FAQ

Are most expat roles permanent or contract?

The majority of roles we are asked to fill by our clients are permanent. Most employers expect a minimum of 2 years from that new employee as this allows the employee to use the first 6-12 months as their training and settling in period and after this, the focus is on career advancement and adding value to the business is more evident.

How much higher will I be paid?

It is very difficult to compare salaries and cost of living across various locations. If an employer is going to the added expense of recruiting an expat then you can be rest assured that a very competitive salary package will be paid. Feedback from our candidates who have made an international move shows that they do not simply relocate for remuneration. Reasons include career development, promotion, learning new culture and languages, lifestyle improvement and love.

What non-financial benefits are provided?

These vary from one location to another and can include accommodation, transport, gym memberships, pension, healthcare, mobile phone/lap tops, real estate and relocation assistance, meet and greets upon arrival in your new destination, training, luncheon vouchers, car parking, child care support, language courses, secondments in other divisions/locations, domestic help assistance.

How will working overseas help my career?

The benefits of working overseas are enormous. An overseas move can offer:

• For accountants who intend to remain in practice throughout their careers and work towards Partnership level, a stint working overseas is essential. Many of the Big 4 worldwide will only progress their staff to partner level once they have gained experience internationally.
• Moving from one country to another enables you to bring with you a whole new skill set to your new employer. This coupled with the fresh/additional skills gained in your new role will allow you to move up the career ladder quickly as your enhanced skill set is adding much more value to your new employer.
• A move to another country will also add much more to your development – it could be new industry sectors, clients, peers or managers and will open up a whole new world for you. During the first twelve months your learning curve will be fairly steep and you will feel you are learning something new each day.
• If you choose to move to a country which is experiencing  an extremely buoyant market or has a lot of growth potential, then this will naturally give you many more opportunities to advance quicker than you would have done if you decided to stay in your home country.

Is it normal for the employer to pay relocation costs?

Yes, in most cases your new employer will contribute to your relocation however it is recommended that you have a small savings plan in place in order to fall back on and use for incidental costs.

How does the international interview process work?

In most cases interviews are conducted via the telephone however depending on the location and seniority of the role, you may be required to conduct a video conference or travel to that location.

Firstly though, it is recommended you seek the help and assistance from an experienced International Recruitment Consultant who can use their skills and expertise to secure you some interviews. Global Ambition’s consultant’s have all lived and worked overseas and have combined recruitment experience of over 100 years.

Do employers sponsor?

Yes, in most cases your new employer will incur the costs and administration of your work permit and/or visa. If you are married and coming as a family then, in many cases they too can be included in this.

Can I make financial savings if I move overseas?

This all depends on the location and more importantly your lifestyle. Even in a tax free jurisdiction such as Cayman or Dubai, there are always lots of things to spend your salary on each month. Your savings plan will therefore depend on how lavish or modest your lifestyle is.

How do I go about moving overseas?

Firstly, it is recommended you seek the help and assistance from an experienced International Recruitment Consultant who can use their skills and expertise to secure you some interviews and aid in the moving process. Global Ambition’s consultant’s have all lived and worked overseas and have combined recruitment experience of over 100 years. We have a wide range of vacancies spread across numerous locations and our consultants will be able to talk you through the pro’s and cons of each opportunity.

What things do I need do consider when moving overseas?

• Reasons for moving - Are your reasons solid and sensible? Or are you having a bad day at work?
• Partners - Are you moving with a Partner? If so will they be able to get a job in your chosen location?
• Your home - Do you rent or own a home? You will need to assess your options for selling or leasing your property
• Family considerations - Have you discussed this with your family? How supportive are they?
• Language - Do you have the necessary language for your location of choice?
• Relocation costs - Can you afford to save a little to assist with the relocation costs?
• Lifestyle - What type  of lifestyle are you after? Does the weather suit your needs and desires? Would a city be too busy or an island too quiet? These are all things you have to consider
• Commitment - Are you able to commit to a period of 2 years?
• Children - If you have a family, what is the standard of education in your chosen location?