JM Erasmus explains why he left South Africa and accountancy for a life of cost management in London

So, you’re from South Africa. Why come to Britain?

Initially, to be an accountant. After studying for a law degree, I had converted to a career in accountancy specialising in law and commerce and was approached by accountancy firm Andersen for a post in London. Unfortunately the timing wasn’t ideal – it was at the time of the Enron scandal, Andersen effectively collapsed and along with it went my job. By that stage I was already in the UK.

As a specialised accountant, how did you end up as a cost consultant?

At the time Davis Langdon were looking for “non-cognates” to bring different skills sets into the practice. I had set my mind on working in the UK, so jumped at the chance.

Did you have any prior knowledge of the world of construction?

None whatsoever. I didn’t know much about professional consulting firms at all.

Was it an easy transition?

To begin with it was daunting getting to grips with an entirely different industry and indeed the different world that the construction industry presented. However, if you cut through the jargon the same simple principles invariably apply – cost and value matters; managing both is vital and cash is still king. I’ve also recently completed an MSc in Construction Cost Management, which has given me a better understanding of the key issues in the industry and equipped me with a better technical background.

What did the course involve?

It was a two-year course incorporating eight modules. Each module involved a one-week intensive session, meaning study could be fitted around full-time work. This was followed by coursework and exams spread over the two-year period.

Was it difficult combining work and study?

It’s certainly challenging – I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. The final dissertation had to be between 10,000 and 15,000 words, which was very difficult to fit in around work pressures.

How does being in London compare to back home?

The climate, of course, is the main difference.

To be honest, professionally there’s not much difference, apart from the fact that the UK market is that much bigger. Fortunately, Cape Town is only an overnight flight away!

Do you have an interesting career story? Email buildingcareers@cmpinformation.com

JM Erasmus

Age 28
Employment history Currently business improvement manager at Davis Langdon. Used to work at AEA Investors, a private equity firm in New York, then worked for Andersen in South Africa before moving to Andersen Corporate Finance in London three years ago.
Qualifications BComm LLB from the University of Stellenbosch combined with an accountancy conversion course at the University of Cape Town. Recently completed an MSc in Construction Cost Management at Reading University.
Lives Richmond, south-west London