Working as an accountant or financial officer abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as an accountant or financial officer abroad like?

• Working as an accountant or financial officer abroad revolves around numbers, control, and oversight, but in an international context.
• This means working with different tax systems, reporting requirements, currencies, and sometimes even different perspectives on transparency and accountability.
• The work can take place at multinationals, local companies with international operations, NGOs, international schools, government agencies, or accounting firms.
• Local laws and regulations play a significant role in this work.
• Diplomas and certifications are not automatically valid everywhere.
• Sometimes local registration or additional training is required.
• The work is often less flexible than many other foreign jobs, but often more stable.

Responsibilities:

• Financial administration and bookkeeping.
• Preparing and reviewing financial reports.
• Budgeting and forecasting.
• Tax returns and compliance with local regulations.
• Internal controls and audits.
• Managing project finances (for NGOs and international projects).
• Advising management on financial decisions. 

Working conditions:

• This is almost always paid work.
• These are usually full-time positions.
• The salary varies greatly depending on country, experience, and sector.
• Sometimes there are perks such as housing, relocation support, or tax advice.
• Working hours are often office hours, with peaks around deadlines.

What are the reasons for working as an accountant or financial officer abroad?

To become organizationally aware: You learn how organizations in different countries are structured financially and how decisions are made.

To learn analytical thinking: International regulations, currencies, and structures require sharp analysis and connecting the dots.

To develop stress resistance: Deadlines, audits, and reporting practice the ability to remain accurate under pressure.

To work results-oriented: Financial work revolves around concrete outcomes: accurate figures and responsible choices.

To develop a broader vision: You see how economics, policy, and culture influence each other in practice.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as an accountant or financial officer abroad?

Organizational awareness: Understanding how organizations, departments, and decision-making are structured, especially within international structures.

Analysis: Interpreting financial data, making connections, and identifying errors or risks.

Stress resistance: Maintaining accuracy under time pressure, for example, during audits, deadlines, and closings.

Integrity: Reliably handling confidential information and acting ethically in financial matters.

Communication: Being able to explain financial information clearly and understandably to colleagues, management, or external parties.

What are the best countries and locations to work as an accountant or financial officer abroad?

Countries with many international headquarters: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore.

Countries with strong financial and tax sectors: Switzerland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Hong Kong, Canada.

Countries with many international projects and NGOs: Belgium, France, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand.

What are the risks of working as an accountant or financial officer abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as an accountant or financial officer abroad?

• Local financial regulations are often complex: Errors in tax returns or reporting can lead to fines or legal problems.

• Work pressure often peaks around deadlines: Overtime and stress are common in this sector.

• Healthcare is often expensive: In countries like the US or Switzerland, medical costs can be very high.

• Political or economic instability often has an impact: Evacuation may be necessary, especially when working in emerging markets or project countries.

• Are you insured while working as an accountant or financial officer abroad?

• There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.

• Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.

• There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.

• During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.

• See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.