During the last 2 years at My Departure Lounge, we have helped over 120 South African Chartered Accountants make the move to Australia, whether for a short term adventure or for the long term! Greg Haskins, Director at My Departure Lounge, caught up with one of our South African candidates, Catherine Chamberlain, who arrived in Australia about 6 months ago to take up a position with one of our clients in Sydney.
Greg: You have been here for a little while now, but what attracted you to Australia in the first place?
Catherine: Good weather, good people and of course, the beaches!
Greg: In what ways did My Departure Lounge help you with your plans to move?
Catherine: My Departure Lounge really listened to the type of roles I was interested in and found me interviews for opportunities that were a good fit for my skills set and personality. I didn’t feel like I was just being used to fill a certain position.
Greg: What was it like moving over to Australia – how did you find the transition?
Catherine: Moving over was relatively straight forward. Australia is a First-World, English-speaking country - it doesn't get easier than this really.
Greg: You’ve made Manly your home here – how did you decide where to live?
Catherine: It’s simply beautiful. It’s close enough to the city but has a relaxed "coastal town" feel.
Greg: Have the Aussie’s made you feel welcome? How have they responded to you as a South African – both at work and in general?
Catherine: Generally, they are very welcoming and interested in where I'm from. At work, there's a lot of sport-related banter – it’s great that we all support the same types of sports (even if South Africa are better at them).
Greg: Did you have any misconceptions about Australia and Australians that have now been dispelled?
Catherine: I had no idea that Australia was so culturally diverse. Sydney is much more cosmopolitan than I thought, which is great.
Greg: Have you found that there are any Australian ‘quirks’ or cultural differences you have found particularly funny or hard to get used to?
Catherine: Australians are really law abiding. Everyone uses the pedestrian crossings, no one speeds and the bouncers at pubs/clubs can be pretty intimidating. I suppose coming from a country like South Africa it takes some getting used to - but its all about common sense and mutual respect, which is kind of refreshing really.
Greg: So have you started supporting the Wallabies in the rugby?
Catherine: No! The Springboks of course!
Greg: Have you taken up any new hobbies or sports since arriving in here?
Catherine: I started Capoiera (a Brazilian martial art). Weather permitting, we have training sessions on Queenscliff beach - which is stunning.
Greg: You seem to be enjoying the lifestyle here – are you glad that you have made the move across to Australia?
Catherine: Very glad, it’s been a great adventure so far!
Greg: What advice would you give other South Africans considering making the move to live and work in Australia?
Catherine: Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the industries and companies you want to work in during your job search - moving here shouldn't just be about geography, it can/should be a strategic move as well.
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Australian employers have long since recognised the value attached to the South African Chartered Accountant designation, and some have been actively engaged in international recruitment initiatives for many years.
Many South African CA’s now living in Australia will remember having to write conversion exams in Australian Tax Law and Companies Law (Corporations Act), before becoming eligible to register as an Australian CA.
As of 1 February 2008, CA(SA)’s will no longer be required to complete bridging studies and conversion exams in order to register as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (“ICAA”). This change is made possible by the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), of which SAICA and the ICAA are both members.
“South African Chartered Accountants are now more employable than ever before!” said Greg Haskins, Director at My Departure Lounge and Executive Committee member of the SAICA Australia Chapter. “Australian employers who have traditionally not recruited from South Africa, will now feel more comfortable bringing South African’s over to join their Australian teams.”
“My Departure Lounge is working hard to take this message to the Australian employment market, which has seen a candidate shortage for the past few years”, said Tammy Frame, Director at My Departure Lounge.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this, or have any other questions regarding opportunities in Australia, please contact Ben Roberts on ben.roberts@mydeparturelounge.com.
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