Congratulations!

We would like to congratulate you on your new job offer.

There is often a great deal of competition for openings on the Islands and success is not guaranteed so you are one of the lucky ones. Make the most of this opportunity to step-change your life and career.

We are here to help you get started: giving advice on how to accept, how to apply for your work permit, and tips to make your move as easy as possible. Both your new employer and Hamilton Recruitment will always be happy to offer advice or answer any questions you may have. You're definitely not on your own.

What you can look forward to

Once you have accepted, you'll be able to look forward to a new stage in your professional career and life-enhancing personal growth. You will expand your skill set to include financial services, reporting under US and international standards, adding to your development and future marketability. You will earn a tax-free or low-tax salary in a safe, world-class financial centre where there are many other expats such as yourself (so there will be plenty of people to make new friends with).

And you will enjoy an outstanding quality of life by having the chance to live and work in a world-class tourist destination conveniently situated next to North America.

You're not the first person to move offshore and you won't be the last. So get ready to say goodbye to taxes, stress, traffic jams and snow and say hello to an exciting new life on the Island. Your life and career are about to go into overdrive!

How to accept your job offer

For most, the decision is easy. Nonetheless, whether it has been a long search or it all seems to have happened very quickly, some may find that the hardest part of the whole relocation process is the initial decision to accept. After all, it's only when you get a definite offer that your prospects become "real".

It's important to recognise that this is a perfectly normal reaction and every expat on the Island has been through it before you. Once you've signed up, however, you'll find that events quickly take their own course and a natural momentum develops. Anticipation will build and by the time the start date comes round, you'll be very impatient to board the plane.

What you will see in a good offer

We will carefully review your offer to make sure that you are being presented with an option that represents the correct market rate for someone of your experience and qualifications.

Whilst precise terms will vary, an offer of employment from a reputable employer on the Islands will often contain the key elements listed below:

• A tax-free (or low-tax) starting salary, paid in US$ or equivalent currency
• Paid relocation including your flight costs and free initial accommodation (this may be done via a lump sum allowance or the company may settle these costs directly on your behalf) for a period usually of at least 2 weeks
• Depending on the role/company and level of seniority, you may also have paid overtime or some form of annual performance-related bonus scheme
• Promotion may often be anticipated after your first year, depending on vacancy availability and how you've done. Whilst contracts are typically for a two-year period, it is hoped that you will have settled in well and therefore be eligible for pay rises/promotion reflecting your new skills and experience in the international financial services sector.
• Always bear in mind that, with every hire, companies are looking for people who possess future management potential and they will pay accordingly to retain key experienced staff. And it's tax-free!
• Candidates from the United Kingdom can visit our Salary Comparison page for a comparison of how your new salary compares to a UK salary
• Entitlement to paid vacation (typically 15 days plus statutory holidays, making 25+ in total) though this can vary
• Companies will often have some form of pension scheme, though full participation usually vests after a certain period of employment
• Additional life/disability/medical insurance benefits are often on offer
• It is also normal practice for the firm to pay for your work permit

Offers of employment are usually either sent to you via email or as part of a courier package (which may also contain work permit application forms and other information). Unless indicated otherwise, the usual way to accept is to sign the offer letter and either fax or scan & email it back to the company. Often, you may be given a week to do this (any longer and the employer will think you are not a serious candidate). Having sent it back, you can then at a later date return the original signed acceptance back by courier, together with the completed work permit and immigration documentation. Your new employer will handle everything for you from there.

For communication purposes, note that the Bermuda/Caribbean region is treated as part of North America so, if you are faxing from the UK for instance, then the number to dial will be 001-441-xxx for Bermuda, 001-345-xxx for Cayman, and 001-284-xxx for the British Virgin Islands.

Making sure you don't miss out

You may find that your employer is reluctant to see you go for fear that you won't return in future. To be honest, this fear is well-founded. Once you've the chance to internationalise your career by moving offshore, you won't want to look back. That's why you should be cautious of any offer that 'ties you in' to returning to your current office later (your horizons will have widened and you won't want to - believe us).

Your old employer may try to persuade you not to move (to protect the investment made in you to date as a professional) or to offer other inducements to stay such as a future pay rise or promotion (perhaps they should have thought of that before if they really meant it).  And for those who worry about 'leaving my employer in a jam', don't. Companies always move on and you need to look out for your own best interests. It's your choice.

Candidate testimonial

How have other accountants who have made the move offshore found it? Visit our Testimonials page to find out how they're loving it!

Further information

If you have any questions or need any advice, contact your Recruitment Consultant any time and he or she will be very pleased to help or advise you further.