The accounting field, also known as the “language of business,” and its many forms, provides thousands of jobs worldwide. Whether you’re looking to further your career in financial accounting, tax accounting, or management accounting, obtaining an accounting job abroad can give you the experience you need to stand out in the broad and booming field. The benefit of accounting is it’s absolutely mobile, wherever there are businesses, an accountant is needed!
Why Work Abroad in Accounting
As the expat population grows worldwide, the need for tax preparation accountants is on the rise, as they are needed to explain policies, laws, and procedures across countries. Along the same lines, as travel and international companies become the norm, the role of an accountant is no longer isolated to one country alone. The interconnected nature of the global economy requires accountants who are also interconnected, and have a well-rounded understanding of the financial world.
Accountancy jobs abroad will literally open up a world of possibilities for any accountant, from fresh graduates to those who have been working in accounting for 30 years. Whether its a step outside your career comfort zone, an opportunity to work in a new role or company, or simple the chance to travel while earning an income, international accounting jobs have the ability to expand professional skills and lead to many career opportunities both abroad and at home. International work experience will illustrate an understanding of the field that transcends a textbook or license, and set individuals ahead of their counterparts in the fight for jobs at any stage of their career.
Locations
While jobs can be found in most every country you can think of, there are a few countries that can more desirable for accountancy jobs abroad, which also offer larger career growth opportunities.
China. It’s no secret that China has emerged in recent years as a global economic power. As their economy grows, and their appreciation and respect for foreign workers is solidified, opportunities for jobs in China continue to increase. International accounting jobs in China offer professionals an opportunity to gain experience in positions that have more opportunities for advancement as well as higher levels of responsibility than equivalent positions in other countries.
Australia. From Sydney to Melbourne, there are a plethora of available accounting jobs in Australia. Additionally, working abroad in Australia affords professionals the chance to further their career in one of the world’s top global economies, as a pathway between Asia and the United States. Accounting jobs in Australia are available in a variety of organizations, including accounting firms, standard setters, and professional bodies.
India. Vast in culture and tradition, India has now also become a mecca for business. From IT and entertainment, to media and engineering, the rapidly growing industries in India all provide accountancy jobs tracking and maintaining budgets, cashflow, and financial transactions. In India, professionals can live and work amidst one of the oldest and most captivating cultures in the world, all while furthering their career in accounting.
Accountancy Jobs Abroad
There are a range of available accounting jobs abroad, whether you’re in Beijing or New Delhi, though job opportunities will often be dependent on past experience.
Background. For those starting out in their careers, international accounting jobs as a bookkeeper, staff assistant, or assistant controller can be acquired in several divisions, such as auditing, tax accounting, and financial accounting. Professionals with more than three years experience can look to apply for positions as a Senior Accountant, Reporting Manager, Tax Manager, or Audit Manager. Seasoned accounting professionals with several years experience may also be able to find accounting jobs abroad ranging from Internal Audit Manager to Chief Financial Officer.
Financial Accounting. Entry-level employees generally report to a Senior Accountant and have responsibilities relating to one or more of the following areas: receivables, payables, payroll, property, general ledger and financial statements. Senior Accountants and Financial Accounting Managers are generally responsible for overseeing junior staff in addition to furnishing reports and ensuring financial statements are up to par.
Management Accounting. Management accounting staff and assistants are usually responsible for collecting cost data, as well as assisting supervisors in compiling cost analyses and reports. Managers will generally supervise all activities relating the the management accounting system in addition to working on assignments relating to cost studies.
Tax Accounting. Managers and executives in tax accounting will work in one or more of the following areas: national (federal), state (territory), and local income taxes; sales tax, property tax, or payroll tax. As taxes vary in every country, international accounting jobs related to taxes will be depend on the country’s tax processes, so applicants should probably have some base knowledge of their country on interest.
Benefits & Challenges
Gaining professional experience through accounting jobs abroad can be very rewarding and provide many benefits, such as increased understanding of how accounting systems operate in other countries. If chief financial officer is on your career goal trajectory, you’d be remiss to remain working in your home country.
At the same time working abroad can be a challenge depending on your career goals, and where you’d like to ultimately work as an accountant. It is important to research the requirements and certifications that you may need for accountancy jobs abroad, as well as how the position and its responsibilities will translate to your home country.
