Quick answers to your FAQs
Personal considerations
One of the major attractions of living offshore is the genuinely outstanding quality of life on offer. No more wasted commuting time, taxes or freezing ice! Not only is the climate favourable but there is a work hard / play hard ethos. Recreational activities include water sports such as SCUBA diving and sailing as well as outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, beach volleyball, running, softball, cricket, rugby and football (soccer). Most new professionals are of a similar age group (mid-to-late 20s) and there is certainly no shortage of people to socialise with when you get there. In short, the recreational lifestyle must be experienced to be believed, both for single persons and couples.
Life is very sociable on the Islands. Every year, hundreds of young professionals like you make the move offshore, jump-starting the next stage of their working life. Some may already have a few contacts there but, for most, it’s a fresh, exciting start. From the people you meet at work, to the people you meet at the beach or share a house with, you’ll be making friends fast so don't worry.
Once registered, your application will be reviewed by one of our specialist consultants. We are usually able to assess applicants' prospects of success very quickly. If our consultant believes that we can help you, he or she will be in contact to schedule an initial consultation. This will be an opportunity for us to get to know you and find out more about your expectations, as well as a chance to answer any questions you may have about the recruitment process and life on the Islands generally.
We will also be able to give you an accurate estimate of your earning potential, a range of options and an indication of the likely timeline based on over a decade's worth of experience recruiting accountants for these jurisdictions. As soon as we have a clear idea of your background and preferences, we can initiate approaches to appropriate employers on your behalf. When you are shortlisted, we will clear convenient times with you in advance of coordinating telephone interviews with the relevant companies' Human Resources departments. We will also brief you fully prior to the actual interviews to maximise your prospects.
How long will all this take? It depends on your professional qualifications, experience to date and target roles/destinations. It can take anywhere from just a week to three months+ to obtain an offer of employment. Clearly, the more flexible you are with regard to role, salary and location then the more likely it is that you will find something quickly. Again, we will advise you on the most fruitful options to target.
After securing the right position, you will of course require a current, valid passport prior to relocating. Firms will pay for your return air fare plus an allowance for excess baggage. Often you will be put up for two weeks on arrival in a guest house or hotel and be provided with free transport for a similar period. A number of firms also provide an optional start-up loan to help you get settled and will give guidance on opening a bank account, finding accommodation and so on. All employers will guide you through the Immigration/work permit approval process.
Not really. Those who start with the audit firms each September/October may initially find it easiest, as they will have an obvious immediate peer group starting with them. However, this is a temporary difference that will cease to be important within a week or two of arriving. People starting at non-audit firms should certainly not fear that they will struggle to meet other expats: it's a very sociable environment - it's easy to make friends, and easy to get to know friends of friends!
Psychologically, the hardest time of year to move is probably January, since you will be going away from your family and friends in the aftermath of Christmas and straight into busy season somewhere new. (This is particularly the case for Bermuda as the off-season climate means it can be chilly in the mornings/evenings from January to March). That said, however, many see the beginning of a New Year as an ideal time to make a fresh start.
Most jurisdictions have strictly enforced immigration rules. If you are not single and your partner doesn't hold a professional designation (or is not a nurse, teacher, in tourism or a secretary) then you will face more obstacles in finding employment than a comparable single candidate. If this is the case, it may be wisest to concentrate on finding your partner a position first. (Note that employers are wary of hiring where only one partner will be working since it implies two people living off a single salary in what can be a relatively expensive environment).
Finally, it's always going to be the case that one of you will find a position first. Therefore we will work on that basis and proceed accordingly, aiming to help the other as much as possible, especially once an initial job has been found. We can't guarantee that everything will be perfectly synchronised, of course, but we'll do our best to make it happen.
