Accounting Opportunities Abroad in International Business

We live in an increasingly interconnected world. Businesses are continually becoming more international in scope, expanding their operations globally. If you’re an accounting professional, exciting and transformative experiences await you.

What special skills might you need in order to apply for international positions? What is the current market like, and what unexpected benefits might you receive? What cautions are in order? We will consider each of these questions below.

Standout Skills

Maybe you’ve perused accountant resume examples online and found them to be blasé. How can you make yours stand out in an international market?

Global operations require an accounting department that is well-versed in international regulations and tax laws. How can you demonstrate this skill? Continuing education is a must. Highlight specific courses you’ve taken that touch on international financial and business practices, such as: 

• Global regulatory strategy
• Intercultural management
• International accounting and transfer pricing
• International business
• International security
• International trade
• Strategic supply chain management

You can enroll in online certificate courses, such as the Harvard Business School’s Global Business certificate program. You may even consider adding a master’s degree in international business to your educational experience.

Remember to highlight any related experiences in your bulleted job descriptions. Even something as simple as researching tax laws before shipping to an international customer on Etsy can provide relevant experience.

Of course, technical knowledge isn’t the only thing that can make you stand out. Soft skills like cross-cultural understanding, cultural competence, or fluency in a foreign language can make you a real asset. You will also need to be adaptable and willing to embrace change. If you’re well-traveled or you’ve worked extensively with cultural groups, make this evident on your resume.

Finally, make sure your resume is formatted as will be expected by the company’s home office or satellite branch. The curriculum vitae (CV) used outside the United States is similar to the resume, but you may need to make a few changes to conform to the expected layout.

Accounting Opportunities Abroad

Technology has facilitated globalization like never before. Businesses are no longer limited to applicants living a reasonable distance from their brick-and-mortar location. Instead, they can cast their nets in a global talent pool of remote workers.

This field is well suited to remote work because accounting tasks are primarily done via computer. You can use websites like Adzuna or LinkedIn to search for international or remote positions. You can leverage remote work to build international experience if you plan on applying to in-person positions abroad.

However, a word of caution is in order. Be on the watch for potential scams when contacted by online recruiters. Research the company thoroughly before revealing confidential personal information. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re unsure of an offer’s validity, be prepared to walk away.

Europe is a prime destination for expats and digital nomads; London and Frankfurt are considered financial hubs. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have been widely adopted by European nations, making them an ideal transition point into the international market. You will gain experience in handling cross-border financial issues and exposure to different accounting regulations and practices.

Accounting professionals are also in high demand in the Asia-Pacific region, as many countries are experiencing rapid economic expansion. China, for example, is home to many companies serving international clients, and its regulatory landscape is shifting towards IFRS compliance.

A number of South and Central American nations, including Mexico and Brazil, have also adopted IFRS. These emerging markets can be a welcome challenge for accountants skilled in international trade and foreign investment.

Don’t forget about home-grown international corporations as well. If you’re already working for a multinational company like Alphabet, Meta, or Coca-Cola, as about transferring to an assignment abroad.

Additional Benefits of Working Abroad

Working abroad can provide unexpected career and personal benefits as well. New and immersive experiences can be transformative. As you learn about other cultures and work alongside individuals from different backgrounds, you may develop greater empathy, curiosity, confidence, and creativity. You might even learn a new language.

Your professional network will also be expanded to individuals you may never have met in your home country. You will learn new skills and competencies, and employers at home and abroad often value candidates with diverse experiences and global perspectives.

Key Takeaways

Due to globalization, it can literally be said that a world of opportunity awaits you if you are an accountant hoping to work abroad. You can start today by equipping yourself with the knowledge and experiences you’ll need to stand out in a global talent pool. Brush up on international and foreign tax law, and keep an open mind to new experiences. When you do so, you will experience personal and professional growth as you embrace new challenges and develop a global perspective.

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