Working in Finance, Accounting and BankingWe have worked with returning New Zealand and “expat” accountants, financiers and banking professionals for the last eight years helping them develop their careers in New Zealand. We understand international experience and how to sell this into the New Zealand market so that you can advance your career. The recent credit turmoil being experienced by the rest of the world appears to have had little impact on the New Zealand employment market. The country is still experiencing acute skills shortages driven by economic growth and the drain of talent across the ditch to Australia. The banks remain massive employers in New Zealand with the ANZ National Bank for example employing 1 in 200 of the New Zealand work force. Our vast expertise and deep relationships in the New Zealand market will let you develop your career in some of the leading companies like Telecom New Zealand, ANZ National Bank, Contact Energy and Fonterra. Where people are getting workAuckland is where the major job action is While the shift of large corporates to Auckland has abated slightly over recent years the demand for highly skilled professionals remains severe. Across all industries including telecommunications, professional services, and banking there a large number of roles available to suit all skills and experience levels. There is a real shortage of professionals at the $70,000 to $140,000 level which is where many professionals returning from the UK are pitching themselves. Skills in particular demand for the banks include: credit analysis, product control and relationship management. Outside of banking the key skills in demand are: audit-internal and external, business analysis, financial accounting, financial analysis, management accounting, tax, risk and compliance. The further south you go the more you have to work to find work A close second in terms of job availability is windy Wellington where banks and corporates compete fiercely for talent, particularly anyone with current or previous UK experience. The development of a vibrant technology and creative sector in Wellington has increasingly created interesting roles outside of the main corporates – although if pay is your motivator these may not be for you! Hamilton offers some opportunities particularly for professionals who are "mid-career' at the NZ$60,000-$80,000 salary levels with large corporates like Fonterra and professional services companies all clamouring for this level professional. Outside of these main centres you will have to rely more on personal contacts to secure jobs. What people earn and how it stacks upSalaries in New Zealand have risen significantly over recent years as skills shortages have bitten companies not offering competitive salaries. Working in banking and financial services tends to pay more than commerce and industry, public sector or professionals services. However, if you are returning from the UK or Australia you will not earn as much on a like for like basis.
To find out your NZ market worth, contact one of our consultants today. Things you need to know to make the most of itThere are contracting options in New Zealand While the contract market in New Zealand is not as highly evolved as that of say the UK there are still a large number of opportunities. For those returning to New Zealand this gives the opportunity to try before you buy and commit yourself fully to a company. Don’t dismiss professional services Many accountants returning from the UK often immediately dismiss going back into professional services. However, if you are unsure what career or industry you wish to pursue on your return, professional services companies can offer a good alternative. They provide the ability to work across multiple industries as well as develop your contact base quickly. You only get one shot New Zealand is a small market with a limited number of employers. So while overseas there may be 50 multinational investment banks to work for in New Zealand there might be five and they all know each other. Putting your best foot forward is key and this means having done your research on the companies that you either want to work for or are interviewing with. It's not a case of spray and pray The New Zealand employment market is very small and you must carefully manage your job search to ensure that you do not end up applying for the same job twice. In the eyes of the employer this looks very unprofessional and at worst says if you can’t manage your job search how will you manage a job. Manage your recruitment agencies In New Zealand recruitment agencies are not allowed to send your details out to a client without your permission. However, this does not stop some doing just that. This can lead to a significant source of embarrassment if it happens and you do not know. Be very explicit to your agencies and manage them well. Timing is everything New Zealand virtually shuts up shop from Christmas until the end of January. If you are returning home in December and expect to walk into the perfect job immediately you may be disappointed. Hiring starts to pick up again in February so sit back and enjoy some back yard cricket and BBQ’s over the break. Don't price yourself out of the market If you have been overseas for a number of years and in particular in the UK, you will probably have been earning a lot more money in New Zealand dollars. It is important to recognise that you are not going to get paid as much in New Zealand and accept that. UK experience is great but not everything In a recent survey our clients unanimously agreed that personality was the strongest influencer in the selection process. Therefore, it is important to be genuine and not brag about your UK experience. Register with us now and take the next step in your career. |
"Everyone I've had contact with at Global are friendly and warm and they're always interested in what I'm doing" SM, recently moved to London Tips |
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