My Job Hunting Experience

Tom

I'm an auditor by profession, a husband and a father to a 4-year old toddler. After spending 6 years in Dubai, our family finally relocated to Sydney this year! I am looking forward to sharing our everyday life and experiences in this lovely country.

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8 Responses

  1. yurito111 says:

    Hi Tom!

    This was a very inspiring post! I was hoping to get some advice from you but I couldn’t find your e-mail anywhere and I’m left with just commenting on your post.

    I’m also a Filipino and I recently passed the CPA board exams last October 2016. I have no work yet and I have no clue on how to start my career. I really hope I could get some perspective on your experiences from being an accountant in the Philippines to an accountant in both Dubai and Australia.

    Hoping to hear from you soon!
    Good luck and God Bless in Australia!

    Thanks!

    • Tom says:

      Hi Yurito111,

      Congrats for passing the CPA exams! And thanks also for your feedback. I started my career as an external auditor in one of the Big4 firms in the Philippines. I personally think this paved the way for me gain international exposure, moving to Dubai and now Australia. Working as an auditor is a bit tough because you’ll be facing a lot of crazy pressure from work. But at the same time, it is also satisfying because you’ll get to learn a lot and quickly. One thing I observed about audit is that it is evolving into integrating more and more of data analytics, robotics, smart auditing. So if you want to pursue a career in audit yourself, be sure to adapt to these changes. Having IT skills is always sought after nowadays, so you may also consider pursuing other certifications like CISA in the future. And speaking of certifications, I believe there is now an agreement between PICPA and CPAA about a pathway for converting your CPA license to CPA Australia.

      The good thing about our profession is that it is one of those that gives us opportunities for global mobility. So whichever path you choose – External audit, internal audit, finance, risk management, IT, I’m sure that if you set your sights on your goal, you’ll be able to make it! =) Good luck and keep me posted! =)

  2. Christopher Nolasco says:

    Hi Tom,
    Thanks for sharing your experiences. Your tips can really help. I plan to go to Sydney this June, right after my endo here in Jeddah. My family’s Big Move would be in July, so I have a month to scout the area and to look for a job. Hoping to land one before my family arrives.

    Btw, I’m a Process Control Automation Engineer by profession, dealing mostly with project design and commissioning. Married with 3 kids. =)

    All the best bro, and stay blessed.

    • Tom says:

      Hi Christopher,

      Thanks for your comment, appreciate it. I think coming to Sydney in June is a good plan. It’s the end of the financial year and there will probably be an influx of job openings once the next financial year starts. June is just around the corner and I can just imagine the hectic schedule that you have now preparing for your move. I’m sure your family and most especially your kids will enjoy here. All the best too and God bless. =)

  3. Jay says:

    Hi Tom,

    I will be arriving in Sydney this 03 June and I am nervous that I won’t land a job anytime soon after I arrive! I’ve sent tons of applications already even if I’m still here in PH mentioning that I will be arriving soon. I’m also an internal auditor by the way. I thought it would be easy since i’m a CIA but boy am I wrong.

    • Tom says:

      Hi Jay,

      Wow, that’s in the next few days! I think it is a case to case basis and you will definitely increase your chances once you arrive. I have more experience in external audit compared to internal audit, which is probably one of the reasons it took time for me. However, I also know of others who got a job in weeks! If you are a solid internal auditor from the beginning, then it would be easier for you =) It is generally challenging to get interviews, so once you set one, be at your best!

      Good luck and God bless! Don’t forget to bring winter clothes!

      • Jay says:

        Hi Tom,

        Wow, it’s already been more than a year since I posted this comment. Thanks for the morale boost by the way!

        Just an update on my situation, I got a job offer on my second week here in Sydney. The initial pay was average but it has a great working culture so I’m really enjoying it. I followed your advice above when I was hunting for a job and I can say that it really works. 🙂

  4. Daf says:

    Hi Tom. Thank you for sharing your experience. I am also a CPA and working here in Dubai for 9 years now. Can you share how do you migrate to Australia? Which agency? Thank you

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