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CONTRACT EMPLOYMENT
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PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT
The Cayman Islands currently has endless employment opportunities and if you are a professional living overseas hoping to move offshore or maybe an Island resident looking for a career change, your first job or career advancement then SteppingStones Recruitment can help you.
Our extensive and diverse client base allows you access to exciting employment opportunities with large multinational companies, banks and law firms, smaller regional or locally owned businesses and financial organisations.
In a nutshell we can provide rewarding employment opportunities with highly attractive tax free salaries and often full relocation packages.
LIFE IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Area
The Cayman Islands are located in the Western Caribbean 480 miles south of Miami, Florida and 180 miles west of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands are made up of three islands, Grand Cayman (75 square miles), Cayman Brac (15 square miles) and Little Cayman (11 square miles). The terrain is flat with the highest point, the Bluff in the Brac, just 140 feet. The population of Grand Cayman is approximately 42,400 people, many living and working in the main town, George Town.
Climate
The temperature seldom drops below 70° Fahrenheit or rises above 90° Fahrenheit, with a winter average of 78°F and summer average of 86°F. It rains heavily in spells between May and November and the average total rainfall per year is approximately 65 inches. Some days are sunny with a few clouds; otherwise there is perpetual sunshine during daylight hours.
Standard of Living:
Currency
Cayman Islands currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (CI$), divided into 100 cents. The CI$ is pegged to the US$ at CI$1.00=US$1.20 by agreement through the international monetary fund. Both CI$ and US$ are accepted at local restaurants and stores but US$ maybe accepted at a less favourable rate of exchange.
Accommodation
There are numerous real estate agents that deal with rental properties. Previous employees have found the following helpful ;
Extensive listings can be found in the local newspapers. The Caymanian Compass runs classified advertisements daily, with the Friday issue usually having the greatest selection www.caycompass.com. The Cayman Net News also runs classifieds and can be accessed online www.caymannetnews.com .
Activities
Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and in particular scuba diving and sailing are all popular pastimes. As Cayman is encircled by reefs, scuba diving is highly developed and the Islands are known as one of the top dive destinations in the world. Scuba equipment, to buy or hire, is more costly here than in the US but is comparable to the UK. There are a number of diving schools available all of which cater for complete novices to qualified divers There is a very active sailing club which regularly organises races, regattas and other social events.
Many other sporting activities including; cycling, soccer/football, tennis, squash, basketball, netball, cricket, rugby, running, badminton, softball have associations that welcome new members. There are two golf courses, an amateur dramatics society and a National Choir. There is also a wide range of clubs and bars that have live bands and music till the early hours.
Full service fitness gyms include World Gym, and King's Gym each offering monthly to annual membership.
There is a local cable TV station and satellite receivers are commonly used, "BBC World" is available 24 hours a day. Grand Cayman has a twin cinema and there are many video and DVD rental outlets. There are numerous radio stations, one of which is Government owned. The BBC World service is available through Radio Cayman relays at certain times of the day on short wave.
There are a number of Internet Cafés in various locations on the Island including;
Café Del Sol Internet Coffee The Marquee Cinema Shopping Complex Tel: 946 2233
Caybiz The Village No 7 Dr Roy’s Drive Tel: 949 3664
Cyber Joe’s Shoppes of Grand Harbour, Tel: 943 7873
Schools
The Cayman Islands Government operates a number of primary and secondary schools; however because of limited space in the primary schools, non-Caymanian children have to be enrolled in private schools.
Cayman has a strong Christian heritage and many of the schools were started by churches in the formative years. A list of schools are as follows:
- Cayman Prep & High (United Church,formerly Presbyterian/Church of Scotland)
Walkers Road, George Town, British system 949 9115.
www.cayprep.edu.ky
- St. Ignatius Prep & High (Catholic Church)
Walkers Road, George Town, British system, 949 9250
- George Hicks (C I Govt) middle school ages
Off Walkers Road, George Town, British system, 949 9488 www.italic.ky
- John Gray High School (C I Govt)
Walkers Road, George Town, British system, 949 9444 www.italic.ky
- Triple C School (Chapel Church of God), elementary to high school
Fairbanks Road, George Town, American system, 949 6022.
www.triplecschool.org
- Grace Christian Academy (primary and middle school ages)
Crescent Close, West Bay, American/International system, 945 0899.
