FAQ's
Can I take a short term contract of say 3 or 6 or 12 months?
It is very expensive for offshore employers to bring staff to the islands. So as a rule of thumb short term contracts of less than 12 months are uncommon. However, some employers (particularly the audit firms) during the busy seasons, and depending on their specific business needs may seek to recruitment staff for such timeframes. Most contracts are for two or three years with an option for renewal.
Why do you only recruit to Bermuda, Cayman and Curacao and not other offshore Islands?
This is because that these are the 3 islands where our consultants have first hand experience in living and working offshore. We believe to give the best advice to potential candidates, we should have experienced what they are about to go through. So these are the main 3 islands which we seek out opportunities for candidates. From time to time, if specifically requested by an employer, we may also be able to place candidates in offshore roles from islands outside of these three core jurisdictions. For example, the BVI, the Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Why are no specific jobs advertised?
There is always a constant flow of expats leaving the islands to return home and a need to replace them with new qualified expats. Hence, the main roles for which we recruit for are cyclical and any specific vacancies posted would soon be out of date until the next busy season or the expiration of existing expat contracts. The funds industry is also very prosperous and many fund companies are experiencing rapid growth. Therfore, it works much better to have candidates register their interest and be pre screened for such roles well beforehand. You will also find that many of the specific vacancies listed on other offshore recruitment websites are stale and in may cases up to 12 months old.
I have heard that hedge fund accounting requires loads of overtime, how bad is it really?
Yes, it is true that the fund accounting industry is very demanding at month end when NAV deadlines need to be met. Actual overtime hours vary greatly, but typically, you may be expected to work anywhere between 1 to 4 of daily overtime during the first two weeks of a month end NAV period. Hence, these roles are better suited to single professionals as opposed to married couples.
I have heard that audit firms have busy and quite seasons, how does this work?
The clients year end accounting periods are the busy seasons. Busy season overtime will be significant to meet deadlines. Some firms offer time back in the quite season. Also in the quite season, you may be seconded. Busy season periods usually last for 4 to 6 months.
Will I be able to make new friends easily?
Yes. All of the firms on these offshore islands employ several expats who are in the same situation. Therefore, it is very easy to make friends. The sporting and socialising (happy hour) culture of the islands also make it very easy to meet new people who more often than not are fellow expats. Who knows, if you are single, you may even meet that special someone while living and working offshore.
Would I not be better off registering with one of the larger recruitment agencies?
It is true that we are small. But we strongly believe that this gives us a competitive edge over the larger agencies. We offer a highly personalised service and all consultants are CA's who have actually lived and worked offshore. They can give advice from first hand experience. They are not salespeople and have no pre set job placement targets to meet. You will not wait for weeks on end simply for a reply to an e mail.
I am not from the Southern hemisphere, can I still register with COR?
Absolutely. Although, our core candidate base is from Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa and the Philippines, candidates from other countries or even other offshore jurisdictions are welcome to register with us.
As a well established employer, we already have a relationship with recruitment agencies. Why should we try Constellation?
Because our consultants have the CA and TEP designations themselves and have first hand experience of living and working offshore. Therefore, they are equiped with the knowledge and discernment to only put forward candidates who are highly likely to exceed and excel both professionally and personally in an offshore environment. In addition, because we are relatively small and do not incur the many overheads that larger firms need to absorb, we are well positioned to offer highly competitive placement fees.
Is it dangerous when hurricanes hit?
The hurricane season in the Caribbean is officially from 1st June to 30th November. When a hurricane is forecast to pass close by an island, offices are usually closed and employees sent home. Yes, it is very dangerous if you are foolish enough to be riding your moped or driving a car in the middle of the storm. But generally speaking, it is quite safe provided you heed the warnings given by the local authorities and take the threat seriously. A little common sense goes a long way.
