Demand for candidates will remain high in accounting and finance industry in Hong Kong in the last quarter of this year.

In accounting industry, demand for qualified candidates remains strong within multinational, listed and larger Hong Kong companies. The continued increase in reporting requirements locally and internationally means candidates with internal control (especially SOX) and strong systems implementation experience are increasingly sought after while mandarin language skills are now also in very high demand.

A number of large corporations, especially in the manufacturing and property sectors, have relocated part of their finance function to the PRC, creating new roles for finance managers/controllers. Candidates at all levels willing to travel to the PRC and regionally are particularly attractive.

The demand for IFRS/US GAAP experienced financial reporting and management reporting candidates remains high. In addition internal audit, compliance candidates and actuarial candidates with excellent communication skills are required.

Expansions and the need for accounting and audit services, particularly within China, have created hotspots within the professional practice market. The big 4 in particular have ambitious expansion plans for Hong Kong and China and this has created a hotspot for both supervisors and managers to oversee the increased number of new graduate appointments. Also required are audit professionals at the senior and management level and tax candidates with China and Hong Kong tax knowledge at the senior and management level.

Rapid growth in the banking industry in areas such as internal audit, risk management, compliance and regulatory reporting and expansion across the region have created hotspots for IFRS, US GAAP, SOX and Basel II specialists. Product control is also a hotspot, particularly in equity derivatives.

Information provided by: Hays Hong Kong