Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
Jan 8th 2013, 1:08 am
#31
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
Just to chuck in my few pence worth...
My hubby got a 2:2 at uni (so at that point none of the Big 4 would probably consider him) and then got a job at a smallish accounting firm where he studied for his ACA. It was hard work (though probably not as hard as studying whilst working for one of the Big 4) but he did it and then he left and got a job at EY. He'd been there a couple of years and then applied for their Global Exchange Programme. He succeeded and that's how we're here - for 18 months then we head back to the UK.
So whilst there were a lot of hurdles involved in the above (and he worked his socks off, still does) it's one route you could try.
Good luck!
My hubby got a 2:2 at uni (so at that point none of the Big 4 would probably consider him) and then got a job at a smallish accounting firm where he studied for his ACA. It was hard work (though probably not as hard as studying whilst working for one of the Big 4) but he did it and then he left and got a job at EY. He'd been there a couple of years and then applied for their Global Exchange Programme. He succeeded and that's how we're here - for 18 months then we head back to the UK.
So whilst there were a lot of hurdles involved in the above (and he worked his socks off, still does) it's one route you could try.
Good luck!
Jan 8th 2013, 6:23 am
#32
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
I get fed up with the view that CIMA is somehow a second rate qualification compared to being an ACA. They prepare you for different paths. My OH is a CIMA qualified accountant who works for a FTSE100 firm in a senior position out here. Despite the 'disadvantage' that he's CIMA he's never been made redundant in the twenty odd years since he graduated as he's very good at his job. Rant over, I shall rest tonight in the knowledge that my poor OH, with his qualification that will leave him fit for nothing if he gets fired, compared to an ACA, has achieved the OP's aims (although not in New York)
Oh, OP, btw, I believe that CIMA and the CPAs now have some mutual recognition programme, but you probably wouldn't be interested in that.
Oh, OP, btw, I believe that CIMA and the CPAs now have some mutual recognition programme, but you probably wouldn't be interested in that.
Jan 8th 2013, 6:27 am
#33
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
Just to chuck in my few pence worth...
My hubby got a 2:2 at uni (so at that point none of the Big 4 would probably consider him) and then got a job at a smallish accounting firm where he studied for his ACA. It was hard work (though probably not as hard as studying whilst working for one of the Big 4) but he did it and then he left and got a job at EY. He'd been there a couple of years and then applied for their Global Exchange Programme. He succeeded and that's how we're here - for 18 months then we head back to the UK.
So whilst there were a lot of hurdles involved in the above (and he worked his socks off, still does) it's one route you could try.
Good luck!
My hubby got a 2:2 at uni (so at that point none of the Big 4 would probably consider him) and then got a job at a smallish accounting firm where he studied for his ACA. It was hard work (though probably not as hard as studying whilst working for one of the Big 4) but he did it and then he left and got a job at EY. He'd been there a couple of years and then applied for their Global Exchange Programme. He succeeded and that's how we're here - for 18 months then we head back to the UK.
So whilst there were a lot of hurdles involved in the above (and he worked his socks off, still does) it's one route you could try.
Good luck!
Jan 8th 2013, 6:27 am
#34
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
Was talking about plane, should've made it clearer :P
Jan 8th 2013, 6:43 am
#35
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
Ah, I see. Don't underestimate the prices of flights though, it's not like the UK where you can usually fly for less than taking the train, or pop to Europe for £50!
With flight prices and the 10 days holiday that is the norm in Canada (sometimes none for the first year), you may not be able to go to NYC that often if that's important to you.
With flight prices and the 10 days holiday that is the norm in Canada (sometimes none for the first year), you may not be able to go to NYC that often if that's important to you.
Last edited by christmasoompa; Jan 8th 2013 at 6:45 am.
Jan 8th 2013, 6:56 am
#36
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
I spoke to a friend last night, who's currently working for Deloitte and he said managers have been seconded to the States to work on projects on L1s but they were there in a consulting capacity rather than working as accountants, although they did hold ACAs. I'm interested in MC but graduate level positions are hard to come by - with Oxbridge dominating the big players and big4 have few positions available. Failing that, I could always work my way up to some sort of finance manager position in a firm with US presence and try a transfer that way.
But one step at a time, I'll complete my degree, attempt to get the ACA - if I pass the exams - and then see where that takes me.
Ah yes, my uncle actually lives there and he's an accountant. I've never been to Toronto so I don't know what it's like, but I have thought about it. Furthermore I believe the UK and Canadian CA bodies have agreements so it's easier to get a visa/work. NYC is only a couple of hours away as well.
But one step at a time, I'll complete my degree, attempt to get the ACA - if I pass the exams - and then see where that takes me.
