Expert: John Gump - 7/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Im Michael and a certified public accountant from the Philippines. I would like to seek a job for that position in carrebean but i dont know where to apply? Im asking this because there's a lot of job scams around the net, this is to avoid them. Is there a possibilities that I could get hired? How to start and where? Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Michael - My advice would be to contact the banks, companies, directly on the phone that are advertising for an open position. This way you aren't doing it online and it will be safer.  As for getting hired, that's entirely up to how the interview goes and if they offer you a job and you take it.  I would also contact your embassy/consulate to the Cayman Islands and inquire as to what is required for you to gain a work visa for Cayman.  Best to you!

John


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks sir, Ive been reading and searching for a job in carrebean and mostly they were looking for a candidate who worked in a Big 4 auditing firm. HOw bout other candidates who has no experience in a Big 4 but has an expertise in accounting as a CPA? Does any recruitment agency you know who will hire or finds interest in hiring for non working in a big 4? Thank you very much for answering my querries.
More power to you sir!!!

Answer
Hi again Michael - It is true that CPA firms like to find candidates with prior Big 4 experience, however, this doesn't mean that they won't hire others with CPA experience.  My advice is to put together a strong resume highlighting your experiences and why a firm in Cayman should want to hire you, then do some research and get addresses for firms in Cayman and submit your resume along with a cover letter describing yourself, your experience, and what you'd bring to a firm. I don't know any recruiting agencies dealing specifically in Cayman, but I'm sure you can find them on the internet as well.  I do know that Deloitte & Touche, Grant Thornton, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and what's left of Ernst & Young have offices in Grand Cayman, along with hundreds of banks.  Best to you!

John