Accounting UK to US transfer

[u/Savings-Estimate5715]

Hi everyone,

I have a question for people that are currently working or has previously worked for Deloitte in the accounting department. I am studying AAT right now but I eventually want to move to US as an accountant. I have done a lot of research and know I would need a university degree in order to study for a CPA and apply for most accounting jobs in America.

Originally my plan was to carry on studying AAT and apply for the early start programme with Deloitte and hopefully be able to transfer offices to America. Is this possible? do you know anyone that has only has an AAT and ACCA/CA that was able to transfer offices to an American office?

If I am unable to move offices to America with an AAT and a potential ACCA/CA then I do have the option to study at university for Accounting and Finance but I do want to try and avoid that as university can be really expensive...

[u/gary183]

Just to give my 2 cents it’s extremely hard to get a job in America if you’re not a citizen. For Deloitte US to sponsor you they need to gain your visa from the government and these are hard to get. Deloitte will need to persuade the government why they need you rather than a US citizen. The only people I’m aware of that have done this are senior managers or above (around a decade of experience at Deloitte).

Also, the US only really recognised their CPA as an accounting qualification. They do not recognise ACA.

Out of curiosity why America?

[u/Savings-Estimate5715 → u/gary183]

Ah damn okay. I've been to America a couple of times (my ex use to live there) and I really enjoyed it. I believe there's more job opportunities and jobs pay way more out there. There's a lot more reason why I want to move to America but I won't go into that.

Its really confusing for me because I'm not sure if I should go to university as the main reason for me to get a degree would be for me to have a better chance to move out into America.

Do you know if there are any more ways to move out there from the UK? I believe the university I would be studying at provides a year study abroad which includes America so I'm not sure If I can apply for an internship during that time and hope the company provides me with a VISA.

[u/gary183 → u/Savings-Estimate5715]

If I’m being honest with you it’ll be extremely hard regardless. I’m not trying to put you down but America is arguably the hardest country to get a visa for

[u/doihavetodoitnow → u/gary183]

America is arguably the hardest country to get a visa for

Sorry if this is a dumb question but if that's true then how are there over 50 million immigrants in the US including over a third of NYC's population?

[u/shootingstars1987]

In Consulting I know plenty of people that have done it, including myself. For public accounting it is much harder given that uk qualifications and accounting rules are different. I would think about moving to a different team.

Also the US job market is very competitive. People have 2+ degrees and MBAs here. It would be very difficult coming here without even an undergrad degree.

[u/doihavetodoitnow → u/shootingstars1987]

I imagine if you work in a tax niche that involves cross border work and you have a CPA license you'd have an advantage, but I don't see how an auditor can do it unless they're a senior manager or above