[Anonymous]

Is it difficult to obtain positions overseas? Say if you wanted to work in China or South Africa or an office in Europe, how would one go about obtaining these positions and is there any demand for these positions to be filled by US citizens?

Any links or information would be appreciated.

[thetoddgreen]

This is an extremely interesting topic for me as well… hopefully someone has some insight!

[r_f_94]

This would be an awesome question to ask HR, the people that deal with these types of situations.

[ruggercpa2b]

It all depends on the visa/work permit requirements of the country you want to work in.

I have family in England and it is a lot harder to get a work permit just as it is to get a work permit to come work in the US. Its much easier to already be working at a Big 4 in the US and then taking part in their work abroad program. But even then, I believe at Deloitte you had to be at manager level. Some accounting firms will consider you if you are senior.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[rb2017]

I've looked into this too. Pretty sure, at least in Europe, that you have to prove you're more qualified than any local resident that has applied as most companies don't just hand out visas to people to work overseas. Like ruggercpa said, if you can get into a program with your current employer to transfer to an office overseas, that's probably an easier way to do it.

[Sir Ivalis]

I agree with the above couple of posts. I'm at a big 4 in tax, and about the time you're an experienced senior associate (3-4 years in), opportunities start popping up for rotations abroad. These rotations are generally between 3 months and a year, but occasionally, they can become permanent under circumstances particular to that person (I'm sure the visa situation is key).

However, these opportunities are usually limited to their usefulness to the firm. Like, if you wanted to do a rotation in Hong Kong just because you like Hong Kong, the firm wouldn't go for it unless they specifically needed someone in your practice with your skill set to go out there. The most common for my firm is the US tax desk in London, because of the economic relationships, the common language, the size of the office there, etc.

It's also worth noting that these are competitive positions and people in the tax practice all over the country can apply. My impression has been, though, that if you're a good worker and you can get good recommendations from your managers, partners, etc., then it should happen (but maybe not to your first choice).

REG - 81
FAR - April 13th (73), TBD
AUD - July 6th
BEC - TBD

[Anonymous]

would also suggest you work on your language skills. I speak four languages which helps my marketability in all areas. (its what got me my current job)

[PubMaster]

As with anything, it depends on who you know. I continuously tried to get a tax job in Ireland but there just wasn't a need. Also the people I tried to network with just weren't helpful at all. There has to be a need for US knowledge and people.

I ended up working with and networking a ton with a guy from Norway and ended up getting offered to interview for a job in Stavanger. They needed a US tax guy. Very nice people and very helpful people. This was within the Big 4, btw. My firm wouldn't help me out because there was no benefit to them whatsoever. I wasn't learning skills that would help them when I got back. Maybe UK or AUS would've helped, but not little Norway.

The whole reason they offered me the position was because I made an effort to speak their language, learn about their culture, and I took time to chat with them and network. Typically you have to be a high performer and go to a well established country that has a need for US people though to get your firm to sponsor you to go.

So, in conclusion, I wouldn't say it's easy, but it's also not that difficult if you leverage networking opportunities and don't try to force anything.

[Author]

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