Reach Offshore, a specialist division of Reach International Group, is dedicated to the offshore market assisting accountancy, finance, financial services and banking professionals to start or further their offshore careers.

Reach International Group will either meet with you or have a detailed telephone conversation to ascertain your experience, motivations, aspirations and ultimately the types of career opportunities and locations you may be interested in.

At this stage we would require your up-to-date CV and we would draw up and agree an action plan in terms of the organisations, types of opportunities and locations, we would approach on your behalf.

Detailed below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions relating to an offshore or international move:

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What type of service do you provide?

What types of opportunities are there overseas?

Who are you able to help?

When should I start my overseas career search?

What is the duration of a typical overseas assignment?

Can you assist with my CV and interview preparation?

What will be the likely interview and selection process?

Can I take my husband/wife/partner?

How do overseas salaries compare to those in the UK?

Who organises the required visa/work permit?

Is relocation assistance usually offered by employers?

How does the lifestyle differ compared to that in the UK?

How will I benefit career-wise from an overseas secondment?

What are my prospects for promotion whilst based overseas?

What sort of opportunities are there in public practice?

What sort of opportunities are there in commerce?

If I work for a Big Four firm, why don’t I just apply directly for an internal overseas transfer?

Why should I use Reach International Group’s services?

Reach International Group’s terms of representation

I'm interested in an opportunity overseas. How do I apply?

What happens next?

There is so much to know. How do I find out more?

What type of service do you provide?

Reach International Group specialises in the placement of accountancy, finance, financial services and banking candidates, from newly qualified to Director/Partner level, into the full range of offshore and international locations. We act independently in our candidates best interests and are not tied to particular organisations or jurisdictions, resulting in us being able to provide you with the widest possible range of career opportunities and genuine objective advice.

What types of opportunities are there overseas?

You can take your pick of positions with the most prestigious Accountancy, Commerce and Financial Services organisations around the globe, ranging from international Blue Chips to the Big 4/Top 20 Accountancy Firms, independent specialist Boutiques and leading Banking and Financial Services institutions. There are a wide range of opportunities depending on your experience and the location of interest.

Demand is high within offshore financial services institutions in areas such as financial accounting, funds, trust work, insurance management, and banking and within audit and assurance, corporate finance and corporate recovery in the practice firms, thereby ensuring continued professional development. Accountants will generally need to have passed all their professional accounting exams before securing a position and obtaining an associated work permit, however offers of employment in some cases can be made in advance subject to exam passes and training contract completion.

Who are you able to help?

We are able to assist English speaking candidates, from all countries around the world, with their overseas career search. However candidates most likely to successfully secure an offshore or international accountancy and finance position will be qualified, or soon to be qualified, ACAs, CAs, CPAs and ACCAs from the UK, Ireland, Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

This is because there is an international reciprocal recognition of these accounting qualifications. However, applications for qualified accountants from other countries are encouraged as there can be occasional exceptions.

For banking and financial services opportunities, qualifications may not be required but you may need relevant sector experience. Reach International Group will be able to confirm whether your background and skill set will meet individual organisation requirements.

When should I start my overseas career search?

There is no time like the present! Some organisations will start recruiting 6-9 months or even a year in advance of start date and places are limited; apply early to make sure you don't miss out! The sooner you start researching the better – there is a lot to consider when planning an international or offshore career move.

Locations like the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, for example, tend to have two recruiting cycles a year with fixed start dates. If you miss an earlier recruitment round there could be a further six month delay before you can apply again and several months after that to start. For accountants in their final qualifying year, it is best to enquire about opportunities and timescales in your location of choice as early as possible, as some organisations will make offers of employment in advance subject to exam passes and training contract completion.

It is also worth noting that, on receipt of a formal overseas offer of employment, the required VISA application may take several months to process. This should be factored into both your timescales and initial relocation date.

What is the duration of a typical overseas assignment?

The standard contract term is usually a two year minimum contract, in some cases eighteen months may be considered. Taking into account the cost involved in relocation, work permits, and training, it is not commercial for organisations to employ relocators for shorter periods. However on completion of the two years’ secondment, the majority of candidates choose to extend their contract and remain in their current location, or alternatively decide to experience a further offshore or international move in a new country. At this stage, Reach International Group can of course assist you in securing a further local move, obtaining another international or offshore secondment or simply lining up a career opportunity on your return home.

Organisations are always happy to consider candidates seeking longer initial contracts and full relocations are actively encouraged, particularly for those returning to their country of origin.

Can you assist with my CV and interview preparation?

Of course, we’d be delighted to! The team at Reach International Group have considerable recruitment experience liaising with clients and therefore, we know what prospective employers want to see on resumes. You can use the Enquiry 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 any improvement.

