Destination 2024...
If you fancy the idea of working in a new city in 2024, there are a number of traditional and less obvious destinations that you could consider before making your move. However, there are a number of issues to consider before making a decision, such as career opportunities, climate, culture and lifestyle, language and visas, to name but a few.
As you consider what are your top priorities from a new destination, we bring you a selection of obvious and not so obvious destinations to add in to the mix.
Toronto
Toronto is one of the greatest cities in the world to do business. It is consistently ranked near the top of performance tables when it comes to global competitiveness, innovation and quality of life.
Very few cities in the world can offer such multi-sector strength, depth of talent and a driving economic and financial engine.
Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America and its economy comprises 11% of Canada’s GDP. Five of Canada’s six largest banks have their headquarters near the country’s busiest stock exchange. Centred in North America’s third largest financial services centre are 75% of Canada’s foreign banks and 65% of the country’s pension fund companies.
Google, Ericsson-Worldwide, Microsoft, SAP, Nokia, Apple, Bell and Intuit often appear among the city’s best companies to work for.
London
After New York, London is usually considered to be the world’s most important financial centre.
Nearly all of the large international banks and brokerage firms have a significant presence in the city. London is particularly strong in currency trading, commanding more than twice the market share of its closest rivals.
London suffered job losses after the Brexit vote in 2016, with a number of financial institutions moving a significant number of jobs out of the UK to other cities within the European Union. However, London remains a hot spot for culture and nightlife with theatres in the West End, fine dining, museums, pubs, sporting events and easy access to continental Europe.
Search hundreds of roles from all over the world on ACCA Careers
Sign up for a job alert tailored to your desired location and role
The city is fast-paced, exciting and packed with iconic landmarks from the Tower of London to the Shard and Big Ben.
Dubai
Dubai is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and is gaining recognition as a finance mecca as it attempts to become the financial capital of the Middle East.
Many global financial institutions are rushing to open in the city and staff regional offices, making the city a popular destination for finance professionals. International applicants should find that they can find work in the city even if they do not speak Arabic.
While cosmopolitan, Dubai is a Muslim city that follows the rule of Sharia Law (the religious legal system for the Islamic faith). The city does allow alcohol consumption by non-Muslims, but there are strict rules that must be followed.
Gaborone
A location that many people may not have considered is Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone.
The country has a stable democracy and the capital boasts a strong finance sector. The city is one of the safest in Africa and its location (bordering South Africa) provides prosperous opportunities for its thriving export industry.
According to The World Bank, Botswana is also one of the fastest-growing economies globally, making it a great place to build a career.
English is one of the two official languages in Botswana (Tswana being the other), meaning the language barrier will be insignificant for most English speakers working in the country.
Many international corporations operate here including Microsoft, Deloitte, World Bank Group, Heineken, Coca-Cola, Visa and PwC.
Author: Alex Miller, writer
More information
This article was first published in Student Accountant in January 2024 | Get the SA app now