N1cky

Sorry JAJ I didn't explain myself very well, typed it on my way out.

I meant when we did our application the lawyers went through a huge exercise of proving that an American could not do the job at the time. I wasn't aware of the fact it wasn't needed for the visa application, they still did the process though. This was probably an internal thing to ensure our chances were high of passing the GC test thus making the expense worthwhile.

Macca67

Best and easiest option is to work with one of the big 4, get qualified then follow a company transfer.

N1cky

Is this realistic though? Everyone I know who has worked or works for 1 of the big 4 did so while taking their exams. Don't know anyone who qualified while working anywhere else (let alone totally out of the industry) and then got a job there.

Ozzidoc

I know several (many?) people who joined a big 4 firm once they'd qualified.

1. Two relatives and several friends.
2. There were a few people who had joined PwC after their training when I worked as a HR Manager there.

I agree that it's a bit unusual, but certainly not impossible.

Macca67

Can you now qualify without working in the Industry? Unless things have changed I thought an Accountant had to be articled with a firm, go through a training programme while taking the exams before gaining admittance to ICAEW.

Jerseygirl

I know plenty of people who have and some are not accountants.

Kate2112

A friend of mine works for Morgan Stanley - UK - Germany - NY for last years - she is a senior accountant.

N1cky

Ok, I'm happy to admit I'm wrong.

However, I do think you are getting this guys hopes up.

JerseyGirl, your husband is/was a partner at PWC ask him if he was hiring in todays market if he would even interview someone who gained his qualifications while working as a fireman therefore having no relevant experience?

If he did hire him, how many years do's he think he would have to spend in a junior position before he could work up to a level of seniority/management level that would enable a multi-national move?

And don't forget this guy doesn't even like the job or really want to be an accountant, just wants a ticket to the states.

Hands up who would give him a job at the level he needs to be at to get the visa?

paul_79

One person was with Deloitte, another was a Finance Manager at an international publishing company who had a role come up in NY, another was Cadbury-Schweppes and went UK>Mexico>NY and another an insurance co with offices in Houston. As JAJ mentioned you don't need to prove an American can't do the role for an L-visa intercompany transfer.

Now granted they had been at those companies for a few years and were in management positions (probably should have added that). But I was just expressing an opinion that it is possible and out of all routes open to the OP that is the one I would suggest trying to follow even if it is a long shot. He does have time on his side. Even if the US doesn't work out working for a big multinational opens many doors, I have a few friends who now work in Sydney after working for Hays and Reuters for example.

mazebio

First of all thanks for your replies everyone!!... they have made many qualms and queries I had much clearer.

That's not entirely true.....I should have explained this more clearly really.I am a fireman at the moment, but I will quit this job in december and begin my ACA accounting career with a national (but not inter- national) firm in January 2010.

Even though I have only been a fireman for 2 months so far, and by the time december comes round for 6 months. I did not want to wait around for ever in this global RECCESSION (and join the ever growing dole queue/ unemployment benefits) whilst I waited for my big accountancy break. I thought I should in the meantime at least help the local community in any way I can.

I never intended to fulfil a career in the fire service. it was a stop gap whilst I waited for my first accountancy job, which I am now scheduled to start in Jan. I made lots of good friends in the fire service and feel great satisfaction and pride in having done so but its now time to move on to what my education has geared me towards for the last five years!......

..........spot on about the ticket to the US part however.

In response to MACCA 67, you are absolutely right!!...only levels 1 and 2 of the ACA can be completed without accounting experience. Level 3 requires all students to have an articleship/sponsorship and even this can only be done after at least two full years of experience in an accounting office.

I will probably complete my articleship for three years with this firm I am about to start with, then in Jan 2013 apply to the "big four" and others that have a NY base.

Thanks again for your suggestions!!

mazebio

Thanks for your reply!

Your husband is a partner??......Could I send him my resume??...or could you have a quiet whisper in his ear??...lol

I know its a long shot........ but then I did win the mid week lottery this week

four out of the six numbers.......earned me the truly life changing sum of £47......

pejpm1

The part of my application that dealt with the justification of why they had to move me to NY literally didnt make sense. I dont know anyone that is so specialised that an American couldnt do their job. Also.....shock, horror......but out of the 15 or so people that I know, only 2 or 3 went to uni, and I'm not one of them.

Bob

specialist info could be about company processes though...

lj2

Exactly what I did. 2 years working AAT in industry, 3 years working ACA in regional practise, 3 years becoming Manager at Grant Thornton, now almost 2 years as Manager in Chicago with GT.

Worked for me!

Macca67

.......and your still working in Public Practice? Aren't ya sick of it? I couldn't wait to get out.