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How much overtime is there?
One cannot predict how much overtime may be worked as this depends on
many factors, but as a professional on a good salary one is expected
to work reasonable overtime to get the job done. Within the audit firms
there is a definite busy period which entails significant overtime,
but that is balanced by a very quiet period. Within the retail companies,
fund administrators, captive insurance companies and other employers
there are definite periods of overtime required. This overtime will
be compensated, usually in the form of a bonus at the end of the year.
One must bear in mind that travel times are generally short and
this makes the overtime much more bearable.
What accounting qualifications are acceptable?
The candidates that are most likely to be successful are qualified ACAs,
CAs, CPAs, CGAs,CIMAs and ACCAs from the USA, UK, South Africa, Australia,
New Zealand and Zimbabwe.This is because there is reciprocal recognition
of these accounting qualifications with Cayman. Qualified accountants
from other countries should also apply since there can be exceptions.
My partner is not a lawyer or accountant – how
can they find work?
There are many opportunities for people other than accountants and lawyers
to find work in Cayman. The positions that are available include teachers,
legal secretaries, nurses,doctors as well as tourism related positions.
There are agencies that will find your partner contract work with whom
we can put you in contact. We will advise you on the best method for
finding the right job. It will be better to organise your partner a job
before you arrive in Cayman, so that you do not have to survive off one
salary.
What are the significant benefits of living and working in Cayman?
Salaries are all tax free and thus you have more disposable income available
from each salary payment. The largest expense will be rental and thus
you can determine how much you want to save as all expenses are discretionary.
It is quite possible for a couple to save 50% or more of their joint
incomes. The work experience that you will gain from the offshore experience
will provide you with many options as to how you want to proceed with
your career and where you want to live next. The standard of living
is comparable to most first world countries. The recreational lifestyle
must be experienced to be believed, for both single persons and couples.
Living within five minutes of the Caribbean
Sea allows for many great recreational activities. Living within two
hours of the US and many Caribbean destinations allows for excellent
short-and long-break vacations.
How long can you work in Cayman?
Each work permit may be granted up to a maximum of three years by the
Immigration Department. A work permit holder may live and work in Cayman
for a maximum of seven years continously, unless the holder has been
assigned an ‘exempted employee’ status or there are exceptional
circumstances. Where the holder has been granted the extended period
their permit would carry them past the seven years and allow them to
apply for permanent residence.
What about the hurricane season?
We have had personal experience of surviving hurricane Ivan that devestated
the Cayman Islands in September, 2004. Prior to this hurricane the
islands had taken general precautions for approaching hurricanes but
the havoc wrought by Ivan forced employers and the Government to rethink
their strategies going forward. The hurricane season runs from May
to November each year. The Government and employers provide employees
and residents with many tools to prepare
for the season and sophisiticated computerised tracking systems are used
to warn the inhabitants of approaching hurricanes and their intended
paths. Most firms have evacuation plans that ensure that their staff
are relocated during the onset of a hurricane, either to hurricane proof
buildings on
island or to Disaster Recovery Sites dotted around the world. Candidates
should inquire as to what plans are in place during the interview process
and decide for themselves whether they feel comfortable with what has
been arranged by the prospective employer.
What if
you work for a “big four” audit
firm and want to move internally?
The office that employed you has put significant time, money and effort
into training you and will not have any motivation to assist you in getting
an internal transfer as soon as you qualify. You may limit your career
prospects within your current firm if you alert them to the fact that
you are thinking of moving to another office. There could be other opportunites
that await you which you will never explore unless they are explained
to you. We can offer you unbiased options as to the line of business
that best suits you. Once you know the options you can make the correct
decision for your career.
What is recreational life like for single persons and married couples?
There are many attractions that will entertain both single persons and
married couples on Cayman. Among these are numerous wonderful beaches
on Grand Cayman, including the famous Seven Mile beach which runs
the length of the western side of the island, north of George Town.
Great snorkeling can be found almost everywhere where the sea laps
the sand. Recreational swimming can be enjoyed in the calm lagoon sea,
as well as the many pools that grace the plentiful condo complexes.
There are many competitive sea swims that take place throughout the
year.
Diving in Cayman is of the highest quality and some of the easiest to be found
in the world. There are many dive operators and most dives can be done from
the shoreline.
Many people own or have part shares in speedboats which they use to waterski,
cruise out to Stingray City, dive from, fish from or simply meander around
the island. Many sailors take out their J22s, catamarans, tornadoes or larger
yachts whenever they can. There are many boat operators who will take customers
out for fishing or to Stingray City or snorkeling on the reef. There are also submarines which will take customers to see the undersea life
of Cayman.
A host of great sporting events allow people to have fun and socialise. The
annual Butterfield Triathlon is one of the highlights of the year in which
individuals or teams can participate. The touch rugby tournamants, gaelic football
tournaments, running events, squash and tennis tournamants provide a means
for women and men to participate together and share fun. If you prefer a more sedate life, the beaches are perfect for long walks and
the Botanical Gardens are a haven for peaceful reflection.
What rights does a work permit give a spouse and/or family on the island?
A work permit entitles the holder and named dependants (normally limited
to three) to live on the island for the term of the permit or employment.
Spouses and/or dependants will require a separate work permit if they
wish to work on the island.
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