This article is part of a package of events and resources forming the Young Professionals careers week running 14-18 February 2022, kindly sponsored by PeopleSource. You can see all that is planned for the week here.
Given the hard work and determination required to become a Chartered Accountant, it is gratifying and reassuring to know that your qualification truly is an international passport that will open up career opportunities for you right across the globe. This is evident from our member data that tells us that of our over 30,000 members just under 5,000 are based overseas in locations dotted all around the globe. Almost 70% are based in the UK, US and Australia with more based across Europe and others in Hong Kong, Malaysia and New Zealand. Chartered Accountants can end up in many interesting places.
Your qualification will open doors for you globally - International recognition
Chartered Accountants Ireland has established mutual recognition agreements with many other Chartered Accountancy bodies worldwide to support the global mobility of the qualification.
As a Chartered Accountant, you are also automatically members of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, Chartered Accountants Worldwide Network USA. Chartered Accountants Ireland is part of the Global Accounting Alliance.
Profile of our members working abroad
From our member data it is evident that our members overseas are benefiting from the opportunities that their qualification has provided. We can see that they are working across a range of sectors and industries with over 70% working in business and a high proportion of members are in senior level roles.
We know from our engagement with members overseas that they are enjoying successful careers and making the most of the opportunities both professionally and personally. It is really interesting to see the diverse range of career paths they have followed and to hear about their lived experiences abroad. We constantly receive feedback from members telling us how much they like to hear about the career paths and experiences of other members, so we have started building a library of members profiles. Click here to learn more. Maybe your story can feature soon?
Leveraging the Chartered Network
Chartered Accountants Ireland has a growing number of network groups globally and in recent years this network has seen a fourfold increase. For example, we now have active District societies and network groups in London, Europe, USA, Australia, UAE with the most recent groups being set up in Wellington, Switzerland and San Francisco. If you are planning to travel you can access a network of other Chartered Accountants in a wide range of locations.
See international networking in action: coffee roulette
Australia has always had great appeal for Irish Chartered Accountants, and there is a thriving network there always eager to help newcomers to settle in. If you are considering the move “down under", you may be interested to see how these networks work in practice. The Australian society are hosting a coffee roulette on 24 February at 8am (Irish Time). The topic this time is "The Career Landscape in Australia” and you can join the conversation here. The format is an informal yet focused 30-minute chat over coffee. Barry Dempsey, CEO Chartered Accountants Ireland will join the chat on the day and would be delighted to meet you. You can register for free for this event here.
Benefits of the virtual world
In recent years it has become easier than ever to source a role overseas. It is now even possible to secure a role before you travel thanks to the prevalence of virtual interviews. Employers are now much more open to making hiring decisions following a virtual interview. You can also gain access to a wide network of Chartered Accountants via our networks and LinkedIn before travelling. Through the virtual delivery of our CPD and diploma programmes you can keep up to date with your CPD requirements easily too. You can also subscribe to a regular newsletter specifically for members living overseas from us keeping you up to date on recent developments and upcoming events.
Supporting you at every stage of your career
The Institute’s career development and recruitment team can help you to prepare in advance of seeking a role abroad. They will provide you with advice and guidance on the steps involved and can help with your CV and interview preparation. Through our mentor programme you will also be able to speak with other members living and working abroad.
The world is your oyster
If you are interested in travelling and working overseas your qualification offers you the opportunity to do just that, whether it is a short term or indeed a long-term move. You have the potential to explore a world of opportunity and we will be here to support you as you do so.
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