International candidates in accounting are looking towards Asia for better job stability and growth, according to trends revealed in the latest Hays Quarterly Report.

Emma Charnock, Regional Director of Hays Accountancy & Finance in Hong Kong, says a noticeable increase in the number of international candidates interested in local accountancy roles is a positive sign for local employers. Permanent accountancy job opportunities are high in light of continual expansions and the requirement for professional services across China. But with a shortage of available local talent, accountancy firms in particular are now willing to consider non-Chinese language speakers for their vacancies. These international candidates believe the Asian market offers better job stability and growth.

In particular demand in today’s accountancy recruitment market are financial reporting and investment accounting candidates for financial services, while non-financial services areas require SOX and systems accountants.

Within the insurance market there has been a focus on how life products are invested, while the changes being made to global reporting standards require more financial reporting, SOX and systems accountants, although there is an ongoing shortage of experienced candidates. The focus on auditors has shifted back to reporting due to new requirements globally.

Turning to the accounting profession, tax candidates at the senior through to senior manager level and particularly within transfer pricing, corporate tax and Hong Kong profits tax, are in demand as Big 4 firms expand their teams. Audit (financial services) at the senior and manager levels, internal audit and risk also remain areas of demand within the Hong Kong and China markets due to consistent growth within the Big 4 and second tier in addition to expansions into China.

Source: Hays Hong Kong