Job qualifications help

April 5, 2007 12:31 PM

Specialised question I hope someone can answer: American in UK with UK qualifications....chances of my finding a decent job in the US?

I am an American living and working in England. I work in the financial industry and have the Securities Institute Diploma (SII Diploma). This is a well-regarded qualification in England and I have a good job as a "Relationship Manager" (basically a financial advisor) in a large and well known firm. I provide all round financial planning for clients. I would like to move back to the US someday but am wondering how my qualifications will be recognised, if at all. The SII Diploma claims to be internationally recognised but the one or two people in the industry in the US that I have asked claim to never have heard of it. My fear is that I will have to start over from the bottom once I move back, which is what I had to do when I moved here. Is there anyone who is familiar with the industry in both countries who could tell me if my qualifications are recognised and what I could do (if anything) to make myself more marketable if and when I move back? Thanks in advance for any help, I honestly don't know where I else I might go for advice on this matter.

posted by triggerfinger to work & money (6 comments total)

I haven't heard of your particular qualifications, but my dads British professional accounting qualifications aren't recognized here in Canada, and I'm pretty sure in the US.
posted by chunking express at 12:39 PM on April 5, 2007

One of the things you might consider doing is to transfer to a multinational firm with offices in both countries. This might make it easier to shift to the U.S. branch.

But seriously, I'd imagine there are big differences in tax and securities laws in both countries, so it might not be realistic to think you'll continue at the same level, even if someone knows what your qualification is.
posted by grouse at 1:00 PM on April 5, 2007

What grouse said.

I daresay the SII Diploma and British work experience will open many doors for you in the US, but clearly you wouldn't be able immediately work as an accredited financial advisor in the US system.

You should contact the equivalent professional or certifying body in the US; there may be some sort of fast lane for you to get your US accreditation.
posted by Artful Codger at 1:13 PM on April 5, 2007

Banker, American, living in London. Yeh, I'm familiar with the SII and its rather indigenous to the UK. That isn't to say many of the concepts aren't broadly transferable, rather its unlikely you'll find firms back in New York that would be immediately familiar with this qualification.

You might have to provide your new employer with course programmes / etc to help convince them of your studies.

Slightly off topic, but have you considered FSA training?

From personal experience I'm familiar with Series 7 people moving to the UK who are typically granted full FSA licensing based upon the US qualifications.

Even if you're not guaranteed a US license, an FSA certification will definitely help.
posted by Mutant at 3:24 PM on April 5, 2007

Thanks to everyone for the help. I know I just couldn't walk into the US fully qualified, I'm just not keen on starting my career all over alongside college grads. I have considered the mulitinational transfer thing but unfortunately, I live in the north of England and not London so that limits my options a bit.

Anyway, I am happy here now and have no plans to move in the near future so I guess I have plenty of time to figure things out.

Thanks again....
posted by triggerfinger at 2:13 AM on April 6, 2007

CFA is becoming the benchmark finance qualification internationally, in my view. It will take 3 years to complete, but is not particularly difficult. (takes much less than the 250 hours per year they recommend). You also probably know a great deal of the material already.

Many firms will give you some time off and support to study; mine did.

If you are thinking of moving in a few years, it might not be a bad idea to start this now.
posted by Touchstone at 8:39 AM on April 7, 2007