Ask any TM1 specialist what they enjoy about their role and they’re sure to launch into a passionate commentary about this powerful, creative and flexible piece of technology.
Many within the tight-knit community, myself included, will speak about TM1 with something close to reverence. And considering its capability to deliver adaptable solutions for clients, it’s little wonder that those fortunate enough to specialise in this tech receive real enjoyment from their roles.
For those looking to take the next step in their TM1 career, Australia is a veritable hub for opportunities within this specialisation and is a fantastic option for TM1 developers, consultants and architects looking to relocate.
If you’re a TM1 specialist considering the Australian lifestyle or just curious about what Australia can offer you and your family, read on.
Introducing Your TM1 Recruitment Specialist
I’m Phil Martin, and for over 15 years I have been providing exciting opportunities for TM1 professionals around the globe.
My family and I relocated from the UK to Australia back in 2007 – and I cannot recommend the lifestyle here highly enough. From Brisbane’s proximity to the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne’s laneways and eateries to Sydney’s mini-metropolis, Australia is a land of opportunity
I’m fortunate to work in an industry that brings me constant enjoyment. I consider it a privilege to assist passionate individuals to grow and flourish in both internal and consultancy TM1 jobs where they bring real value.
Why TM1 Recruitment?
As a TM1 recruitment specialist, I often find myself swept up by the ongoing enthusiasm for this niche.
TM1 may have been around for nearly 40 years now, but the product is continually evolving, a bit like a classic car that keeps being refurbished and brought into the future. Recent investments in new integrations with AI engines such as IBM’s Watson being built into the software keep TM1 moving in a modern direction, focusing on the future.
And despite numerous competitors entering the market over the years, no product can genuinely claim to be a challenger. Perhaps this is down to the sheer amount of flexibility that TM1 offers businesses. This technology can be used across an organisation for essentially any financial insights you want.
One of the biggest things I love about this industry is the people. Pretty much everyone I’ve worked with over the course of my career has been so genuine, down-to-earth and excited about the value that TM1 can bring to their clients – and their passion is what fuels my own!
Given my enthusiasm for TM1, it probably comes as no surprise that I have chosen to specialise solely in TM1 recruitment rather than extending to include any competitor products. Along similar lines, I often caution candidates on the potential risks associated with widening their niche; unwittingly becoming a planning generalist instead of a TM1 specialist can have significant downward pressure on the value you bring to an organisation.
Relocating to Australia for a TM1 Role
Immigrating countries is no small feat, especially at the tail end of a global pandemic. So, when weighing up the pros and cons of a potential shift across time zones, it’s helpful to have all of the facts to make an informed decision.
Having made the move Down Under myself, I’m able to shed some light on what you need to consider when relocating based on first-hand experience.
First and foremost, let me answer some of your most frequently asked questions about relocating to Australia for a TM1 job.
Are there TM1 career opportunities in Australia?
100% yes. Australia has one of the largest TM1 environments in the world when you consider its relative population size and number of companies. There are plenty of opportunities for TM1 specialists here across both internal and consultant roles.
Are Australia’s borders currently open?
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging to relocate over the past couple of years. But fortunately, the borders have recently opened for most of our states, with others expected to follow over the coming months.
Is Australia’s immigration system complicated?
In short: no, the immigration system is not complicated. In fact, compared to the rest of the world, the Australian immigration system is quite simple and well supported. Visas are now available for TM1 specialists, and the Continuum Recruitment team and I can support you through the process.
Can my family relocate with me?
Yes – dependent family members can relocate under your individual application. Work and education rights are included under this type of visa. Typically, TM1 specialists will receive a four-year visa that has a path to permanent residency if they decide they want to stay.
How does living in Australia compare to my current location?
This isn’t easy to answer without knowing the location from where you’re considering relocating. However, I can speak to my own experience. Australia has excellent lifestyle benefits; one of the first things my family and I noticed after relocating was the sheer amount of space here! The relaxed environment makes it easy to adjust, the people are incredibly friendly, and the country has exceptional health and education systems all of which make it a fantastic place to live.
If you’re interested in individualised advice specific to your situation and lifestyle preferences, feel free to reach out to me for a confidential chat.
Is Australia a good place to raise children?
Yes, absolutely. As I said, there is so much space here, which is terrific for allowing kids to roam. Growing up with pools and palm trees, the beach close by and a diverse range of sports available enables children to thrive, and enjoy so many more opportunities than they might in other parts of the world.
Although this significant change can often be scary at first as they leave their friends, the benefits of the move quickly outweigh any disadvantages. Australia has plenty to offer for the whole family.
How expensive is it to live in Australia?