- Cayman International School (CIS)
Governor's Harbour, West Bay Road, American system, 945 4664.
www.CaymanInternationalSchool.org
- First Baptist Christian School (First Baptist Church)
Crewe Road, George Town, American system, 945 7906.
www.fbcs.edu.ky
Food
Most items are generally available. There are four large supermarkets plus several smaller ones which are similar to British and US stores. Prices are in CI$. Some food items are produced on Island including; eggs, chicken, beef and fish plus a limited amount of local fruits and vegetables. Local specialities such as conch and turtle are also available. However, the supply of local produce cannot meet the demand from the hotel and restaurants that cater for Cayman’s thriving tourism industry, therefore most food and beverages are imported.
The large supermarkets carry a wide variety of international/speciality foods to satisfy most palates. They are well stocked, comparable with any small Sainsbury's in the UK for variety and even offer named brand products in their 'English Section’ but, these items can be pricey.
Supermarkets with in-house bakery, deli, and pharmacy sections include Foster's Food Fair located in West Bay, The Strand on West Bay Road, and the Airport Road in George Town; Kirk's on Eastern Avenue, George Town and Hurley's at Grand Harbour in Red Bay.
The Farmers Market located on Thomas Russell Way, George Town, is the outlet for locally grown fruits & vegetable, fresh meats, and daily local hot lunches.
Household Goods
These are significantly cheaper if bought in North America rather than here, This applies to clothes, linens, house wares, small appliances, bicycles etc. Each returning resident is allowed CI$350.00 duty free exemption on household goods (not including bicycles).
Hurricane Preparedness
There are two seasons in the tropics: wet and dry. The hurricane/wet season spans the summer and fall months, running from 1st June to 30th November. The National Hurricane Preparedness Committee uses all media sources to disseminate information regarding tropical disturbances in the Caribbean. Current information is also available on the Internet from www.nhc.noaa.gov and www.weather.com/newscenter/tropical.
There are designated hurricane shelters e.g. district town halls, schools, and civic centres around the island, which are open to residents in flooding areas or who may require alternate shelter arrangements.
Visitors are evacuated by some airlines, and some non-Caymanians take the opportunity to leave the island as well.
2004 proved to be the worst Hurricane season ever experienced in the Cayman Islands. On September 11th, Hurricane Ivan devastated the island and left the majority of buildings and homes severely damaged. Clear up work and reconstruction was quickly underway. The banking business was up and running again within a few days and the cruise ships were back visiting the Island on 1st November.
A huge amount was learned from the national disaster, and the Island population is even better prepared to deal with the situation, should such an event threaten the Cayman Islands again.
Health Care
The Cayman Islands Government has been the primary provider of health care in the Cayman Islands over the years with the George Town Hospital being supported by district health centres. However in the last few years, other in-patient facilities have come on line, such as Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital. The two current providers of in-patient care are:
In addition, there are numerous private physicians and clinics offering a range of medical services. This includes a number of visiting specialists who regularly travel to the island to provide consulting services.
Dental and optical services are available through a number of private practices providing high quality services based upon North American services.
Cars
A healthy buy and sell market exists for used vehicles and there are a number of car dealers on the island from whom new and used cars can be purchased, located in the Yellow Pages under Automobile Dealer. The daily newspapers also carry a listing of vehicles for sale.
Vehicles are imported from the USA, Japan and Europe. Both right-hand and left-hand drive cars are allowed although we drive on the left. The annual fee to license a car is US$200 plus US$26.25 inspection fee and is done at the Vehicle Licensing Department.
The main roads through the island are all tarmac and speed limits here are much stricter than elsewhere. The town speed is 25mph and outside limited to 40mph and 50mph.
Public buses are available but are offered on limited routes and schedules. It is common and recommended to arrive with or purchase your own bicycle to initially assist with transport.
