PDF version - A guide to CFAB - The Institute of Chartered

WORKING INTERNATIONALLY
INTRODUCTION
put yourself
in the picture
The ICAEW is a global organisation serving a truly global
profession, with members around the world who create value
in every field of business and practice. The Institute’s 2008
Career Benchmarking Study, conducted in collaboration
with recruitment company Robert Half, revealed that nearly
two-thirds of members questioned have international
experience either from working in another country, travelling
as part of their job, or by regularly collaborating across other
countries and time zones.
It is with this in mind that we have launched this guide to working
internationally. Here, you can find out about the resources we have
put at your fingertips to inform and guide you on the professional
and business environments in different countries. You can learn
more about the transportability of your qualification, find out how
we support you with networking and support opportunities
around the world, and hear directly from some members on how
international experience has helped their career progression.
It is our role to help you identify and seize international opportunities,
and support you as you move through your career in a truly global
profession. If that involves looking beyond your current location,
I hope this handbook goes some way to assisting you on that journey.
Sharron Gunn
Director, Member Services
For international career opportunities www.tonicir.com
3
USING YOUR QUALIFICATION
INTERNATIONALLY
The ICAEW has membership recognition
agreements with accountancy bodies
around the world. So if you’re planning
to live and work in another country, you
may be able to join the local institute –
provided you maintain your ICAEW
membership.
Practising and auditing rights are not
automatically included in membership.
You may need to undergo further
assessment, and in some cases, they may
not be available.
The ACA designation can be used
anywhere within the EU, in accordance
with the usual guidelines. Outside the
EU, you are advised to use ACA (ICAEW)
in order to clarify your qualification.
More information is available on
the ICAEW website.
ICAA IN AUSTRALIA
No further assessment required,
except to gain audit rights.
SAICA IN SOUTH AFRICA
No further assessment required.
NZICA IN NEW ZEALAND
No further assessment required.
CANADA
You should apply to the local
provincial institute. You will need to
fulfil local law and practice
requirements, but it is possible to
gain audit rights.
HKICPA IN HONG KONG
No further assessment required.
ACA RECOGNITION IN EU STATES
Your ACA qualification should be
recognised by EU member states
under either the EU Directive on
the Recognition of Professional
Qualifications or the EU Directive
on Statutory Audit. You should
therefore be able to obtain
accountancy or audit recognition
in another member state by passing
a qualifying aptitude test.
You’ll benefit from all
sorts of viewpoints.
Assurance, Tax and Advisory Consultants
•
Global opportunities
It’s a big world. But it’s totally connected. As our global
network of firms proves. What’s more, with over 150,000
people active in 153 countries, we can not only apply a
huge array of perspectives to client issues, we can also
offer unrivalled opportunities to visit different countries,
experience different cultures and benefit from exposure
•
All levels
to different ways of working. The result? We get more
rounded business advisors. And you get the chance
to do something enormously positive for your career.
After all, it’s no coincidence that 64% of our Partners
have completed an overseas secondment. See how
far you could go at www.pwc.com/globalcareers
We value diversity in our people.
4
© 2008 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.
ICAEW WORLDWIDE
In today's challenging global marketplace, companies require internationally committed and
technically outstanding professionals who truly understand their business needs.
That’s why they choose to work with McCann & Braham, the international search specialists.
Seniors, Managers, Directors - IFRS / US GAAP Advisory – USA
Keep up to date with ICAEW events and activities around the world. You’ll find a wealth of
member-only resources on our website, providing research, analysis, statistics, and business and
accountancy information for over 70 countries. Click on a region to visit ICAEW worldwide.
Working for the world’s premier accounting firm, your role will be to provide
strategic, technical and project management assistance to companies seeking
expertise in US GAAP / IFRS conversion.
Seniors / Managers – Caribbean
Our client has made their Caribbean firm the “Go to” provider of all accounting
services in the region. They have one of best client portfolios and are able to
offer unrivalled experience to a small number of UK trained ACAs each year.
Assistant Manager / Manager – Transaction Services – Western Europe
As Western Europe’s largest firm our client is looking to strengthen its pan European
offering to its multinational client base. They currently need UK Qualified ACAs
who have worked within TS / M&A and speak a 2nd European language.
Managers / Senior Managers- Internal Audit Services - China
An excellent opportunity has arisen to join a rapidly expanding advisory
service line within this Big 4 firm based in China. With the main focus on risk,
control and assurance, you will be at the cutting edge of all corporate
governance related matters within the region.
