NobleMan: I got some Accounting Questions

[AbdiWahab252]

Saxib,

What are the best certifications to get in the UK for someone relocating from the US who has a CPA accreditation ?

[*Nobleman*]

hows its going AW..

Depends on your field.

financial accounting- ACCA, probably the most recognised globally, but mos def the hardest to study for.

Management accounting- CIMA- More companies prefer cima, mainly for internal business decisions

Public accounting- CIPHA- i plan to do this one, not the most widley recognised but, public accounting pays well, plus less stress and more flexiable hours.


I'm not too sure what a CPA accreditation is, but if you have any accounting background, then you are likely to get some exemptions. Each course usually lasts 3 years, but if you get a lot of exemptions then you could complete it in half the time.

[*Nobleman*]

i would probably say ACCA is the best, its the most popular and held in the highest esteem.

[AbdiWahab252]

Thanks Nobleman.

So how is the market out there for someone with 8 years of experience as an auditor ?

[*Nobleman*]

Bro its pretty good, the amount of finance graduates, dont match the demand. I would say the UK is experiencing a boom in terms of jobs. I graduated in June 07 and was expecting to be unemployed for at least a year, but got s job within 2 months (alhamdulilah).

As for auditors, there also in big demand, ever since all the creative accounting and enron shit, they've been hot in demand.


On the downside a lot of my uni buddies work for the big four and they argue that the pressure is almost unbearable. 12 hr days, no lunch breaks and bullshit managers.

[AbdiWahab252]

Nobleman,

To be employed in the UK, you would need to have a Residence Card ? Do they give preference to UK citizens over legal aliens ?

In terms of employment, how does Manchester fair ?

[*Nobleman*]

Yeah i'm sure you will need some sort of work visa, but the british are pretty liberal when it comes to economic migration, sometimes i wonder if i'm in the UK or poland, India etc. They love Americans, because they pay the most taxes out of all foreign workers, therefore a work visa shouldnt be hard to obtain.

Also they love foreign workers, cos they work harder, but it usually comes down to experience, education etc

[AbdiWahab252]

Nobleman,

Cool. I know that the big 4 work their entry level staff into the ground. Here in the States they require that you get a CPA with in 4 years of working there. 12hr days are standard around tax season.

So what are the personal income taxes out there ? Do you need to buy health insurance or is it free (NHS) ?

[*Nobleman*]

As for manchester, the growth is pretty good, but London is the financial capital and where most jobs lie

[*Nobleman*]

Yeah the big four are nuts, that why i'm going into public accounting.


Money is pretty good for accountants

fully qualified- then your looking at a min of 35k plus.

[AbdiWahab252]

What are the personal income tax rates out there ?

Is health insurance free (NHS) or do you need to buy additional private insurance ?

35K for London doesn't sound a lot. How much does a typical flat (2bedrooms) in a decent area run ?

[*Nobleman*]

Health is free on the NHS, but its not the best care. But its made up through taxes 21% on income unders 35k, but 40% on income over 35k. Crazy rates, but not sure if it is the same for foreign workers

[*Nobleman*]

35k is the min i would say, personally in london, it would hit a min of 50k after substainal experience.

[AbdiWahab252]

Nobleman,

Taxes are comparable to those in the states.


How much does a flat go for ?

[*Nobleman*]

wow rent and purchasing is crazy in london. Thats probably why i'll live at home for a couple of more years.

Demand for houses, dont meet supply and prices are through the roof. I stoped paying attention when a 2 bed falt was going for 200k in my area.