Offshore Audit Jobs | Financial Services Audit

Enjoy an exceptional career

The world’s top accountancy firms are looking for high-calibre Financial Services Audit Seniors and Managers to join their thriving offshore practices.

The good news is that your qualification is a passport to a job in a stunning location such as Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands or the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey.

Every year, hundreds of newly qualified Chartered Accountants join the exodus to work abroad in Financial Services Audit – attracted by how these exciting opportunities are a CV builder that comes accompanied by a tax-free pay rise and a superior lifestyle.

Leading firms enjoying a presence on these Caribbean-style destinations include the Big Four – Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC – as well as Top10 firms such as Baker Tilly, BDO, Grant Thornton and RSM.

Learn whilst you earn

As a Financial Services Audit Senior, you’ll assume responsibility for managing a diverse portfolio of clients within the Asset Management (Funds), Insurance or Banking sectors.

Your primary responsibility will be ensuring completion of engagements from planning through to final reporting in line with international reporting regulations such as UK, Canadian and US GAAP.

The role can be very ‘hands on’ and will involve field management of a team and shorter solo engagements. You’ll also find that you’re treated as an individual, given the opportunity to be instrumental in the development of the practice, and rewarded accordingly.

The work is challenging and stimulating; you’ll learn a great deal very quickly. 

You don’t need to have financial services client experience to apply as world-class, in-depth training is provided for everybody. This is a major benefit, allowing you to get a ‘second bite of the apple’ if you didn’t get exposure to Funds, Insurance or Banking during your training contract.

Help with internal transfers

We regularly facilitate internal transfers for Seniors and Managers who are already with the Big Four, taking the stress and uncertainty out of it. There’s no firm we don’t work with. Ask for help and we’ll handle it all for you.

10 benefits of offshore audit jobs

1. Go global and internationalise your future career prospects
2. Save more with a tax-free salary
3. Ensure continued professional development
4. Gain financial services experience
5. Build an international network of professional contacts
6. Make yourself more marketable to future employers
7. Enjoy new life and different cultural experiences
8. Benefit from personal growth and overseas travel
9. Access a superior quality of life
10. Say goodbye to bad weather and long commutes

“We work with a huge number of global clients and they expect people to have international experience and the ability to work in different cultures. We talk about developing a global mindset.” – Keith Dugdale, KPMG Director of Global Recruitment.

Remuneration packages

Expat pay is competitively structured and includes flights, free accommodation on arrival, work permit, medical cover and annual bonus/overtime incentives.

Big Four starting salaries depend on location and will be in the region of:

• Bermuda: US$75-85,000 – 6% payroll tax, no income tax
• BVI: US$60,000 – 8% payroll tax above $10,000, no income tax
• Cayman Islands: US$65-70,000 – no payroll or income taxes
• Channel Islands: £38-40,000 – 20% income tax after allowances

Saving on tax means you’ll notice a huge difference in your disposable income.

Start dates

The main intake is September/October, with a smaller intake in January. Contracts last for two years (more accurately, they often last for two busy seasons) after which you’ll be promoted to Manager or can choose to move directly into financial services on the Island or back onshore.

Interviews start from April: it’s never too soon to apply as we shortlist year-round.

Requirements

To be successful, you must be fully qualified as an ACA/CA/ACCA/CPA and have circa 2-5 years of external audit experience by the time of your start date.

Candidates from a Big Four background and/or with Funds/Insurance/Banking client experience have the greatest chance of success – though financial services experience is definitely not a requirement – as do applicants from the UK, USA, Canada and South Africa. All are encouraged to apply.

Another factor to consider if you have a partner who plans to accompany you is whether they would also be successful in finding employment on the Island/s. Whether they can also find a job and get a work permit will depend on their qualifications and experience: learn more about work permits here.

Lifestyle

Recreationally, you enjoy a spectacular quality of life: there’s plenty of time for socialising, sports, the beach and exotic travel. And when you leave the office each day, you can be doing what you love to do most within minutes.

Getting started

Interested? Visit our Jobs page and take your first step towards an exceptional future.

Suggested blogs: Financial Services | Get a Second Bite of the Apple; Chartered Accountants | Enjoy Life in Bermuda; Caribbean Life | Embrace the Corporate Culture; and Earn a Better Salary in Tax-free Bermuda, BVI & Cayman Islands