• Belgium
The ACA is a qualification relevant to your
business wherever you are in the world.
We offer programmes leading to the
ACA qualification in:
• China
• China
• The Gulf
• Romania
• Hong Kong
• Cyprus
• Malaysia
• Russia
• Malaysia
• Greece
• Pakistan
• Singapore
• Russia
See page 11 for a more detailed look at
the institute’s online international resources
for members.
In addition to the UK headquarters
and regional offices we have offices
or representatives in:
Contact details for all ICAEW offices
6
Managers / Senior Managers – Australia
Our client is a member of the Big 4 and Australia’s leading practice firm. To
support their client’s growing needs they are looking to appoint a number of
UK trained ACA’s who are keen to develop their careers across the assurance
and advisory service lines.
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” –Henry Miller
For a confidential informal briefing on the international market place please contact Paul McCann
paul@mccannbraham.com or Angus Braham angus@mccannbraham.com
www.mccannbraham.com
020 8704 1221
RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES
OF GLOBALISATION
In a bid to ensure that the profession as a
whole is better able to respond to the
challenges of globalisation, an alliance of
leading professional accountancy bodies in
significant capital markets was formed in
November 2005.
The ICAEW is one of the nine founding
members of the Global Accounting Alliance
(GAA), which represents over 750,000
professional accountants in over 140 countries.
The GAA provides a structure in which these
bodies can work more closely on issues that
have implications for multiple jurisdictions.
The Alliance works with national regulators,
governments and stakeholders, and with other
international bodies, especially IFAC. In this
way we are able to provide real leadership on
key issues that are important to our members.
The GAA also supports members with the daily
challenges they face combining global and
local knowledge. GAA Passport for Member
Services provides access to local support and
services to members working in a country
covered by a GAA Institute.
Services on offer vary across locations but
include CPD and networking events,
membership of technical groups, library
services, and local meeting facilities.
8
GAA MEMBERS
Institute of Chartered Accountants
in England and Wales (ICAEW)
The American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants (AICPA)
Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants (CICA)
Hong Kong Institute of Certified
Public Accountants (HKICPA)
Institute of Chartered Accountants
in Australia (ICAA)
Institute of Chartered Accountants
in Ireland (ICAI)
Institute of Chartered Accountants
of Scotland (ICAS)
New Zealand Institute of Chartered
Accountants (NZICA)
South African Institute of
Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
WORLDWIDE OPPORTUNITIES
BERMUDA CARIBBEAN AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ASIA MIDDLE EAST
Where will you be in 2009?
Think Global Recruitment is a leading international
recruitment consultancy that specialises in finding
jobs for accountancy and finance professionals,
moving them to some of the most sought after
destinations around the world.
If you are a qualified accountant, or about to qualify,
don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the fantastic
roles we recruit for across the globe!
“It’s a wonderful experience that will make your
professional life better and personal life fuller.”
Gerard, Russia
“Think Global Recruitment lined up two interviews
within a short time. Both companies offered
positions.” Ann, Luxembourg
“I wanted to improve my quality of life and progress
my career. I feel I have definitely achieved both of
these goals.” Gina, New Zealand
For more information visit:
www.thinkgr.com
or contact us at:
T: +44 (0) 131 240 1291
E: mail@thinkgr.com
AFRICA USA CANADA UNITED KINGDOM CHANNEL ISLANDS EUROPE
MEMBER NETWORKING AND SUPPORT
There are almost 20,000 ICAEW
members who live outside the UK, and
many more who travel to other countries
in the course of their work. The ICAEW’s
member support network, and our
relationships with other accountancy
bodies, provide local support and
networking opportunities in many
different locations around the world.
GLOBAL ACCOUNTING ALLIANCE
(GAA)
The GAA Passport for Member Services
Programme provides members with
access to events and local services in
Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New
Zealand, South Africa and USA.
CCAB GROUPS IN EUROPE
The Consultative Committee of
Accountancy Bodies has groups
throughout Europe that provide
members of ICAEW, and the other CCAB
bodies, with in-country technical and
social networking opportunities.
CITY GROUPS
Institute City Groups in Sydney,
Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore
facilitate events and social get-togethers.
10
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE
CONTACT MEMBERS
Our network of 56 contact members in
50 countries provides a local friendly
point of contact, particularly helpful for
when you first arrive in a new country.
