Getting an accounting job in HK

[austhk]

Hey guys, was wondering if you guys can offer me some advice in regards to living and working in HK. First things first, a lil abit about me. Im an Aussie with asian origins planning to make a move to HK. I have a double degree in accounting and computing. Im a fund accountant by profession at one of the big four australia banks. I been working here for 2 years now. Prior to that I worked at a local accounting firm for 3 years. I speak good english and relatively fluent cantonese. I am currently learning mandarin and have a private tutor tutoring me. While I understand the economy is really bad atm, is there any possibility for a guy with my qualifications to get a job in HK in the accounting/finance field.

Another issue which I believe will be a problem for me is getting a work visa. I am almost 30 so getting the working holiday visa is not an option for me. My only other alternative is to get a company to sponsor me. However, is it common for companies to do this as I read from other post that companies are very reluctant unless you have specific skills ?

I have perused through some of the job ads listed on jobs websites like jobsdb but have not applied anything as yet. I am unsure whether I should apply it while im still here or should I pack my bags and head off to hk to apply

[BLBlankenship]

Hey in a way I kind of understand what you are going through with trying to find an opportune job and obtaining a work visa. I just wanted to let you know that I have seen a lot of posts for Financial Analysts or related that require an Accounting degree and roughly 3 years of experience on Robert Half. Now that I think about it, most of the finance jobs on Robert Half require accounting degrees. It was just a thought about a professional recruiting agency with a lot of jobs.

I've been directed to jobsdb.com, efinancialcareers (or something like that), and other places like recruit.net or something a lot while looking for entry level analyst positions. Personally, I think I might have to settle for the finance management training programs at HSBC or Hang Seng instead of a Equities research position at Barclays or Morgan Stanley.

Good luck with your job search!

P.S. I believe KPMG has decent presence in Hong Kong and they are all about international opportunities.

[Squid1]

RBS are looking for similar people atm... contact the agencies mentioned especially Robert Haif

[hello_there]

Austhk:

With your background and qualifications you are at least cometitive for the few junior-mid level positions that are opening up around here. As noted above, contact recruiters in the accountancy/ finance industry, who will have a pretty good handle on the jobs that are out there and whether you are competitive. The positions listed on their web sites are often not up to date (at all) so get in touch with several recruiters in your field in addition to applying for specific jobs that you might see online. For the typs of jobs/ employers you are looking at a work visa will be routine and no problem if you're offered a position. Best of luck.

[austhk]

Thanks for the advice guys. Hopefully I will be able to find something in the near future