moving to singapore

[neebie1]

Hi all,

I am planning to moving to Singapore and am a Chartered Accountant and have passed CFA Level 1. In addition I have three years of experience in product control and finance side.

How hard is it to find a job in banking / capital markets in Singapore with my qualifications? I am planning to travel to Singapore soon for a week or so to look for a position. Since i am already working in middle east, i can only take a week's vacation and no more.

Has anybody been in the similar situation before and have succeeded in finding the job. Is November a good time to look for job?

Sorry..too many questions but would really appreciate some input.

Many Thanks

newbie1

[BillyB]

November is historically a bad time to look for work in the banking space. The focus is usually on Q3 results - particularly true this year given the volatility across the Asia Markets - and headcount issues will be pushed into next year. If you look at movers in the industry they all tend to be tied up by November and it is unusual for new hires to start December. Not always true though but generally a good rule of thumb.

What exactly would you be looking to do in this space? Presuming you aren't working in banking already, and can you give us more info as to your experience so we can try and give you more specific advice.

I would keep a flexible approach, line-up some interviews and look to make a visit in Mid January after the holiday season and Q3 results are announced.

And one tip - do not come over thinking you will line up all sorts of interviews personally in a week. It won't happen and it will be a complete waste of time and money. Maybe look to engage with a couple of headhunters to further your chances of interviews.

Good luck!!

[neebie1]

Thanks BillyB.

I got the point that November may not be the best month.

I am working as a product controller in one of the largest companies in middle east managing a portfolio of USD 1 billion plus.
Should i start looking at banks like DBS, UOB, UBS and HSBC, and hope to line up a few interviews before i land there? I think contacting a few headhunters too would be a safer option. Does anybody know any reputable headhunter?

[neebie1]

Thanks BillyB.

I got the point that November may not be the best month.

I am working as a product controller in one of the largest companies in middle east managing a portfolio of USD 1 billion plus.
Should i start looking at banks like DBS, UOB, UBS and HSBC, and hope to line up a few interviews before i land there? I think contacting a few headhunters too would be a safer option. Does anybody know any reputable headhunter?

Anybody!

[JayCee]

Thanks BillyB.

I got the point that November may not be the best month.

I am working as a product controller in one of the largest companies in middle east managing a portfolio of USD 1 billion plus.
Should i start looking at banks like DBS, UOB, UBS and HSBC, and hope to line up a few interviews before i land there? I think contacting a few headhunters too would be a safer option. Does anybody know any reputable headhunter?

Anybody!

Headhunters/recruitment agents and 'reputable' don't go in the same sentence.

Just google for job websites in Singapore and go from there, it's not rocket science

[BillyB]

I think JayCee answered your question perfectly!!

Use the job boards or go direct.....

[mainsp]

Hi BillyB,

I am Canadian Citizen planning to move to Singapore on PEP. Can you please tell me how difficult it is to find a job in singapore in Commercial Banking. I have 4 years experience in Canada as Commercial Account Manager / Corporate Credit Analyst on top of my MBA in Finance from UK with Certified Credit Professional CCP certification from Canada.

Also what salary range I can expect with my education and experience and how are the career opportunities with credit unions in Singapore.

Appreciate your time and help!

[BillyB]

Hi BillyB,

I am Canadian Citizen planning to move to Singapore on PEP. Can you please tell me how difficult it is to find a job in singapore in Commercial Banking. I have 4 years experience in Canada as Commercial Account Manager / Corporate Credit Analyst on top of my MBA in Finance from UK with Certified Credit Professional CCP certification from Canada.

Also what salary range I can expect with my education and experience and how are the career opportunities with credit unions in Singapore.

Appreciate your time and help!

Sorry, I am not too clued up about the commercial banking industry in Singapore. Maybe someone else can give more specific guidance. Failing that, I'd look at the local job boards or engage with a headhunter specialising in the industry.