is there any chance i could get out to the US?

[chickyd]

Hi all,

I'm a UK resident chartered accountant with 3 years experience in corporate finance since qualifying and having spent some time in San Francisco when i was at uni i am really eager to return to there work.

My understanding of the current situation is that i need sponsorship to get the necessary visa out there, and the chances of me getting sponsorship off the bat from an employer is next to nothing in the current climate. I have been told by recruitment consultants the only way to get out there is to get a job here fore a couple of years from which i could push for a transfer./

Can anyone offer any insight or point me in any sort of direction?

Much appreciated.

[Bevdeforges]

Based on my experience, having international experience in accounting and finance is a big advantage when looking for an overseas job or when pushing your current employer for a transfer.

To the extent you can, do whatever you have to to get involved in any sort of international project or liaison work with your current employer. If your current employer isn't international, then start looking for work with a big international company and look for opportunities to work with your US colleagues - on anything, even planning the company picnic. If you're a known quantity to the US colleagues, you have a better chance at getting put in for a transfer when one comes up.

It may be a little early to count on a transfer like that, but with some planning you can arrange to have the necessary experience under your belt when an opportunity presents itself. (I did that going the other direction - US to UK.) It can take years, but it's definitely effort well spent.
Cheers,
Bev

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by chickyd

Can anyone offer any insight or point me in any sort of direction?

There is no best or easy way. Taking a position with a global accounting company (KPMG. PWC, etc) and pushing yourself towards the American end for an L1 transfer is certainly a way that has worked for others.