In addition, whenever you have an interview arranged through Reach International Group, we provide you with extensive interview preparation. You can also use the Enquiry to request some interview tips.

What will be the likely interview and selection process?

Normally organisations who are interested in your background will request a telephone interview or conference call to start the process. This first conversation will typically last no more than an hour and will cover your experience, aspirations, and motivations behind an offshore or international move and specific interest in both that location and organisation. Sometimes one conversation is all that is required, however there can also be a second telephone interview, a video conference call or even case study/online testing dependant on the organisation’s recruitment policy, requirements and the level of the position.

Can I take my husband/wife/partner?

Generally yes, however this depends on your partner's vocation and also your preferred location. It is always best to check your personal circumstances, with regard to your location of choice, in advance, with Reach International Group. Your new organisation will always do their best, at a local level, to assist you and any partner/family with their job search and the relocation process.

How do overseas salaries compare to those in the UK?

Local salaries are paid relative to the cost of living in each location and allow you to lead a comfortable lifestyle. However many countries offer attractive tax free salaries. As salaries do vary greatly from location to location, it is best to seek specific advice from Reach International Group before commencing your process. It is fair to say however, that the majority of overseas relocators inevitably experience a higher standard of living combined with a greater work/life balance.

Who organises the required visa/work permit?

Upon formal acceptance of an offer, there may be a number of forms for you to complete with accompanying documentation but your new organisation will handle this side of things. If you are not a current British passport holder, you should advise Reach International Group of your nationality at the start of the process, so we can ensure your VISA eligibility for your location of choice.

It is worth noting, that on receipt of a formal offer of employment, VISA applications for some countries may take up to several months to process. You should factor this into your timescales and your initial relocation date.

Is relocation assistance usually offered by employers?

YES! Most organisations offer a comprehensive relocation package that includes flights, transfers, shipping and hotel accommodation for the first 2-4 weeks of your stay. A rental car may also be included together with a settling in allowance.

How does the lifestyle differ compared to that in the UK?

This will vary greatly from location to location, but it will certainly be very different wherever you go. Many locations offer fantastic outdoor and water sports, a beach life and year round sun. The pace of life is likely to be slower but whichever location you choose, rest assured you will experience an exciting life-style change!

Please refer to our offshore locations and international locations sections for specific information on Living and Working in each country.

How will I benefit career-wise from an overseas secondment?

In today's job market, there is no substitute for broadening your experience to include an international dimension and this is viewed as a modern necessity for today’s CV. Companies think globally and so should you: "In the era of globalisation, companies expect managers to have global perspectives and contacts. Employers expect senior executives to think locally and strategise globally. Actual experience is the best qualification".

The world’s premier Accountancy & Commerce organisations and Financial Services institutions are represented in offshore and international locations, offering you the opportunity to:

Benefit from having a prestigious "big name" employer on your CV
Develop an extensive network of professional contacts across the globe
First-class exposure to the financial services sector where appropriate (such as banks, insurance companies, funds and trust companies)
Gain in-depth working knowledge of US, UK and Canadian GAAP as well as IFRS reporting
Understand the purposes and uses of offshore structures and advanced financial vehicles
Gain promotions you may not have achieved at home
Accelerate your career on your home return, leveraging your international exposure
Work within a friendly, international organisation where you will be valued
Employers usually encourage and sponsor further professional studies
Enjoy better career prospects with commensurate financial rewards
With US GAAP experience, the option often exists to move to the US in the future

What are my prospects for promotion whilst based overseas?

International locations are diverse and promotion opportunities will depend on an organisation and on a country by country basis. However high calibre, experienced individuals are in demand across the globe and organisations will always be keen to retain and promote talent as appropriate. Many of the candidates that we assist to move overseas gain promotions that they may not have achieved at home and career advancement has now overtaken lifestyle as the key reason to relocate.

In offshore locations, by the very nature of their rapid growth rate and natural staff turnover they are able to offer successful candidates excellent advancement prospects. Staff turnover arises for two reasons: firstly, competition for experienced accountants is fierce so high salaries are offered to lure them to new positions; and secondly, most people will at some point decide to return home or move elsewhere, utilising their offshore experience.

Many offshore financial services companies - including fund managers, insurance managers and accountancy firms - have experienced more than 100% growth in the last few years. With this set to continue into the foreseeable future, there are truly extraordinary promotion prospects for high-calibre accountants, bankers and financial services employees from the outset.

What sort of opportunities are there in public practice?

Again, this differs from organisation to organisation and country to country. There are typically openings in audit & assurance and in accounting services, plus if you have relevant experience there may also be opportunities in corporate finance, corporate recovery and tax (international tax exposure may be required).

Offshore audit departments are often arranged into Funds and Insurance divisions although there will also be "local" clients (e.g. tourism, retail etc). You may work predominantly on your own or in small teams on certain clients which means you are responsible for the planning, fieldwork and finalisation on these engagements. This gives you the opportunity to manage the assignment from start to finish and be the main point of contact with the client.