Tap into the world’s leading accountancy
resource online and you’ll find thousands of
books, journals and reports to support you
in every aspect of your work – wherever in
the world you are.
ASSOCIATION OF CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS IN THE USA (ACAUS)
ICAEW members in the USA get
complimentary membership of ACAUS
and access to its support services and
events.
Whether you need the tax rates in Poland or
a profile of Chinese gas utilities, make the
eLibrary your first port of call. Popular
resources include:
COUNTRY RESOURCES
Economic forecasts, industry and labour
market reports, country guides and tax
information for over 70 countries. Explore
our country resources.
BUSINESS JOURNALS
Articles from international business journals
and trade magazines.
EBOOKS
A series of Doing business with… eBooks,
including ‘Bridging the Culture Gap: A
Practical Guide to International Business
Communication’
LINKS
Over 10,000 links to useful sources of
information, including IAS/IFRS and GAAP
comparisons links pages containing
articles, online guides and reading lists.
COST OF LIVING REPORTS
Providing up to date comparisons on
the cost of living in 140 countries.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Free company reports on the top
10,000 companies and international
company reports.
INDUSTRY INFORMATION
Free UK and international market
research reports
Can’t find what you need? Drop us
an email and we will respond within
24 hours or call +44 (0)20 7920 8620.
11
AUSTRALIA
With breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan
cities and an agreeable climate, it’s easy to see why Australia is
nicknamed the ‘lucky country’ and why it’s a popular destination
for skilled accountants looking to make a career move.
AUSTRALIA
The Australian Institute of Chartered
Accountants recognises the ACA
qualification, which means that
getting a job and a visa to work in
Australia is easier.
Many ACAs have made the move to
Australia and work in a range of roles
including tax, audit, mergers and
acquisitions, and finance. They have
found its cities offer a fantastic lifestyle
with a cost of living comparable to the
UK. Abigail Stevens, Managing Director
of Think Global Recruitment, spends a lot
of time in the country and meets many
British chartered accountants. She says,
‘Although many expats gravitate towards
Sydney and Melbourne, each city has its
own unique style and many desirable
reasons to live there. It is advisable to
keep your mind open and consider what
the other cities have to offer and take the
one with the best combination of career
and lifestyle for your individual needs.’
Those looking for roles in Australia
should be ready to provide strong
references to prospective employers.
Referencing is a very important part of
the recruitment process in Australia and
is often done before an offer is made.
14
There are very small cultural differences
between the ‘Brits’ and the ‘Aussies’,
which makes it easy to settle in. In fact
the two nations share a common sense
of humour, which helps when building
rapport in the work place.
Abigail adds, ‘You can’t really go wrong
by moving to any city in this wonderful
country’.
Member support and resources in
Australia and the Oceania region
FAST FACTS
Average salary of ICAEW members:
£78,000 basic plus £15,000 bonus*
GMT: + 8–10 hours
Currency: Australian Dollars (AUD)
Average daily temperatures:
Canberra: Jan 28˚C Jul 11˚C
* Source: Career Benchmarking Survey 2008
CITY FOCUS
Perth has a strong
economy based around
its natural resources and is
close to the Margaret River
which is one of the best
wine regions in the world.
Brisbane quotes itself as
Australia’s fastest growing
city, with an excellent
climate, modern architecture
and the ability to get
around the city by boat.
For scenery, diving and
a tropical feel, you may
choose Cairns.
Darwin offers great
access to Asia and
Kakadoo National Park.
Planning a move overseas?
Land on your feet with a Lloyds TSB International Account.
Wouldn’t it be nice to know that a new bank
account could be open and ready for you before
you set foot in your new home abroad?
For more details and some down-to-earth advice
on living and working abroad, why not get in
touch today?
Russia – The place to succeed
If you’re an Audit professional and want to make a quantum
leap in your career, set your sights on Russia. Here’s why:
• One of the strongest firms in the PwC Global Network;
• Accelerated career path;
• Exposure to greater responsibility;
• Strong and robust client base;
• Income tax rate of 13% (you do the math);
• English-speaking office;
• Full relocation support (It’ll still be an adventure,
but a pleasant one!);
• Moscow, a multi-national city with the cultural and social
life you’d expect, and nightlife that’s unparalleled even
by London or NYC.
If you are seeking
an opportunity to challenge
yourself professionally
in an environment where you
can truly make an impact, then
Russia might be right for you.