It’s important to keep in mind that cost is relative. I often see people make a common mistake of directly converting their existing currency into Australian Dollars and then basing their current cost of living and expenses around this exact figure. I’ve found that this doesn’t translate as the costs of rent, food, education, transport, and many other factors differ heavily on a case-by-case basis. There are also many lifestyle options that it’s tricky to put a price on.
In general, it’s a complex move, so I would strongly suggest having a consultation with me to ask questions. We can talk through the priorities for you and your family, and from there, figure out what city and situation might suit you best.
How much does a TM1 specialist make in Australia?
The salary and rate for TM1 jobs vary depending on many factors; however, most initial salaries enable a comfortable lifestyle. During the consultation process, we can explore the likely salary band you may be able to expect.
I find that the initial salaries are often more of a starting point than an endpoint. Many of the clients I work with are excellent at doing ongoing performance reviews based on merit rather than solely an annual process. As such, there is often the potential to maximise your own earning rather than just being in the system.
How long will it take me to relocate?
We find that there is usually a minimum of a three to four-month turnaround from the point of offer before you would land – however, this can be extended out and supported as needed. I’ve done the immigration process myself, so I’m happy to talk you through the challenges and best approaches for getting yourself set up.
Quick tip: I highly recommend starting in a furnished apartment and then exploring to decide where you want to live.
What kind of background do I need to have to work in Australian TM1 jobs?
In the past, we commonly sought people with backgrounds in chartered accountancy or with finance education. These days, it’s more common that we look for software development specialists who understand finance. There are complimentary skillsets often sought-after for TM1 roles, such as Python programming, rest APIs, and cloud systems experience like Azure, AWS and Google.
I do find that it’s often encouraged for TM1 specialists to build on their TM1 brand rather than moving away and broadening their niche too much, as there is plenty to learn within the TM1 speciality. A great example of this is the TM1py community project. I’d encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your expertise and how it might fit into the current market.
If there are any queries I haven’t managed to answer, or if you’d just like to know more about the opportunities available, contact me today for a confidential chat.
Working as a TM1 Specialist in Australia – Internal vs. Consultant
With so many opportunities available in Australia, how do you decide on what type of role to pursue? There are plenty of theories about the best approach between working internally or being a consultant. But at the end of the day, only you can answer this highly subjective question according to your priorities and working style.
Let’s break down some of the common myths and look at the key benefits of both approaches.
Benefits of working as a consultant:
- Work/life balance
One big myth is that the work/life balance is better for someone that works internally. Internal work is often seen as more steady and secure, with less running around the country than consultancy. But these days, location is not seen as an important factor for consulting and internal TM1 jobs. The phrase ‘working from wherever’ is common in consulting roles. With corporates often having multiple sites, many organisations appreciate that you don’t need to be in the office to provide value. And with many also reducing their seating space post-COVID, it’s often expected that you’re happy to work remotely. However, it’s likely that there will still be some clients that desire to see you in person from time to time. - Latest technology
Consultants will usually be working at the forefront of technology with the latest and greatest products, as it’s expected that you will be prepared to have those conversations with the clients with whom you’re working. In comparison, internal roles often have to work with the technology available and tend to be more limited by the company’s appetite to invest and existing process restrictions. - Responsibility level
Consultants generally get to focus on the technology and adding value rather than getting caught up in the politics that sometimes come with internal roles.
Benefits of working internally:
- Relationship building
When working with the same CFO and CIO over several years, you’ll have the opportunity to build key relationships. This is far more likely in internal roles than consulting roles. - Location flexibility
An internal role gives you increased flexibility to choose a home base without factoring in a daily work commute. This provides the freedom to choose somewhere that suits your lifestyle. Perhaps you look at a scenic area a bit out of the way with good schooling options or consider a slightly cheaper location that fits your budget. Irrespective of the industry, larger organisations seem to be indifferent about your working location. - Responsibility level
Internal work generally comes with a higher level of responsibility for the entire system. Again, this could be seen as either a pro or a con – depending entirely on your personal views.
Whether you’re already in Australia or considering your career options if you make the move, remember that you don’t have to make the decision alone. Continuum Recruitment offers placements for both internal and consultancy TM1 career opportunities, and we can help your find the right situation for you.
What Comes Next?
If you’re interested in discussing the opportunities in Australia further, I would love to have a conversation.
Continuum Recruitment has a comprehensive set of resources to help TM1 specialists take the next steps in the process and help you get in the right mindset for interviews or technical assessments.
We also have a deep understanding of the organisations we work with, so you’ll know the interview process upfront as you begin the journey, rather than learning it as you go.
Contact me today to talk through the options available to you.