Cars and trucks are the most common means of transportation but many new arrivals choose to utilise a bike or scooter. Approximate costs are as follows;
You can buy a used car from around US$ 2500.00 but a reliable one is more likely to cost around US$5000.00. It’s worthwhile noting whether the car came on Island before or after Ivan! In addition to a number of new and used car garages on the Island, many of the Car Rental Firms offer used fleet cars for sale.
- Bicycles $150 and up
- Used Scooters $800 - $1200 and up
- New scooter $2000
Car Insurance
In order to complete the purchase of a car, be it a private sale or through a dealership, you will require car insurance. The average cost is between US$500 – 750 per year.
Driver's License
A Cayman Islands Driver's License is required to drive on Cayman roads. Many international drivers' licenses can be exchanged at the Vehicle & Driver Licensing Department for a C I Driver's License, without having to do a written and road test. Drivers from countries that are party to the Geneva Convention (includes most Commonwealth countries and the USA) are approved for exchange.
The driver's license fee is US$85, which is good for 3 years. The VLD Dept's are located downtown next to the Central Police Station, at 34 Elgin Ave, telephone 945 8355 or at 461 Walker's Road (above Wendy's), telephone 945 8344.
Bank Accounts
There are several banks on the Island. To open an account they will require a letter from your employer and proof of identity (passport or driving license).
Depending upon the bank you choose, it may be up to two weeks before the account is operational. You should ensure you have enough money/traveller's cheques to cover your start up costs, including rent, deposits etc . It is a good idea to open an account with travellers' cheques or a bank draft and keep some travellers cheques for deposits and expenses etc.
Customs Duties/Formalities
The personal effects of a person entering the Islands to take up employment or residence in Cayman for a minimum period of twelve months are admitted free. This concession applies to effects imported within six months of arrival but does not apply to articles used outside the home such as motor vehicles or boats etc. Please note that the customs department may require some evidence that these items were pre-owned.
Domestic Animals
There are restrictions on bringing domestic animals into the Islands. To receive the latest information we suggest you write to:
Chief Agricultural and Veterinary Officer
Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 459
Grand Cayman
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Cayman Islands is high but much of this is offset by the TAX FREE salaries. If you choose to live inland or out of town accommodation prices can be significantly less. As a rough guideline the following are approximate monthly rental costs for accommodation:
Studio apartment US$750 - $1375
One bed roomed apartment US$1000.00 - US$2250.00
Two bed roomed apartment US$1750.00 - US$4000.00
The majority of units are fully furnished and include dishes, linen and kitchen/household appliances. Note; they do not include utilities. The following monthly approximate allowances should be allowed for setting up and running an apartment:
Electricity Deposit US$250.00 Monthly bill US$120 - 175
Water: Deposit US$250.00 Monthly bill US$40 - 70
Home Telephone Deposit US$250.00 Monthly bill $?????
Food US$60.00 - 120 per week
Medical Insurance US$100.00 - 150.00 per month
Below are a few useful websites for people relocating
to the Cayman Islands
About Cayman
www.caymanislands.ky
www.caymannewresident.com
www.gotocayman.com
News
www.caymannetnews.com - local newspaper
www.caycompas.com - local newspaper
www.cayman27.com.ky - Television News
Telecommunications
Cable & Wireless (CI) Ltd.
Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 949 7800 Fax: (345) 949 0086
Monday to Saturday 8am–6pm
Email: cs@candw.ky
Digicel
Royale Plaza, George Town
Tel: (345) 623 3444 Fax: (345) 949 0005
Email: caycustomercare@digicelgroup.com
WestTel
Governor Square, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 745 5555 Fax: (345) 949 0021
Email: info@westtel.ky
Rental Accomodation
Century 21 agent - Amber Yates
Tel: (345) 926 0396/ (345) 949 2100
Email: ayates@century21cayman.com
Rainbow Realty – Tony Catalanotto
Tel: (345) 926 7368 Fax: (345) 949 2634
Email: tony@caymanresales.com
Tessa Hydes Property Management
Tel: (345) 949 5134
Email: thpm@candw.ky
www.thpm.ky
Cars
Sony’s Auto
Tel: 916 7669
www.sonysauto.com
Tony’s Toys
Tel: 946 4676/8697
Web: www.tonystoys.net
IMMIGRATION / WORK PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
All non-Caymanians may work in the Cayman Islands once their employer has applied for and obtained a work permit from the Immigration Department. These work permits range from one to six month temporaries, to work permit grants which can be annually renewed. It is necessary for the expatriate worker to provide the employer with certain documentation to attach to the work permit application, however it is the financial obligation of the employer to pay for all work permit and immigration related expenses.
