This answer won’t vary too much between jurisdictions, as it’s pretty standard across the board. To be considered for accountancy roles, you’ll need to have your professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CA, or equivalent) + a number of years’ experience, which will depend on the role you are applying for and the seniority level. Different firms and companies will require you to have practised a certain number of years in the line of work you’re applying for.

Due to the differentiation in candidates and their experience/qualifications, salaries do differ based on several variables. When working with our team, you can expect your consultant to advise you as to what salary and bonus structures you might expect to see, reflective of your experience.

It depends on your qualifications, experience, target role(s), and location(s). Assuming you meet the minimum professional standards for your discipline and have relevant experience transferrable to the offshore market, it can take anywhere from one week to three months or longer to obtain an offer. The more flexible you are concerning the role, salary expectations, and location, the more likely we will be to find you a good opportunity within a relatively short period.

Yes, but your options may be limited depending on your exact stage of completion, your designation-in-progress, your target location(s), and your salary expectations.You should clearly highlight this when reaching out to our team. Our consultant will be able to advise you of the best course of action for your circumstances.

Once registered, your resume will be reviewed by a CML Recruitment Consultant. Our consultants are experienced, knowledgeable, and can generally assess the prospects for your employment in offshore services very quickly. 

If the consultant believes that we can help you, they will call or email to schedule a telephone call and/or request some further information. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you and find out more about your requirements and expectations and address any concerns we may have about your expectations or circumstances.

Our consultant will be able to give you an accurate and frank estimate of your earning potential, a range of options, and an indication of the likely timeline based on our experience with similar candidates. Once we have a clear picture of your background and preferences, we can initiate an action plan to approach potential employers on your behalf. We will arrange interviews in liaison with our clients’ Human Resource departments.

The cost of living is generally no higher than you would find in any big financial centre like London or New York. Rent is always the main large expense, but bear in mind that you may get a beachfront condo with a sea view and a swimming pool for the same price as the average one-bedroom apartment in London! 

Most offshore centres also have low tax rates, so it is vital to compare net salaries rather than gross, which you may be tempted to do from force of habit. It is very important to research and prepare your own detailed budget, especially if you are relocating with a spouse or dependents.

To help you better understand the reality of life offshore, we have created Offshore Career & Cost of Living Guides for each of the main jurisdictions we recruit, check them out here:

• The Cayman Islands
• Bermuda
• The British Virgin Islands
• The Channel Islands

Depending on the role and what’s expected/required of you, there won’t be a massive difference in onshore/offshore working hours. A typical work week will be around 8.30 am to around 6:00 pm, with busy season requiring significant overtime (nothing you wouldn’t already be used to onshore).

The main difference you will see (and appreciate) between onshore/offshore working hours is the commute. If you’re currently in a bigger city, you might have some type of public transportation or crazy commute time to and from work, whereas offshore, you will most likely live between 10-15 minutes from the office and will often find yourself having time to go for a jog before heading in or grabbing sunset drinks after you’ve finished for the day.

New global agile work policies have some firms offering a few days a week optional work from home or flexible start/finish times. (please note that if you are new to a company, this option might not be eligible for you right away).

There is a strict work permit process for all overseas candidates to have the right to work in any offshore jurisdiction, which must be obtained by the employer based on a specific job. This involves submitting an application to immigration outlining your experience and qualifications, which is why having the necessary qualifications and experience is essential.

Government has rules in place to protect the local candidates. There are stringent immigration regulations requiring all international/expatriate candidates to have extensive knowledge and recent, relevant experience relating to the industry sector in which they seek employment. This is due to the very strong competition between highly qualified candidates both onshore and overseas within the market.

Your consultant will work with you each step of the way and can answer any questions you may have about the immigration process.

This varies from client to client. The minimum you can expect is your flight, two weeks car/scooter rental, and two weeks accommodation. This is usually enough time for you to make permanent arrangements for transport and accommodation. Our consultants are happy to help and advise you if required.

At the other end of the spectrum, some companies will offer flights for all your dependents as well as a relocation allowance, which may be on a cash or reimbursement basis. Moving allowances are often included; however, most rental accommodation is fully furnished and equipped. It is therefore inadvisable to bring anything that cannot easily be transported with you as luggage. There is no reason to bring vehicles, household appliances, or furniture. It is not necessary to use a relocation allowance just because you have it. Relocation packages are usually a matter of company policy and are rarely negotiable except for senior management roles.

Not necessarily, but your options may be somewhat restricted depending on your marital status, earning potential, target location, and spouse’s occupation. It is critical that you make our consultants fully aware of your circumstances from the outset to enable them to advise you appropriately on the potential implications for your cost of living and immigration requirements. If your spouse/partner plans to work, you should provide their resume to your consultant as early as possible in the process.

The bottom line is that a partner’s employment rarely causes an insurmountable problem for couples that are determined to relocate and who are willing to be patient, persistent, and flexible in their search.