Good on ya man . For your first job, did you submit your resume only after you've landed? And was your first job within accounting industry too?

Finally have obtained PR independently . But how's the current job market like for accounting industry particularly in Sydney? Has anyone tried applying from bolehland and made it to interviews? Also, is it better to go there while I am still in early stages of my career?

Thanks Soony, solvent, Nemesis1980 and Justin Wong for all your inputs . Previously studied in Australia, returned to Bolehland to have my 3 years experience recorded and working at one of the Big 4s. Currently at semi senior level and I am now half way through my Chartered Accountants Program. I am asking this is because I doubt our current management will let me go/recommend me to Australia easily through by other means (e.g. long term assignment/transfer) despite I have a PR.

You could be right. Maybe I should just focus on my remaining papers and the work experience from our prospective clients before moving there.

Hi guys, just to confirm. Basically no visa is required if I were to go to Australia to activate my permanent residence for the first time? Also, when I arrive there, I don't have to queue at the visitors line when going through immigration right?

Lol Nemesis. I'm not sure what you're on and off about on those perceptions. I was just asking what are the procedures when activating the PR for the first time and which immigration lane to follow.

I don't want to end up getting detained at my departing airport without proper documents or go to the wrong immigration lane when arriving at OZ. Simple as that.

Hey guys, I just came back from Brissie (3 weeks of short stint with a government agency). During my time there, I have heard that the job outlook isn't very positive as most of the vacancies available now are mainly temp/contract. I am working under accounting industry (public practice to be precise).

My PR is currently running (left 3 years ++) and I have not make a move as I was unsure about the job security in Brisbane. To those who are now in Down Under, are you able to confirm me whether the unemployability rate is rising?. Thanks.

Thanks guys for providing a clearer picture (whether good or bad). At the moment, I am quite contented with my current role in Malaysia. However, I felt like there is a lot more I can learn and earn with a hint of work-life balance (yeah the irony). Since I am still in my 20's and single, I was thinking of making use of my current PR to acquire professional exposure (mainly external audit) in Australia for at least 1.5-2 years before it lapses (if God permits). I am now entering my 4th year in public practice.

If Down Under only can offer contract/temp job that lasts 12 months or less, I would not take the risk of moving as job security matters. This is where I am confirming with you guys (who have settled there) to share your views about the job outlook at Down Under. =)

Thanks guys. Currently at a BIG4 firm. Gotta thank them for the reputation.

Hi. It has been a few months since the last post above. I just got offered a permanent role from a public practice at Gold Coast. Accepted the offer and will be tendering my resignation tomorrow.

Despite the excitement and uncertainty (new work environment / new working methods), I will definitely miss my coworkers and the current firm.

Do you guys have any tips in settling down at Gold Coast in particular? Will be relocating in 2018.

This post has been edited by immabee: Dec 15 2017, 01:02 AM

Congratulations on the offer! This is no doubt the best time to take up this overseas opportunity (pre COVID it had less openings with sponsored visas for international experienced hires). Still million times more rewarding than others being on a virtual secondment.

1. Look up for rooms to rent (probably via flatmates.com.au with minimal lease term) so that you have a temporary place to stay upon arrival. People generally don't accept applications until you're there in person for inspection hence the availability of the listings could be limited.
2. Open a savings bank account with at least an accompanying debit card. << In some cases NAB does accept applications before flying over. You just need there to be in person to activate it.
3. Buy and reload a public transportation card (if you need to travel around).
4. Get groceries and essentials to at least sustain for the first week or two.
5. Get an Aussie phone number.
6. If you need to be present in the office on your first day your work, try visit its surroundings the day before/few days before.
7. Get your tax file number
8. Catch up with any of your friends who are in Melbourne (if any)
9. Start looking up rental listings and do house/room inspections if you don't like your temporary accommodation
10. Apply credit card if possible

This post has been edited by immabee: Oct 3 2021, 09:34 PM

No worries!

1. Can't give an answer on that as I am not in Melbourne but your friend might be able to give some inputs if he/she knows the rental market.
2. I prefer no annual fees for my debit card, $0 atm withdrawal fees and also the convenience factor of setting up my first account (i.e. not too many requirements for migrants). I would say start with any Big 4 banks or HSBC that are close to your office and home (for convenience). Once you've settled, you can switch or open new accounts in other banks if you found a better deal (i.e. better saving rates).
3. Using the public transport card will have cheaper (not much) fare than a paper ticket. Usually you can link your bank account / credit card / debit card to your public transport card for auto-reload function which can be handy if you are too lazy to manually reload on the internet/at stations/convenience stores.
10. Not sure which Big 4 you're at but I am aware so far Deloitte and KPMG have AMEX corporate credit card program. When starting, try talk to your colleagues to see if you are eligible to apply for AMEX Corporate Credit card. If there is, they'll guide you steps for applying it and the card usually arrives to the office not long after the partner in charge approves. The card is registered and billed to the firm hence you can link this to your Uber app and use it on any work related expenses (as long as they're within the claims policy). Great thing about this you don't have to use your personal CC (unless some outlets/vendors don't accept AMEX) and all you need is to retain receipts so you can attach them in their claims platform to support the payments that've gone through AMEX. Probably an employee handbook policy might give you more insight.