US CPA looking to move to HK

[CPA888]

I'm a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the US and would like to move to HK in the near future. I can understand and speak Cantonese fluently but cannot read or write or know Mandarin. I have about 4 yrs of work experience at 2 of the Big 4 firms in Systems Audit and Financial Audit. Now with a small national CPA firm that specializes in auditing of hedge funds. What are my chances of a position in HK? I would like to work for a hedge fund in HK or maybe even go back to the Big 4 or work for a US MNC in financial reporting, internal audit or financial planning & analysis. Any thoughts of my job prospects and how to get started??

[whong]

Hi CPA888,

I am an AICPA too from NYC. Yes!! You basically need to be in HKG in order to start interview UNLESS you find something in US to give you a package to relocate. I am also HKG born and speak cantonese fluently.

However, I have 1 advice for you. Start to learn mandarin because most of the accounting positions here required to travel to PRC.

Bottom line --- opportunities here are promising.. but comparing the salary in terms of dollar wise... you would earn more in the States. again!! it depends on what kind of quality of life you would prefer.

[CPA888]

Thanks for your reply. How'd u get an accounting job in HK? Did you start looking after moving there? You think it's possible to find a new employer in HK while in the US? Did you use any headhunters/agents for your search? Any advice will help!

[ucdaggie03]

Hey..It might be easier to come to HK and just focus on looking for a job. It's harder when you're away from Hk to look for jobs b/c what will you do when interviewing time comes around? you're better off to be in hk and focus on job hunting and going to interviews once you get here. networking is also a good way to get some leads, as well as registering with a few headhunters....good luck

[Bigrice1017]

Hi CPA888,

I'm planning to apply and work in US, LA while you prefer to come and work in HK. I've learnt that the USCPA exam is not easy and that the passing rate is extremely low. Is that true? I obtained my Accounting Degree in Australia (and also a Law Degree in England) and am wondering if it is difficult to find an accounting or auditing job in US. What is the normal salary range for that kind of job? I'm not a CPA yet, but may attempt for the USCPA exam in the near future. Also, do you think it's better to be an accountant or a lawyer in US? Please feel free to advise.

Well, many of the big accounting firms in HK prefer to employ somebody who can speaks Mandarin because most of their jobs are in China. Most probably, you will require to work in China. The work load in HK is quite heavy and overtime is normal for everyone. Besides, the salary may not sound very attractive. Not unless you really want to expose yourself to a new environment, if not, think about it seriously. However, it may be a good experience to work in different countries.

Here is the website for jobs in HK:
http://www.classifiedpost.com.hk/jshome.php

You can try to apply for some of the jobs while you are still in US. If you are lucky, they may ask you to come to HK for an interview, or you can request to have an interview at their branches or subsidiaries in US (particularly for the Big 4). Good luck!

[whong]

CPA888: Well, I had to come to HK in order to get my first job. I did meet with several headhunters... but unfortunately... it didnt help. I got my job through online ads. I would recommend you to check out jobsdb, classifiedpost and careertimes.com.hk.

I would suggest u to come here on a short term basis and test your luck. OR unless you got some packages from BIG 4 to relocate u in HKG.

Anyway, I am looking for a new job because my current employer is moving to PRC permanently. If I couldnt find any... I could be back in States soon.

GOOD LUCK

Bigrice1017: Of course... being an accountant -- CPA would be your best choice! good luck on your exam!

[Bigrice1017]

Hi whong,

Thanks! But, I haven't apply for it yet. May be next year. Do you have any tips or study method that you can share with me?

Anyway, wish you good luck in finding a new job in HK.

[CPA888]

I was thinking of applying to HK jobs online...and setting up 2 weeks of time to come to HK and interview to the employers that respond to my resume. and if i get an offer, i'll come back to US, quit my current job and start moving to HK. Would this plan work?

I specialize in the investment management/asset management audit practice. If I apply to the Big 4, would Mandarin and traveling to Mainland be required? I speak fluent Cantonese, but cannot read/write. Also have permanent resident status in HK. What other type of accounting jobs and what should I target and would be suitable for?

[MXS_US]

I imagine you are at manager level? I don't think you'll have any problems find job in HK. Just try the big 4's website. Start early. It could take long time for them to finish the whole process.

Salary is definitely lower here compared to US, these days they usually don't give you expat package unless you can secure it in the U.S. If you come here, they'll give you local package. Workloads is higher here than in the U.S. As for language, I think company prefer someone who can speak Mandarin. But again, if they really need people, they might not require it. Just try.

[whong]

Bigrice1017: Thanks! Sure! Here's my 2 cent! Since the current exam schedule is registered as you would like within a given period(i am not sure the time frame), you should spend at least 20 hours per week to prepare regardless. Treat those study notes like your bible and understand the theories and concepts. I remember under the previous schedule (May & November). we needed at least 3 mos preparation. So, passing the CPA exam is a long term game plan... unlike college exam... we can basically squeeze everything within 3 days.

Good luck!

CPA888: try to come here for interview and test your chance... MXS_US is rite... the pay here compared to US is lower... but you gotta test the market and see how much are you worth... Good luck!