living and working in australia

LIVING AND WORKING IN AUSTRALIA Presented by: Elaine Mooney Presented to: CPA Members Date: 8th November 2011 Agenda • Introduction to Robert Walters Australia • Life in Australia • Market trends • Key clients • Additional information to help with your move to Australia • Next Steps • Questions and answers Robert Walters - Australia • Robert Walters is one of the leading recruitment brands in finance and accounting in Australia and has been trading since 1995 • Six regional offices: – Sydney x – Melbourne – Brisbane – Adelaide – Perth • Robert Walters recruits temporary, contract and permanent positions Specialist Recruitment Divisions • Accounting & Finance • Banking Operations • Engineering & Operations • Human Resources • Information Technology • Legal • Sales, Marketing & Communications • Secretarial & Business Support Start Living the Life Life in Australia • Population: 22 million • Land area: nearly million square kilometres with very diverse weather and geography • One of the most culturally diverse countries in the world • More than 7,000 beaches and over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year • Broad and interesting roles in some of the most liveable cities in the world • For more information refer to the tourism Australia website www.australia.com Cost of Living - examples AUD$1 = €0.75 • Weekly rent $175 – 350 • Weekly travel card $26 – 45 • Schooner of beer $6 • Glass of wine $7 • Cinema ticket $18 • Food snack/sandwich $6 - 10 Introduction to the Australian Job Market • Relatively buoyant job market in comparison to other markets across the globe unemployment currently at 5.1% • Australia is an increasingly attractive hub for global and regional business operations due to the strength of the Australian economy • Increase in demand from skilled professionals – in particular qualified accountants are highly sought-after • Hiring of qualified accounting professionals within commercial organisations is strong –mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, FMCG and energy sectors is driving the demand • The Brisbane banking and financial services industry is experiencing a hiring increase of qualified accounting and finance professionals, whilst most other regions have remained stable in hiring Market Trends: Most sought-after candidates by location • Sydney – – – – Professionals from the Big Commercial managers Business analysts Internal control specialists • – – – – Melbourne Risk and internal audit professionals Pricing and payroll specialists Financial and management accountants Financial planners • – – – – Brisbane Payroll and accounts payable officers Management and financial accountants Commercial managers and analysts Part-qualified and qualified accountants Market Trends: Most sought-after candidates by location • Perth – – – – – Statutory and financial accountants Contract and project accountants Contract credit controllers Financial planners Finance professionals • – – – Adelaide Experienced financial planners Business development managers in retails and business lending Contract professionals with financial year end experience Market Trends – Salary • Employers are now promoting stability and security of employment along with lifestyle benefits instead of the traditional salary increases • Newly qualified salaries range from $35 - $45 plus superannuation • 12 months+ PQE $40 - $50 per hour plus superannuation • To find out what your salary in Australia could be, view our global salary survey online at www.robertwalters.com/en-ie/salarysurvey/salarysurvey.do When is the best time to go ? • Year End – Macquarie Bank March – Australian companies June – Some Australian banks September – Internationals December – – Months prior to year ends in June and December – August onwards is good for Management Accountants Lots of project and analysis for international – companies having a year end of December Key Clients in Australia Robert Walters ICM Registration Pack – exclusive benefits to help with your move Only available to candidates exclusively registered with Robert Walters the pack offers a range of key benefits to help you settle in Australia Robert Walters ICM Registration Pack offers the following benefits: • 10% discount with Taxback.com – to collect your discount, go to www.taxback.com/robertwalters • Free Australian bank account with National Australia Bank – to apply visit www.nab.com.au/movingtoaustralia • Discounted gym membership with Fitness First – to sign up simply visit any Fitness First club and present your Robert Walters Registration Pack Robert Walters ICM Registration Pack – exclusive benefits to help with your move • Free Lebara Mobile SIM Starter Pack – your Lebara SIM Starter Pack is included in your pack Activate your SIM online at www.lebaramobile.com.au • Free International Money Transfers with TransferMate – to make your first money transfer go to www.link.transfermate.com/robertwalters Immigration • Robert Walters can also help with your immigration needs, offering you various visa solutions and direct access to expert immigration advice and assistance • For more information visit www.robertwalters.com.au/immigration or email immigration_enquiries@robertwalters.com.ai • Australian immigration website is www.immi.gov.au • Visa types: – Working Holiday Visa – 417 – Second Working Holiday Visa – Employer Sponsored Visa – 457 (up to four years) – Skilled Migration – Accountant is on the MODL – State Sponsored Visa Tax and Superannuation • If you are planning to work in Australia you must obtain a tax file number (TFN) from the Australian Tax Office Further details on the Australian tax system can be found at www.ato.gov.au • Superannuation in Australia is compulsory and operates like a pension scheme 9% of your salary is paid into a superannuation fund by your employer and is redeemable in your home country upon retirement Accommodation • Temporary accommodation is available in all large cities although this can sometimes be quite expensive for the accommodation provided • If you are intending to stay in one city for a long period of time, it works out more cost effective to rent a flat/house • The best place to find information on rental properties is online or in one of the major metropolitan newspapers: – Sydney Morning Herald – Sydney – Adelaide Advertiser - Adelaide – The Age – Melbourne – The Courier Mail - Brisbane – The West Australian - Perth – Online: www.domain.com.au or www.realestate.com.au • Most real estate agencies also produce currently available rental lists Medical • Australia has reciprocal medical agreements with the Republic of Ireland • This reciprocal agreement ensures that working travellers are entitled to free emergency medical treatment • If you require non-emergency medical treatment or dental work while residing in Australia you will be required to pay for the treatment personally Next Steps • Send an email to Elaine Mooney with the following details: – – – – – – Up-to-date CV Contact details: email, phone number/s Departure date from Ireland, or if travelling first, arrival date in Australia Visa type obtained Areas of employment interest in Australia Location of interest in Australia • elaine.mooney@robertwalters.com Robert Walters International Career Management http://www.robertwalters.com/icm/