Jobs

Job hunting in the USVI's is much like job hunting anywhere. your level of success depends on your own marketability and how you stack up against other candidates applying for the same position. The only difference, as you have already found out is most employers are reluctant to hire anyone who is not already on island.

Some people are lucky and find employment within a couple of weeks others take significantly longer while still others aren't successful. the more specialized your job the longer it might take since their will probably be fewer actual opportunities.

CPA's are needed in many different companies so chances are, if you have a good resume, are a good worker and are a good interviewer you'll probably be able to find employment in that field in a relatively reasonable amount of time throughout the year.

Waitressing & bartending jobs are easier to find in October/November when restaurants are gearing up for start of tourist season. By contrast, it's very difficult to find vacancies in the period from around Easter to October as the tourist industry is "on hiatus" and hospitality jobs are not in demand. Of course, there's lots of competitions for those jobs mainly because almost everyone who come to the islands say they are willing to work in those capacities until they can find a job in their chosen field.

Of course, there are no guarantees that you'll be hired and if you are that you will like the job and/or the working environment. That's why, conventional wisdom says that you should bring enough money with you to support yourself in the manner to which you've become accustom for at least 6 months as it could take you that long to find a position that suits your particular needs and pays a living wage. The bigger your nest egg the easier your transition will be.

Good luck.

You will find work here as a CPA, no question

I'm glad you posted this question. My husband is an accountant and I am a nurse. We plan on moving September of 2018. We are selling our home right now, and trying to become debt free with plenty of savings before our move. We are nervous about the job situation too. We are doing a PMV in September. Have you done a pre-move visit yet?

I have somewhat. I have been there a total of 20 days in the last 6 months on two separate occasions. It's not as long as I probably should have done, but I do know a few people on the island which will definitely help.

There is certainly a need for bookkeepers, accountants, and CPA's. How familiar are you with the way things here work? Our federal tax dollars stay locally, are paid locally, to the VIBIR. We have a lot of different taxes/forms. You can go to their website and check out some of the more common taxes (links on the left side of the page with the most common forms) VIBIR Most of them are pretty straight forward, but I cannot even tell you how many times over the years I've seen 'transplant' locals completely screwed over by a 'transplant' bookkeeper/accountant/CPA because they just don't understand local tax laws. It might be a really good thing to hook up with a local accounting firm and learn the ropes before you try to start your own business. And eve then, be sure you use your own common sense an knowledge because they don't always do things right either.

i have no doubt you should find a job . just have enough money for the move ( possibly including shipping the car ) for a few months.

Some people never do a PMV. I think you will be alright.

Yes, learn VI tax code, make friends with people in the IRB, and you will never want for work! Good luck with the move.

Some people never do a PMV. I think you will be alright.

I thought this place was off the coast of Florida when I moved here 5ish years ago.

But I did move to a job already secured.. so that's a bit different.

I thought this place was off the coast of Florida when I moved here 5ish years ago.

But I did move to a job already secured.. so that's a bit different.

That is funny, you were right. It is off the coast of Florida. Friends I know in the states think the same thing. Once they get here they can't believe how far it is.

Just about 1200 miles off the coast of Florida. Way further then Bermuda. I think I did my PMV in Bermuda.

That's hilarious STTsailor, almost made me spit up my coffee and lord knows I need every drop of that first cup of the morning!