Hi all, wanna ask about the chances of working and possibly settling down permanently in Australia (Melbourne specifically) in the near future.

Currently working in the financial audit field with around 2 years+ of experience in one of the Big4 audit firms. Will be finishing my paper around mid this year (an Australian-NZ paper too - CAANZ) and will achieve 3 years experience around Q3 of this year. Don't mind getting demoted there as long as I don't start from right at the bottom (currently at senior associate level). Also don't mind to stay in the firm forever as the audit field is actually quite interesting if we take away the long working hours.

Basically the family is trying to find a new environment to start off a new life, considering that we have family issues and also the perception of having not really bright prospects in Malaysia. Parents want the issues to end in their generation and not affect the kids. Singapore is not an option for us as we want to find somewhere with a less hectic pace of life (Aus/NZ will be the best)

Been hearing some of my colleagues who are able to jump off to the branches in various parts of the world. Those who went Australia mostly went to Sydney, but I feel like I will like Melbourne more considering the perceived less hectic life there (and fooddddddd). Been considering NZ too (Auckland) but seems like the opportunities there will be less than Aus. Maybe NZ will be a retirement spot later on.

Maybe someone from similar field can advice on when should I make the jump and the chances of it?

Just got an offer from one of the Big4s in Melbourne. Apart from the Visas and stuff, wish to seek out on advice on important facts and things to do to settle down there (e.g. insurance, bank accounts etc)

Sponsored by the Big4 on a Temporary Skills Shortage Visa, they gave me a 2 year contract while the Visa is 3 years. 80k per annum including superannuition and I'm expected to start around mid-Nov this year

This post has been edited by Screen: Sep 15 2021, 11:19 PM

Yeah 80k including super, actually yields higher gross pay comparing dollar to dollar in Malaysia for the same post, hence decided to take the jump.

Close to 3 years of working experience? Then saw the priority migration announcement for auditors and the recruitment post, then applied and got it

This post has been edited by Screen: Sep 16 2021, 10:31 AM

I'm in audit, it is not a transfer program, more like an experienced hire post. Just applied straight and went through the normal interview process with the Big4 and got it. The Big4 will be sponsoring me and are helping me out to do the Visa and stuff.

I thought the chances are close to nil too, but then since they listed my occupation as sort of a priority migration occupation, just thought of taking a shot on it, and fortunately got it. But I do hear from my friends there that they are severely lacking experienced staff too since most natives in slightly senior roles are leaving for commercial posts.

I'm 25 this year, seems like a perfect age to start for someone with no thick financial background haha (literally have <5k AUD left after paying off my bond here)

Yeah but audit firm offers are fairly standard, usually can't really nego much

Yep gonna do extensive research and work towards it, I think my firm has a strong immigration/global mobility department, probably will bug them constantly for the requirements haha

On quarantine, my firm promised to arrange for me, just need to set date and let them know, so let's see how it goes, it is in another 1.5 month or so

Bumped off flights - means they ask you to reschedule arrival if quarantine spots are full?

Yep really a golden opportunity, hence decided to just snap it up

1. Was lurking around Domain and found some places near office already, probably will get a friend to help out to inspect and nail down the lease. Is $500/week for a 2-bedroom apartment a good deal? Not sure if it includes utilities or not though...
2. Any other banks do you guys recommend/not recommend? Or just stick with NAB then nothing will go wrong (like Maybank here?)
3. Yep, definitely, will be hopping on off trams and trains a lot around CBD. Hoping they have some sort of frequent user discount for Uber/credit card associated with Uber though...
6. Firm actually still in hybrid working arrangements, and they promised to deliver the laptop to the quarantine spot to let me start earlier if needed lol, but roughly researched the surroundings already hehe
10. Any recommendations? I think will do a lot of riding around (probably Uber to client's place and claim company) and food deliveries...

Thanks for the extensive list of tips!