[mla1169]

Here’s the score: I was cold contacted by a recruiter about a local job. I would work in NH (live in MA) but report directly to the headquarters in Europe.

I had an email interview (about 8 pages of Q&A), and this morning a telephone interview with the global controller and CFO. They asked if/when I could fly out to Europe for a face to face interview with the CEO. (I’m assuming this means their interest in me is high)

Frankly a last minute trip to Europe was not in my family budget LOL. I will wait to hear back from them of course, but is it reasonable to ask if my travel expenses will be reimbursed? I am assuming the answer would be different if I had sought this opportunity but they found me on LinkedIn and pursued me.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[lyzgrace]

Wow, I have absolutely no idea what protocol is here, and agree I'd be hesitant to ask the company recruiter, but congrats! You must have one super-awesome souped up LinkedIn page! Hopefully someone has more insight. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

AUD: 82
FAR: 78
BEC: 75
REG: 8/1 score release!!

[Ntw6817]

I have a friend who had an interview in California while living in Chicago and they paid for all the expenses. I would assume that it would be similar but it may vary by company

[mla1169]

I wish I could say I had a super resume or a super linkedin page LOL. They were looking for a very unusual combination, someone with 20+ years experience BUT a fairly recent college grad that would have studied IFRS in school. Turns out getting my degree as an old lady paid off!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[J]

I would find it very surprising if the company did not reimburse travel and associated expenses in a situation such as this. In fact, if I were a candidate for that position and was not offered reimbursement, I believe that I would consider it a lack of consideration and serious intent on behalf of the company, and decline the interview.

Flights to Europe – depending on where in Europe – during this time of the year can easily run $1,500 or more, and that's if you book enough time in advance and traveling in the cattle class; this doesn't even consider lodging, meals, and other associated expenses and considering the relative weakness of the dollar against the Euro (exchange rate of approximately 1.30 USD to 1 EUR), you could be looking at spending $2,000 or more.

P.S. My father works for a company with headquarters in Europe, and I know they always pay in similar situations.

[Anonymous]

Any company should foot the bill for travel. Typically, they pay airfare directly (as in through their travel agent or they may just book a flight directly). At most, you may have to pay out of pocket for parking or taxi to/from the airport. This has been my experience domestically within the US even for relatively short flights (i.e. less than 2 hrs). If it's across the sea, they should DEFINITELY be footing the bill for all travel.

If they don't bring it up, you definitely should. If they say you should pay and then be reimbursed, I would re-evaluate working for them. $2,000 is a lot to ask a candidate to fork over. The only reason a company doesn't pay directly is if they don't have the money. If that's the case, you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

[LSNYC]

I agree with what has been said. They should pay for your flight and hotel. Meals may be on you. I am not sure I would want consider the job if they didn't pay, and pay upfront not reimburse, that could be risky in this situation what if they don't reimburse you? Then you are out the money? Sounds like it could be an amazing opportunity congrats and good luck!

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R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[mla1169]

Thank you everybody, I assumed that they would take care of everything up front (and this country is supposed to be renowned for its hospitality so I figured as much) and they likely will. I am just trying to think through all possible scenarios. Truth is it would be a deal breaker for me.

I am just beyond excited about this opportunity. Its a job/salary I figured I'd work up to in 3-5 years. Never expected an opportunity to come up so fast which is why I haven't been looking exactly.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[SeattleAccountant]

@mla,

Customarily, you are to be contacted by the company's secretary to arrange for the flying dates and stay. Please do not expend a single penny out of your pocket until tickets are purchased by them. Do not ask if you will be reimbursed but rather ask when you are to hear from them about the flight ticket and who will be contacting you in regards to that 🙂

Also, i'm surprised that interview has to be face to face especially if you will be working in the US. Why not utilize Skype? Let me rephrase that, why not utilize Skype that is customarily and ubiquitously used in this type of situations (US – Europe)? I guess combination of facts like being cold contacted, uncertainty of who pays for the travel, having phone interview with a email that seeks probably a lot of personal info and so on, raises the red flags for me 🙁

Please keep us posted of how it ends up and most importantly, stay safe and sound!

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[mla1169]

Seattle it doesn't particularly raise a red flag for me because I've gotten some history. The recruiter that cold contacted me (management placement firm) is out of state. He has a prior business relationship with the CEO of this Dutch company (I verified on LinkedIn). So guy in Netherlands runs a company that acquires Co. in NH and asks friend in RI for help finding a controller in NH.

Recruiter searches LinkedIn (can't place an ad, at this time the search is confidential). I haven't spoken with the recruiter yet since the call with the Netherlands but he would be the one to fill in all the blanks. I believe all of the negotiatiations and arrangements are between the hiring company and the recruiter as they did not reach out to me directly.

I'm just impatient. He may well encourage them to Skype with me and just hasn't gotten that far yet.

I've researched both the acquiring company abroad and the existing company in the states and both are legit.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[SeattleAccountant]

@mla,

Having limited information that you've provided in several posts here most likely is not enough for other posters to evaluate situation critically, but if you decide to follow up this lead, make sure you follow two minimum things:

1. get a round flight ticket & hotel paid by them upfront

2. contact US consulate office once you arrive in the country to let know of your stay and departure dates (via phone or email upon landing at airport and not days later).

Wish I could say more, stay safe and good luck!

And, to answer your original question & topic, yes, an overseas employer pays for the travel including hotel and often several days of sightseeing or local entertainment as well.

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[neika822]

Good luck, @mla1169! Sounds exciting 🙂

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
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[wendywhite]

do you already have a passport? I haven't had one for about 20 years – – and it used to take a while to get…

FAR 11/2012: 80
AUD 2/19/2013: 90
REG 5/14/2013: 76
BEC 11/2013: 85
Ethics: 100
Waiting on the packet....

[mla1169]

I don't have a passport but am willing to pay the fee to expedite (which takes 2 weeks). As soon as I'm done with my month end it's my priority (actually the post office does on Saturdays by appt only?)

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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