To learn more, contact
Elena Grigoryan at
elena.grigoryan@ru.pwc.com
or check our career website
for current openings:
www.pwc.ru/career.
© 2008 ZAO PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and PricewaterhouseCoopers Russia B.V. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers jointly to ZAO PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and PricewaterhouseCoopers Russia B.V. or, as the context requires, other member firms
of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.
call 020 7389 5308
email international@lloydstsb.co.uk
www.lloydstsb-offshore.com/icaew
Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and signatories to the Banking Codes. We are members of
the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
International Accounts will be opened by Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited or Lloyds TSB Bank (Gibraltar) Limited. Lloyds TSB
Offshore Limited and Lloyds TSB Bank (Gibraltar) Limited are not, and are not required to be, authorised under the
Financial Services and Markets Act 20000 of the United Kingdom and therefore are not subject to the rules and
regulations of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme made under that Act for the protection of depositors. Other
protection for depositors may be available, please check the relevant terms and conditions for international accounts.
Legislation in your home jurisdiction may prohibit you from entering into transactions with us. We reserve the right to
make final determination on whether you are eligible for any products or services.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a young, prosperous
country with one of the fastest growing GDPs in the
world. And, as the region’s financial and services sector
has boomed, there is a high demand from businesses for
highly skilled accountancy professionals who are fully
conversant with international practices.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Many ACAs are attracted to the UAE by
the prospect of not paying personal taxes,
but often it’s the lifestyle that keeps them
there. The local currency is linked to the
US dollar offering some protection against
inflation, especially when many other
currencies are weakening.
Anthony O’Sullivan, a partner at Ernst &
Young in Dubai, moved to the Middle East
soon after qualifying, 11 years ago. He cites
career progression as a good reason to work
in the UAE,
‘The region is expanding so fast, driven by
oil and gas revenues. Dubai companies are
now using their spending power to buy
international businesses and expand
overseas; our mergers and acquisitions work
is extremely busy so we are expanding. That
means accountants can move up the career
ladder very quickly.’
As with all international placements, it can
take time to acclimatise to local practices.
Accountants planning to move to the UAE
will have to complete documentation and
organise accommodation before arrival.
While cultural diversity is one of the region’s
strong points, new arrivals need to be
mindful of cultural misunderstandings and
different ways of working.
To meet the need for highly skilled
accountants, the institute launched an
ACA training programme in Dubai in
2007. Nauman Asif, who works for PwC
in Dubai, has noticed that the influx of
young accountants and rise of numbers
of domestic accountancy students is
creating a strong professional
community. ‘There is a surge in the
number of ICAEW registered students in
the region’ he says.
So what does the future for accountants
look like in the UAE? Despite the recent
economic downturn, oil and gas will
continue to generate cash for
investment. City infrastructures are
developing fast, and as the region
FAST FACTS
Average salary of ICAEW members:
£98,000 basic plus £42,000 bonus*
GMT: +4 hours
Currency: Emirati Dirhams (AED)
Average daily temperatures:
Sharjah: Jan 23˚C Jul 38˚C
develops financially and culturally, job
opportunities for ACAs are set to grow.
a three-year contract but have never
moved.’
‘I knew that I wanted to get out of London
and was told that the Middle East was a
good place to go. I had offers of jobs in
Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but
thought Dubai would be the best route
into the region. Like many people, I signed
Anthony O’Sullivan
Ernst & Young, Dubai
Member support and resources in
UAE and the Middle East region
THE EMIRATES
Of the seven Emirates, Dubai is the
largest, with around a third of the
population. It is also the leading
industrial, commercial and trading
centre.
The capital, Abu Dhabi, is slightly
smaller than Dubai but is growing
at a tremendous pace.
Sharjah is the third largest, and the
region’s cultural capital.
The other Emirates, Ras al-Khaimah,
Ajman, Fujairah and Umm al-Qaiwain,
are collectively home to around 14%
of the population*.
* Source: Career Benchmarking Survey 2008
* source: Economist Intelligence Unit, 2007 estimates
20
When you’re moving abroad...
…always pack the essentials.
At AIB, we understand the importance of genuine
relationship managed banking facilities for the
internationally mobile. Whether a private client or
an intermediary, we can offer you or your clients a
bespoke range of services designed to make life
easier. International banking is all about attention
to detail, and that is the hallmark of our success.