Temporary Work Permits
The most common type of temporary work permit extends for a period of 180 days. The application process includes various forms that need to be completed. A medical examination and a police clearance certificate are just two parts of the process. It is essential that ALL questions be answered and all original lab reports and police clearance certificates are submitted in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications.
Note: A prospective employee should not normally be in the Cayman Islands when their work permit application is being submitted, nor should they arrive in the Cayman Islands while it is being processed. Exceptions include; those people who are residing in the Cayman Islands as dependents on their spouses work permits and who then decide to apply for a work permit or people who have already completed a work permit on the Island.
Once an employment offer has been secured we can forward via email, fax or postal service all the required work permit forms and detailed check lists.
Annual Work Permits - Grants
A work permit grant is generally issues for periods up to three years, at the discretion of the relevant Board. Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the prospective employee must complete the relevant Immigration forms and submit original lab reports and police clearance certificate.
Once an employment offer has been secured we can forward via email, fax or postal service all the required work permit forms and detailed check lists.
Term Limits
Seven years is the maximum length of time a work permit holder can work continuously in the Cayman Islands. After this period individuals must leave the Islands for at least 12 months before applying for further work permits. The only exceptions would be a worker designated as a ‘key employee’ in a business staffing plan, or where the board considers there are exceptional circumstances.
Language Requirements
If a prospective employee is not a national of an English speaking country or if English is not their first language they may be asked to take an English test upon arrival at the airport. If they are found to have insufficient knowledge of the English language they may be refused entry.
Dependents
Applications for the inclusion or addition of dependents (spouses and/or children) to a work permit (temporary or a work permit grant) are at the discretion of the Chief Immigration Officer or the Immigration Board. Profession and salary will be considered.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to do to register/use SteppingStones service?
Initially, just forward to us a copy of your resume. From there, we will arrange an introductory telephone call. We endeavour to provide all our candidates with the following: 24 hour response time to all initial enquiries and questions (please note the office is closed on Saturday & Sunday) and weekly updates on application progress.
What sort of salary can I expect to earn?
Professionally qualified contract staff can expect to achieve an hourly rate of US$30.00 per hour. Professional accounting and finance staff can expect to earn an annual salary of between US$55,000 to US$85,000 and above subject to number of years post qualification experience.
Can my partner also work in the Cayman Islands?
SteppingStones has a very diverse and interesting client base and no matter what work experience your partner has it is very likely that we can assist them in securing a position. We would suggest that their resume be forwarded to us at the same time as yours.
Where does SteppingStones recruit their applicants from?
SteppingStones successfully recruits individuals from the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Barbados, Trinidad and many other Caribbean and international locations. (click here for testimonials)
How soon can I start and how long can it take for me to start work once I have been offered a position?
All expatriate workers are required by law to have a work permit. It can take anything from 1 week to 3 months for a work permit to be processed and approved. We strongly recommend that individuals do not tender their resignation from their current position until they are advised that their work permit has been approved. Work permits are activated on the day you arrive on Island, rather than the date they are approved.
How do I travel to the Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands is located south of Cuba and West of Jamaica. Cayman Airways and various other American Airlines fly direct to Miami and numerous other US cities including Houston, Tampa, Orlando , Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Chicago. British Airways flies direct from London via Bahamas to Grand Cayman twice-weekly and Air Canada flies weekly from Toronto. There are frequent direct flights from Jamaica and many direct charter flights from Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Cuba etc
Do SteppingStones contract staff always have employment?
Contracting in the Cayman Islands is very like temping anywhere. While we cannot guarantee that you will work every day of your contract with us, if you are a skilled individual who is flexible, ambitious, outgoing and enthusiastic you will be kept fully utilised.
What’s the dress code on Island?
