements, managing larger teams, and leading cross-border group audits across banking, insurance, and asset management clients.
Work-Life Balance for Real
When asked about her work-life balance, Nomusa beams. “It’s amazing. We mostly work 9 to 5. After that, you go to the beach, the bar, or just spend time with friends. Nobody expects you to stay until 2:00 a.m. like we did back in South Africa!”
During the summer, things get even better. “It gets so hot that some days we finish work at noon and go home! People take long vacations for a month or more, which is something I’ve never seen before.”
That freedom has given her the space to truly live and discover new sides of herself. “I’m more social now. I talk to strangers, introduce myself, and make friends easily. It’s a small island you see the same people everywhere, and everyone knows everyone!”
Adventures, Hurricanes, and Hot Weather
Life on an island comes with its quirks. Nomusa experienced her first hurricane shortly after moving, thankfully, a mild one. “The wind was strong, and the rain was intense. We were told to fill our bathtubs, stock up on food, and prepare for the worst but luckily, it passed over. No flooding or damage.” While the hurricane season came and went, the weather remains a talking point. “I didn’t expect it to get that hot! It’s warmer than I thought it would be.”
A Broader Perspective, a Bright Future and Advice
Living abroad has changed how Nomusa sees her career. “I think I’ve found my passion in insurance,” she says thoughtfully. “I’ve started taking short courses in the field to build on my experience. Bermuda is the perfect place because it’s the global hub for insurance.”
She laughs when asked for three words to describe life in Bermuda: “Amazing. Fun. Lovely.”
Her advice to other South African accountants considering an international move? “Go for it! The money is great, the opportunities are huge, and the one-on-one coaching you get here is incredible.”
A Seamless Transition with Think Global Recruitment
When asked about the relocation process, Nomusa calls it “seamless and well-organised.” “Everything was explained upfront, the work permit, the timeline, the documents I needed. Whenever I had questions, I could reach out to the firm, the support was really great, especially since it was my first time relocating.”
Now, settled, thriving, and building her future, Nomusa reflects with gratitude and excitement for what is next. “All is well and I’m just having a good time.”