Ah yes, my uncle actually lives there and he's an accountant. I've never been to Toronto so I don't know what it's like, but I have thought about it. Furthermore I believe the UK and Canadian CA bodies have agreements so it's easier to get a visa/work. NYC is only a couple of hours away as well.
The Canadian route is an option, Toronto can provide alot of the same feel that NYC can as Canada's largest metropolis. It is around 8 hours drive, although you can get to some cities in NY State much quicker (such as Buffalo for example in just over an hour), Albany between the two.
Jan 8th 2013, 7:01 am
#37
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
Ah, I see. Don't underestimate the prices of flights though, it's not like the UK where you can usually fly for less than taking the train, or pop to Europe for £50!
With flight prices and the 10 days holiday that is the norm in Canada (sometimes none for the first year), you may not be able to go to NYC that often if that's important to you.
With flight prices and the 10 days holiday that is the norm in Canada (sometimes none for the first year), you may not be able to go to NYC that often if that's important to you.
And wow, I thought air tickets would be cheaper if anything - I believe there's more airline competition in North America whereas the UK to Europe market is dominated by relatively few.
Jan 8th 2013, 7:05 am
#38
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
It's not really important. Like I said in my OP, I'd just love to live/at least get closer to NYC as I really enjoyed it and wanted to investigate the possibilities. I think this thread has answered my question. - Yes it is possible, but it won't happen overnight and it's gonna take at least 5 more years of hard studying and working
And wow, I thought air tickets would be cheaper if anything - I believe there's more airline competition in North America whereas the UK to Europe market is dominated by relatively few.
And wow, I thought air tickets would be cheaper if anything - I believe there's more airline competition in North America whereas the UK to Europe market is dominated by relatively few.
Internal flights are always much cheaper - particularly on WestJet (Canada) or SouthWest (USA).
Jan 13th 2013, 2:11 pm
#39
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
I'm a CA with the chartered institute of Scotland. Hubby is ICAEW. I'm a fairly bright girl with a 1st class hons degree and hubby is Meng.... We both found the accountancy exams hell on earth!!!
Having said that, with 12 years in practice under his belt he's now being headhunter by one of his clients to go and work in the us. that company has uk tax and treasury implications, so feel a UK CA is their best option. So it could be a good route, but maybe a long way down the line!!
Having said that, with 12 years in practice under his belt he's now being headhunter by one of his clients to go and work in the us. that company has uk tax and treasury implications, so feel a UK CA is their best option. So it could be a good route, but maybe a long way down the line!!
Apr 24th 2013, 12:10 am
#40
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
There are loads more accountants in the US because the CPA is a joke compared to the ACA exams in England. That's why all the big 4 partners in the uk and English ones working in the US call it the certified parking attendant. It doesn't compare.
May 23rd 2013, 2:37 pm
#41
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Re: Can I work in America if I got the ACA Accountancy qualification?
Hey - good luck. America was my dream too, initially NYC. I ended up in Tennessee and I wouldn't change it for anything. Stick with the dream but take any opportunity that you get offered - this is a great country to live in
Anyway...I am ACCA qualified. I did my qualification through the company I worked for (I work in industry, not practice). My company is based in the UK but has a subsidiary in Tennessee. Even so it was difficult to get a VISA - the US government generally wants you to prove that you have skills that cannot be found in the local workforce - that's easy for specialist engineers but not so for us accountants.
The best advice I can give is to try and place yourself with one of the big4. I have friends within PwC and they have an excellent foreign assignment program. I know at least 6 people who have asked for a reassignment and been transferred within months (obviously these people had worked for PwC for a few years beforehand). They also seem to be able to work some voodoo on the immigration department because they seem to get VISA very quickly and with little pain.
The assignment is usually temporary (two years max) but it would be a great experience. Although beware - I have heard that of all the foreign assignments offered by PwC, NYC is the most intense. They don't leave much time for sightseeing.
Anyway - stick with it. I hope it works out for you. NYC is a fantastic city.
Anyway...I am ACCA qualified. I did my qualification through the company I worked for (I work in industry, not practice). My company is based in the UK but has a subsidiary in Tennessee. Even so it was difficult to get a VISA - the US government generally wants you to prove that you have skills that cannot be found in the local workforce - that's easy for specialist engineers but not so for us accountants.
The best advice I can give is to try and place yourself with one of the big4. I have friends within PwC and they have an excellent foreign assignment program. I know at least 6 people who have asked for a reassignment and been transferred within months (obviously these people had worked for PwC for a few years beforehand). They also seem to be able to work some voodoo on the immigration department because they seem to get VISA very quickly and with little pain.
The assignment is usually temporary (two years max) but it would be a great experience. Although beware - I have heard that of all the foreign assignments offered by PwC, NYC is the most intense. They don't leave much time for sightseeing.
Anyway - stick with it. I hope it works out for you. NYC is a fantastic city.