Better banking is as easy as AIB
Private clients contact
Intermediaries contact
+44 (0)1624 639772
+44 (0)1624 639651
www.alliedirishoffshore.com
www.alliedirishoffshore.com/intermediaries
AIB Isle of Man and Allied Irish Offshore are registered business names of AIB Bank (CI) Limited which is incorporated in Jersey, with registered number
22189. Its registered office and principal place of business is at AIB House, 25 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 2AB. AIB Bank (CI) Limited operates a
branch in the Isle of Man at 10 Finch Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2PT. Its audited, consolidated paid up capital and reserves exceeded £130.8 million
as at 31 December 2007. AIB Bank (CI) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c., which is incorporated in Ireland. AIB Bank (CI)
Limited is not authorised by the UK Financial Services Authority. Deposits held with AIB Bank (CI) Limited are not protected by the UK Financial Services
Compensation Scheme under the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
The Isle of Man branch of AIB Bank (CI) Limited is a member of the Isle of Man Depositors' Compensation Scheme as set out in the Compensation of
Depositors Regulations 2008.
Complaints made by private individuals that cannot be settled by the Isle of Man branch of AIB Bank (CI) Limited can be referred to the Financial
Services Ombudsman Scheme for the Isle of Man. There is no equivalent dispute resolution scheme in Jersey.
AIB Bank (CI) Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission for deposit-taking and investment business. The Isle of Man branch of
AIB Bank (CI) Limited is regulated and licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission to take deposits and carry on investment business.
Our tax system
won’t clip your wings.
With zero corporation tax,
no capital gains tax
and low personal tax rates,
the Isle of Man offers one
of the most attractive tax
packages available to business.
Click below for more information or
email ron.berry@treasury.gov.im.
ISLE OF MAN
The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown
Dependency in the Irish Sea, with a population of just
over 80,000. It is a ‘low tax economy’, with no capital
gains tax, capped personal income tax, no stamp duty
or inheritance tax, and in most cases a zero rate
corporation tax. The excellent financial and taxation
benefits, effective collaboration and partnership
between public and private sectors, and world class
telecoms fibre connectivity, means the Isle of Man is
an outstanding location in which to do business.
ISLE OF MAN
A leading international finance and
business centre, the Isle of Man’s economy
is built on offshore banking, insurance,
fund management, precision
manufacturing, shipping and aircraft
registration and tourism. However, the
emergence of eBusiness, space commerce
and eGaming has created rapid expansion
on the island, producing new
opportunities for ACAs.
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For many companies the Isle of Man is seen
as a springboard to the AIM market, and the
island has more non-UK companies listed on
AIM than any other jurisdiction (Hemscott).
The island has a thriving accountancy sector,
meeting its diverse economy’s needs and
complimentary to those found in any major
city. Leading accountancy firms on the island
include KPMG, Ernst & Young and
PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Firms offer a broad range of services,
consistent with the island’s diverse economy.
The ability to expand and make the most of
opportunities is the result of an agile and
supportive government. In addition to the
competitive and easy to understand tax
system, businesses benefit from financial and
professional support, including:
26
A small business start-up scheme
ISLAND LIFE
A business support scheme which
offers 50% towards the cost of
projects in a wide range of business
disciplines up to maximum level of
£4,500 per project. Trade associations
share a productive relationship with a
Government that is vigorous at
promoting island sectors overseas
According to a recent MORI poll, 93%
of residents are either happy or very
happy with life on the Isle of Man. The
island’s forward thinking approach has
enabled business to grow and prosper,
creating diverse career opportunities
that allow people to have ambitions
and fulfill them.
A Financial Assistance Scheme offering
grants for equipment, training and
building of up to 40%
Member Support and Networking
on the Isle of Man
For more information see the Isle of
Man Society of Chartered Accountants
FAST FACTS
Average salary of ICAEW members:
£63,000 basic plus £13,000 bonus*
GMT: +0 hours
Currency: Manx pounds
(equivalent to Sterling)
Average daily temperatures:
Jan 7˚C Jul 18˚C
* Source: Career Benchmarking Survey 2008
TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL MOVE
PAPERWORK
UK INCOME
Organise your passport, visa and work
permits well in advance.
If you will be paying tax locally, but
receiving interest income from savings
or rental earnings in another country,
you may need to declare it. If you
moving out of the UK but still earning
interest there, you will need to
complete form R105 from Revenue
and Customs*.
BANKING
Set up your new bank account before
you leave. Ask your bank to advise you
about this.
