Here are some comments made by Argentinean accountants now working in Sydney through the services of NEWMAN Recruitment.
Esteban Dentice and his girlfriend Laura Bravo both obtained jobs in a Top 4 audit firm in Sydney. Esteban had four years experience in a Top 4 firm and two years experience in a finance company in Buenos Aires while Laura had four years experience in a Top 4 firm:
“We have found our experience in Sydney very rewarding and exciting. The city is beautiful. We enjoy our work and our workmates are very friendly and professional. Last Saturday, we spent a fantastic day at Bondi Beach. The temperature was 27 degrees celsius and it’s just the beginning of spring.”
Rafael Torres Fernandez, an Argentinean accountant with seven years experience in a small auditing practice in Buenos Aires was contracted by a Top 4 auditing firm in Sydney:
“I’ve been living in Sydney now for one year. I love Sydney’s beaches, its surf, and its lifestyle. Australians are so friendly and kind that I felt at home immediately. Also, I’ve made new friends from all over the world.”
Romina Contegni, an Argentinean accountant with two years experience in a Top 4 firm and two years experience in a petroleum company in Argentina, began working in a life insurance company in Sydney in October 2006:
“I've been living in Sydney for 7 months now and the experience has been more than rewarding in every aspect. I work for one of the top 5 LIFE companies in Australia and so far everything has been ideal. The job I started in was great but management realised I was prepared for more and after two months I was promoted to a senior position. Do you see that happening in Argentina in such a short term? Sydney is a gifted city, water all around, mountains very close, and tons of things to do. You can enjoy your free time surfing, going for a walk by the sea from Bondi to Coogee or just relaxing and enjoying the sun. If you like going out at night, there's always a pub to get together with friends or to meet new people. There are also lots of festivals and cultural events throughout the year, so if you enjoy going to the theatre or a rock concert you will have the opportunity to enjoy either world known or local shows almost every night.”
Lorena Santivale, an Argentinean accountant with three years experience in a Top 4 firm in Buenos Aires, began working in a Top 4 firm in Sydney in February 2007:
“In Sydney, I can achieve my personal goal of continuing my career while experiencing a different lifestyle. The mix of cultures is amazing. This might be the most cosmopolitan city in the world! People are so friendly and the city is wonderful, with its marvellous Harbour, the unique Opera House, and its beautiful beaches only 30 minutes from the office! I still feel as if I were on holidays here. Maybe it's too soon to make up my mind, since this is my third month here, but I think I have found my place in the world. This city feels like home.”
Victor Piñeiro, an Argentinean accountant with six years experience in a textiles company in Buenos Aires was contracted by a Top 4 auditing firm in Sydney in July 2005:
“I came to Sydney looking for a change of lifestyle and sincerely consider that I have found this. Life in Australia is marvellous. Sydney is a great city as it gives me the opportunity to surf in the morning before going to work in a great job, where I have a lot of opportunities to grow professionally. My workmates have been excellent as they have helped me acclimatise both to work and socially.”
Ezequiel Vulcano, an Argentinean accountant with five years experience in private companies in Argentina, began working in a Top 4 firm in Sydney in August 2006:
“My experience in Sydney has exceeded my expectations. I believe Sydney is one of the best cities in the world where you can enjoy nature, beaches or spend a cool afternoon sailing in its great harbour. Sydney is also a very multicultural city. I have met people from all over the globe. It is hard to feel homesick in such a warm environment.”
Pablo Capdevila and his wife Veronica Stalla both obtained jobs in a Top 4 audit firm in Sydney at the beginning of 2006. Pablo had six years experience in a Top 4 firm in Buenos Aires while Veronica had five years experience in a Top 4 firm:
“We migrated to Australia in search of economic and political stability, and a more balanced lifestyle. With NEWMAN Recruitment’s help, we began working in Australia eight months ago. Australia’s work culture is very positive on a professional and social level. Sydney also has fantastic sporting facilities, beaches and parks. We are really enjoying ourselves and are very satisfied with our new life here in Australia.”
Rafael Torres Fernandez, Pablo Capdevilla and Veronica Stalla also worked on secondment for three months for KPMG Hong Kong at the beginning of 2007. Here's what they had to say about their experience:
“1. One of the things I most liked from Hong Kong is the variety of food! So many good food options, and lots of great and affordable restaurants... If you miss the Argentinean beef, you can enjoy a premium Argentinean steak at 'La Pampa' restaurant!!
2. Although Hong Kong has a significant impact from the Occidental culture, it is 'the gate' for the Asian culture which is much more impressive than anyone can imagine ... I definitely enjoyed my time there, especially the opportunity that I had to visit China.
3. I must mention that Hong Kong's Shoppings and markets are something unbelievable. You can find whatever you want at an affordable price!
4. Remember one important thing: Lan Kwai Fong is the place to be on a Friday afternoon.
5. Hong Kong's rhythm is awesome! You always have something going on, and you don't want to miss it! Especially the Hong Kong Sevens of Rugby!!!!” from Rafael Torres Fernandez.
“Working and living in Hong Kong was overall an amazing experience! It gave me real perspective on how transferable my skills were internationally and enhanced my confidence at work. Being in a different country with a different culture was more than an experience it was a fantastic challenge. Hong Kong's culture is a blend of the Chinese and Western worlds, with a vibrant ex-pat community. With Hong Kong being a gateway to travel around Asia, in only 3 months, I went to Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Singapore and Macau for a weekend with the other secondees. Particularly in Beijing, we were humbled by the historical sites we found such as the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. There were many other highlights of the trip including night-markets, skyline buildings, efficient and modern public transport and the nightlife in the party districts of Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai, which were a lot of fun. There is always a mix between Chinese and Western, between historical and modern.” from Veronica Stalla.