Generally, the work is quite 'hands on'. Each year a number of audit seniors are promoted to management positions. Pay rises for such promotions are substantial.

Reach International Group can help you secure offshore or international employment, from newly qualified to partner level, with the Big Four, Top 20 and specialist boutiques.

What sort of opportunities are there in commerce?

Again, this differs from organisation to organisation and country to country. In industry, offshore positions are generally of a financial accounting nature, often for US clients of the offshore funds and international insurance management companies in the financial services sector. Prior experience of this sector helps but is not required provided you demonstrate that you are keen to learn. For such roles, however, you will need good financial statements preparation experience.

If I work for a Big Four firm, why don’t I just apply directly for an internal overseas transfer?

You should consider that:

Your home office has subsidised your training contract and will not be motivated to see you leave as soon as you qualify. They will probably want you to stay on for another year or busy season at least, before they'll even consider helping you make such a move abroad. Such a delay is easily avoidable.
By registering an interest in an overseas secondment with your firm, you will alert your office to the fact that you are considering leaving them - potentially affecting your career progression in that office unless your overseas transfer or secondment request is guaranteed to come through.
Any direct contact by you with an overseas office of your firm, will result in your staff partner being contacted to ascertain whether you can be released and again there will be little incentive to action this quickly if at all.
Applying directly also means you are on your own in terms of the process, with no independent specialist advice to assist you in your decision or to make you aware of the full range of available career opportunities.
We can help with internal transfers by putting you in touch directly with the offshore decision-makers on an informal basis so you can 'test the water' first.
By applying to Reach International Group, you will increase the number of potential job opportunities available to you and be in a position to consider openings across service lines in other Big 4/Top 10 firms, as well as in Commerce and Banking & Financial Services Institutions if appropriate. This will enable you to benchmark the range of available opportunities in terms of organisation, experience offered, career progression and financial reward.

Why should I use Reach International Group’s services?

Wherever in the world you want to work, Reach International Group will provide you with a full range of career opportunities in your location of choice and can equip you with the support and advice you need to ensure your next career transition abroad is as smooth and successful as possible.

Overseas careers can be hard work but they do bring their rewards. Apart from the obvious financial benefits together with travel and lifestyle, the work experience and personal development attained are considerable. Regardless of your motivation for moving, we have experienced consultants on hand to identify your ideal opportunity and guide and advise you throughout the entire process.

Our expertise, reputation and in-depth knowledge of the offshore and international markets ensures that you will be kept informed of global opportunities as soon as they arise. Register for Job Alerts . Our specialist consultants. handle overseas opportunities on a global basis covering professional appointments across accountancy & finance, financial services and banking.

Working as your trusted partner, Reach International Group aims to provide a first class service to its candidates, building long term relationships, encouraging openness and keeping in regular contact. With our specialist Offshore and International divisions we have built up an enviable reputation for our wealth of contacts and experienced consultants within our chosen markets, all available to offer advice to anyone interested in learning about any aspect of a contract, a career or a life overseas. Contact Us.

Our terms of representation

We tend to offer candidates assistance on an exclusive representation basis. Why? Because accidental multiple applications to organisations can lead to potentially awkward situations, reflecting poorly on both the candidate and ourselves, as well as wasting employers time. Rest assured, we will be highly proactive on your behalf, suitably promoting you to all the relevant and agreed organisations, firms or financial services institutions in your location(s) of choice.

Please note: if you are presently with another recruitment consultancy but are dissatisfied with their results and service, we would still be delighted to hear from you, to ascertain how we can best help you moving forward. Email Us

I'm interested in an opportunity overseas. How do I apply?

If you are interested in a particular job opportunity from our job search results page, then click on Apply to Submit your CV for that role.

For more general approaches click Submit your CV. If you haven’t prepared a CV as yet but would like to register your interest in a location(s) or to find out more, then please Email Us.

Our service is free and on registering with us you are under no obligation.

Not for you? Perhaps a friend would be interested – you can earn a referral fee Refer a Friend.

What happens next?

We will review your application and get in touch with you shortly to advise whether we will be able to assist you. This will be followed by a preliminary interview or telephone conversation at which time we will answer any questions you may have and discuss how best we can help you. We pride ourselves on being responsive and we will be in touch promptly.

There is so much to know. How do I find out more?

Contact us. We have considerable experience and expertise in placing accountants, bankers and financial services personnel overseas. It is important that you work with a specialist if you are going to be making such a big move. Reach International Group can help you identify the most appropriate locations for your requirements, provide a selection of vacancies and a network of employers interested in your skill set and most importantly, continual advice, whilst assisting you throughout the interview process.

Useful Links

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

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