BILLS AND DIRECT DEBITS
Notify your bank, mortgage provider
or landlord, utilities suppliers and
insurers of your move.
TAXATION
Ensure you notify the authorities you
are leaving the country, and ensure
you are taxed appropriately. If you’re
leaving the UK, you should complete
form P85 from Revenue and Customs*.
DRIVING LICENCE
Check whether your driving licence
will be valid, and apply for an
international driving permit if
necessary.
VOTING
You keep the right to vote when
moving overseas, so remember to
complete an overseas registration form.
Source: Chris Casdagli at Tonic Recruitment
*Please ensure you take advice from your local tax office
Success on a truly global scale
Reckitt Benckiser is a hugely successful global FMCG company with operations in 60 countries and annual
revenues exceeding £5 billion. We hold a strong position in the FTSE 30 and are the name behind many marketleading household, health and personal care products.
Ours is a dynamic multi-cultural working environment, we take pride in achievement and have a truly personal
commitment to delivery.
Senior Internal Audit Manager
West of London + 50% international travel – excellent package
This exciting opportunity, based at our global head office, is a key role in our world-class team of senior auditors
reporting to the VP Internal Audit. The position has global, regional and functional responsibilities, focusing on
risk and opportunity. You will develop long term strategic audit plans, contribute to high profile projects including
business risk management, financial process
review/control/improvement and project evaluation.
This high level exposure across the Group provides a
platform for career progression – the role has a track
record of developing future Finance Directors. Ambition
and international mobility are essential.
ACA/equivalent qualified, you will have significant senior
audit experience in a major international company or
accounting practice with a strong grasp of risk
management and internal control. A highly motivated
team player, you must combine a practical hands-on
approach with a high degree of commercial awareness
and confidence to present ideas to senior management.
Applications with CV to our advising consultants
McCann & Braham at: paul@mccannbraham.com
or call +44 [0] 208 704 1221, all in strict confidence.
28
www.reckittbenckiser.jobs
MEMBERS’ EXPERIENCES
Rachel trained in the UK with a well
respected mid-tier firm and qualified
in 2000. After all the hard work to get
her qualification Rachel decided that
an international move would be a
good next step in her career.
Having discussed her options, Rachel
decided Bermuda fitted what she was
looking for: a focus on financial services,
entry to the Big Four, and a lifestyle that
was very different to living in London.
At the end of her two year contract,
Rachel had some choices to make. She
was offered the chance to stay on with
the firm as a manager and was also
offered roles within Big Four firms in
Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. As
she was really enjoying her work and her
location Rachel decided to stay where
she was. After only another two years
she was promoted to senior manager
within the financial services team – a
promotion that came far faster than if
she had stayed in London.
In her fifth year on the island, a European
fund management firm, one of her
clients in Bermuda, offered her a position
in Paris as an analyst. Her partners were
very happy to support the move and she
30
left them on very good terms. Two years
later, and based on the knowledge and
experience gained in Bermuda, Rachel
was offered the chance to be a fund
manager within the insurance sector.
Rachel decided to return to the UK
in 2008 and now runs the sales
and marketing team for a Canadian
financial services company.
‘ Working in a new country is
a big step; however the
rewards both professionally
and personally are immense.
Over the last 10 years we have
worked with a large number of
accountants from newly qualified up
to partner level and, without a doubt,
the overall feedback about working
internationally has been
overwhelmingly positive.
’
Angus Braham of McCann & Braham
International Search and Selection.
PricewaterhouseCoopers believes
mobility benefits everyone. Employees
get a richer career experience. The firm
gets more rounded business consultants.
And clients get people who are better
equipped to offer sound, well-informed
advice. It’s a win-win situation.
For that reason, the firm actively
encourages movement across business
areas and countries. In the first six months
of 2008, 763 PwC people were seconded
from roles overseas to the UK, and 462
UK staff moved to roles overseas.
Colin Bates, one of PwC’s Partners, has
certainly made mobility work for him.
‘ I’ve been at PwC for 11 years now and
worked across many different clients,
countries and business practices. I started
out in Bristol and then, post qualification,
moved to a different practice in London
before relocating to Germany where I was
involved in a significant acquisition.
I firmly believe that a wide range of
experience develops your skills and brings
broader business knowledge – and that’s
what clients are looking for. The more you
move around, the further you extend your
network, external and internal. My advice
to others? Think flexibly.’
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