International Profile: Living it up in the Cayman Islands

Currently about 73 000 people are living in the Cayman Islands, with a little over half being expats. Based on the latest survey, there are roughly more than 20 different types of nationalities on the islands. As Greg Bermosky says, ‘I don’t know where else in the world you will be exposed to such a diverse set of individuals and cultures per square metre.’

Heinrich Lombard:

Account Manager at Aon Insurance Managers, Cayman Islands

Heinrich Lombard describes the lifestyle in the Cayman Islands as ‘a little heaven’. He is a strong driven, hard-working individual with a soft skill being able to manage clients and always approaches any situation with kindness in order to create a healthier working environment. Here’s more about him …

When did you graduate? 2017 from Stellenbosch University, and I obtained my CA(SA) in 2021.

Tell us more about your current role and what you love about it? I am an account manager at Aon Insurance Managers in the Cayman Islands, and I manage insurance captives. This role enables me to work with people around the world and meet with individuals with years of industry experience which enables me to better my knowledge across all accounting fields.

How did you land up in the Cayman Islands? I was told about the Cayman Islands by a friend and got a contract with PwC initially.

How long have you been in the Cayman Islands? And what do you love about staying there? I am in my third year in the Cayman Islands and the island as a whole is a little heaven in terms of lifestyle. It is a very safe and friendly island and is situated in a way that makes travelling to a lot of different countries very easy.

How has been a CA(SA) added to your career? Being a CA(SA) has given me a second ‘passport’ in a way, as it has opened up opportunities to work in any country that I prefer to. It has also placed me into a position where I can grow in my career aspirations.

How did Thuthuka assist you during your studies? It has given the extra knowledge that I would not necessarily have gained just through my normal studies and has showed me what is possible.

Greg Bermosky:

Financial Reporting Manager at MaplesFS

Greg Bermosky is an out-of-the box thinker who is adventurous and not afraid of any challenge. Outside of work you will find him in the warm ocean waters, running or on his bike cycling the roads of Grand Cayman.

When did you graduate? I graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2015.

Tell us more about your current role and what you love about it? MaplesFS forms part of the Maples Group, a private firm that was founded in the Cayman Islands but now has a global footprint. What I love about my role is, first, the people I work with, who are some of the brightest and smartest individuals I have met, and second, the fact that I get to interact and work with teams from around the world. My role challenges me every day and allows me to add value to the team. I love the fact that I constantly feel challenged.

How did you land up in the Cayman Islands? This is actually a funny story … the initial plan after articles was never the Cayman Islands, it was actually Amsterdam. It was only after a friend of mine introduced me to the idea of the Cayman Islands that I decided to apply for jobs in both countries. The idea of the Cayman Islands seemed appealing to me as during my articles in Cape Town I focused predominantly on financial services clients, with the Cayman Islands being one of the financial hubs of the world in terms of private and mutual funds it was a no brainer (and no, it’s not as the movies make it out to be …). At the end of the third year of articles time was running out and I had to make a decision. Deloitte in the Cayman Islands made me an offer and I decided to take it. Initially Like most people who first come to the island, it was initially supposed to be for 18 months, but through life events 18 months has changed into six years and I have no regrets.

How long have you been in the Cayman Islands? And what do you love about staying there? This is currently my sixth year in the Cayman Islands. Like every country, city and town there will always be the pros and cons. I say that what makes the Cayman Islands unique is the people. I love the fact that you get to explore countries that wouldn’t normally be on your radar, such as Cuba, Jamaica and Panama – to name just a few. The Cayman Islands has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. These are just some of the reasons that I still enjoy living here. I have also been fortunate enough to meet my better half on the island.

How has been a CA(SA) added to your career? To cut a long story short: I don’t believe that I would be where I am today without being a CA(SA). Yes, the designation does open doors for you, but it’s more than just being a chartered accountant. I believe that the entire journey in becoming a CA(SA) is what counts the most in your career. The journey teaches your resilience and dedication. It teaches you that it’s not always going to be smooth sailing and that through hard work anything is possible. It has added to my career because the lessons that I have learnt through the CA(SA) journey I still apply to this day not only in my career but also in my day-to-day life.

How did Thuthuka assist you during your studies? Thuthuka was instrumental in helping me to where I am today. Thuthuka isn’t just a bursary fund that assists you financially for your studies. They invest in their students and offer the time, support and resources needed to succeed. As mentioned, the journey to becoming a CA(SA) is not the easiest; it requires a village to complete the journey and Thuthuka provides that to its students. From the mentorship, the additional study support sessions, to team building events, from additional tutoring to motivational speakers, they provide you with the tools to succeed. Thuthuka was and is instrumental to the person I am today and where I am today.

Author
Lynn Grala, Acting Editor of Accountancy SA magazine