With the weather ranging from hot to hotter you might think that the dress code is shorts and sandals however, with air-conditioning being used in almost all shops, hotels and businesses, the dress code for work is shirt, tie and trousers or suits for the guys and shirts/blouses, skirts/trousers and closed toe shoes for the girls.
POSITIONS VACANT
Fund Administrators
An international but "new to Cayman" fund Administration Company is seeking experienced, competent and professional staff to join their rapidly expanding team of fund administrators. Highly attractive salaries, signing bonuses and packages are offered.
Fund Accountants
An international but "new to Cayman" fund Administration Company is seeking experienced, competent and professional staff to join their rapidly expanding team of fund accountants. Highly attractive salaries, signing bonuses and packages are offered.
Legal Secretaries
A large and leading Cayman law firm is seeking several legal Secretaries to join its team of commercial and corporate attorneys. This department has experienced a rapid growth over the past 6 - 12 months and these positions offer an exciting opportunity for individuals looking for a dynamic and fast paced environment. All applicants must be experienced, fully competent with Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint and Outlook and be willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. In return a highly competitive, relocation and benefits package is offered.
Trust Officer
Our client, a licensed bank and trust company, urgently requires the services of an experienced and talented trust officer. This candidate will be familiar with offshore banking, trusts, compliance and accounting functions with a view to becoming involved in business development activities.
Corporate Administrator
Our client, a licensed bank and trust company, urgently requires the services of an experienced and talented corporate administrator. This candidate will be familiar with offshore banking, trusts, compliance and accounting functions with a view to becoming involved in business development activities.
Audit Seniors
Big five accounting firms looking for dynamic and fully qualified CA's or similar to work as Audit Senior's for 12 - 18 months. Prior financial services experience would be an advantage but not essential. An attractive tax free salary of US$55,000 per annum plus full relocation package, overtime and bonus is offered.
Financial Controller
Large offshore bank is seeking a post qualified Accountant with minimum 3 years post qualification experience. Ideally would possess 3 years as full charge Accounting Officer/Financial Controller in a mid sized firm. Responsibilities will include preparation of financial statements, budget control, forecasting etc.
Click here for today's jobs
CONTRACT POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Six or twelve month contract for the following positions are NOW available:
- Fund Accountants
- Client Accountants
- Trust Officers
- Corporate Administrators
- Trust Administrators
- Compliance Administrators
- Legal Secretaries
- Assistant Accountant
- Executive Secretaries
- Personal Assistants
- Office Managers
- Network Administrators
Contract Employment
Contracting is an exciting opportunity for many individuals who may possess excellent experience but not THE qualification, do not want to enter into a long term employment contract and who require high flexibility to travel, study or just ....................enjoy life.
Benefits of Temping & Contracting
Contracting is a fast and straight forward way to gain employment in the Cayman Islands.
The majority of our temporary staff complete their contracts and go on to secure highly sought after permanent employment on the Island.
Contracting attracts good rates of pay with each minute of overtime being remunerated.
Contracting allows you to gain new valuable and transferable skills, experience and exposure to offshore environments and industries.
Contracting offers a highly flexible and lucrative way to work on a small exotic Caribbean island with fabulous crystal blue water.
What else can we say! Call or email us today!
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
All non-Caymanians may work in the Cayman Islands once their employer has applied for and obtained a work permit from the Immigration Department. When we recruit you into our temporary support staff team, we will obtain a six-month work permit for you as a SteppingStones employee. You will then be placed in position, suited to your skill set, with one of our many Clients such as a Law Firm, Finance Company, Trust or Accounting Firm. We keep in touch with you during your placement(s) and once you have gained some on-Island experience we will get together to discuss your longer term goals and options for permanent positions.
We have an open door policy and are happy to answer any and all questions you may have. We recognise that moving away, often a great distance from family and friends, can be quite daunting but we at SteppingStones pride ourselves in our ability to help make the transition to Island life a smooth and happy one. In addition to meeting you at the airport, helping you find accommodation and generally looking after you in your first few days, we organise regular social events for all our staff team. This gives you the opportunity to meet new people and find out about what’s happening on the Island, good places to eat, clubs and associations you can join etc. It’s always a good laugh and you’ll already have something in common with the people you meet - you’ll be part of our team!
Click here for staff testimonials
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