New Career - Accountancy

[staffyfee]

Wonder if anyone can offer any advice or help at all. I am currently retraining to be an accountant but have no experience in this field as I currently work as a veterinary nurse. I am studying for the ACCA qualification and have been applying for jobs here for the past year or so with no luck.:no:

 

Firstly, does anyone know what my chances are of getting into a trainee accountant position in Oz? Ideally I would like to start applying from the UK now and be able to line something up for when we emigrate in about 6 months time. With this in mind does anyone know if there are any agencies or similar who could help me get in contact with the right people in order to get myself in to this job?

 

Trouble is at this stage we are not sure where we are headed, maybe Adelaide, Brisbane or even (least likely) Perth.

 

Thanks to anyone for help.

[egrek]

 

An accountant? Why?!!?!

 

 

Well I'm not sure I have the best news - at least in melbourne, (though I have heard other places are similar) that the ACCA isn't very well regarded/known here. CPA all the way. Take it from an ACCA trying to test out his 'International qualification!'

 

You could also try joining some groups/sites on linked in? (John Winter is the ACCA lead in Oz & NZ)

 

Jobs, well they are all a bit of hit and miss, luck determines all (or people and networking if you're lucky there too)

 

I know a lot of jobs in the cities here, will normally want people here - but if you go for rural areas or odd places, they may offer you jobs before you are over? I've recetnly been told there are too many accountants at the moment (not sure if this is a Melbourne thing or Oz thing?)

 

I found work well, but full ACCA with experience, while we met a girl who had been here 1-2 months with nothing? I guess it also depend what you're after (will you take anything?)

 

When we arrived it was first 'no Oz job experience' then 'times are hard', I'm waiting for the next one!

 

There are (hundreds) of agencies, and some 'specialise' in accountancy, so that could be a good start. Or try networking in Linked in (and let me know if you get anywhere!) You may be able to get signed up to agencies online (maybe even try a few agencies in each city you're thinking about to see what they say about your prospects? And the city etc)

 

One good thing is that a lot of the recruiters are from the UK atm, so ACCA is becoming better known. But if you're planning on staying here, CPA is the one you'll need - at least the popular one! (don't worry - I'm told by a few people who have done both, that CPA is a LOT easier).

 

Good luck!