Ken shares his experience of living and working in New York, his tips for things to see and do and how you can connect with the local ICAS community in the New York area.
What's your day job?
I'm Audit Partner and Insurance Industry Leader at EisnerAmper.
How long have you lived in New York?
Over 26 years.
Where was home for you before?
Glasgow.
Where did you train as a CA?
I trained at what was Kidsons Impey in Glasgow.
What was it about New York that made you want to come here?
While at PwC in Glasgow I saw many people going on secondments and I thought, why not? I will regret it if I don’t!
Which part of New York do you call home?
In a suburb of New York in Montclair, New Jersey.
What’s the one thing I shouldn’t miss if visiting the area?
As an immigrant, there’s nothing better than Ellis Island. Or an old free favourite – a ride on the Staten Island Ferry for a scenic tour of NY Harbour!
Everyone loves the Highline and Central Park, but when my kids were little, we’d love to sit in Battery Park. You could rent a fishing pole and fish in the Hudson River. We never caught anything, but don’t worry, we wouldn’t have eaten it anyway – it’s catch and release!
I’m new to the area, can you recommend somewhere for:
- A business lunch - Balthazar in Soho
- An evening out - For a great cocktail in an amazing room, the Campbell Apartment at Grand Central, but book in advance!
- A weekend getaway -The Jersey Shore, just an hour away and you are in sand and sun!
Describe the local professional community in three words:
Energetic, diverse, ambitious.
What are the best things about living and working in New York?
The vibrant, excellent professional opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges?
The intense, fast pace.
What advice would you give to another CA considering an opportunity in New York?
Go for it! I came for 2 years 26 years ago. Need I say more?
What made you decide to get involved and become an ICAS Ambassador?
I wanted to provide the networking and help that I received when I first came over.
What have been the biggest takeaways for you personally and professionally?
It's been great to engage with both our new and longstanding members here. Without going to college in the USA, Chartered Accountants (both ICAS and other Institutes) have been a great professional network for me.
Connect with Ken on LinkedIn
