Career Advice Detail China

Accounting and Finance

Accounting and finance jobs in China

Sector overview

In recent years, China’s financial market has become international. Major employment areas include analysis and forecasting, foreign trade and marketing management. With professional qualifications, new occupational options are possibile, such as chartered financial analyst (CFA), chartered wealth manager (CWM), portfolio manager, actuary, stockbroker and stock analyst.

(Source from: Financial)

Top employers

• Price Waterhouse Coopers(PwC) 普华永道
• KPMG 毕马威
• Deloitte&WEF德勤
• Ernest & Young(EY)安永
• BDO(上海立信会计事务所)
• Ruihua CPAs(瑞华会计师事务所)
• SHINEWING (信永中和会计事务所)

Sources of vacancies

• YINGJIESHENG
• Kuaiji zhaopin
  Particularly good website for accounting jobs.
• ZHILIAN ZHAOPIN
  Excellent job search website.

Forums

• china accountant net.com (中国会计社区)
• dong ao accountant (东奥会计)
• 51audit（无忧审计论坛）
• Advice from PwC’s HR

Further links

• Kjzedu.com (会计证考试网)
  Includes information on and calendars for various accountancy examinations.
• ACCA - The Global Body for Professional Accountants
• Becoming a CPA

Advice

What are the common Finance career paths?

The variety of jobs available within the finance sector varies considerably with opportunities open to both graduates and non-graduates alike. So if you considering a new career within this sector and are wondering what options are available to you regardless of whether you have a degree or not, here are a few ideas. 

For Non Graduates

The most common route of entry for non-graduates into banking is working as a Bank Cashier before taking the next step up into a Senior Cashier then Bank Manager role.

From here you will move into a specialist role such as card services or operational management before reaching the top of the banking tree as a Vice- then President of Chief Executive.

On the financial services side, one of the most popular career options is that of Financial Adviser. Advisers can move up to Senior level and various management position within the organisation. Account Clerks can qualify for Accounting Technician status before choosing from a number of different career paths, such as Internal Auditor, Finance Controller, Tax Analyst or Senior Auditor.

Another popular choice is that of an Actuary. Upon completing professional qualifications, Actuaries can then progress relatively quickly into a managerial role with some opting to specialise in key areas of life insurance, healthcare or risk management, for example. 

For Graduates

Graduate trainees will often start off on a ‘fast-track’ training programme which may lead to a managerial position. 

Qualified Bank Manager’s will then follow the Specialist-to-Vice-President career path. Investment Analysts will take the logical step to become a Fund Manager before moving into an Associate position and ultimately Vice President.

On the other side of the finance sector, newly qualified Accountants will invariably move into a Senior Accountant, Financial Controller or Auditor position before working towards Chartered status. Thereafter, there are opportunities to continue into a Finance Director role.

Each company will have its advantages and disadvantages and it is important for you to choose the type of company that is right for you, with the right level of career progression available.

What are the important skills to develop in Finance?

The importance of continuous professional development in the finance sector cannot be overestimated. Regardless of whether you have designs to ascend to the top of the tree in banking, accountancy or financial services, you won’t get there unless you acquire the skills needed to fulfil your ambitions. 

Time is a precious commodity and one that costs employer’s money - and finance people don’t like losing money! During the so-called honeymoon period in a new job, you are given time to find your feet and develop the skills needed to perform your new role successfully. 

However, if you can demonstrate that you can hit the ground running whilst saving both time and money, you will win many admirers.

Each new step in your career will have a new set of new skills that you will be expected to learn on the job. But if you can show an employer that you already have some of these key skills your application will stand out from your fellow applicants.

For example, if you are an Investment Manager applying for promotion as Fund Manager, being proficient at analysing financial information relating to their fund manager’s clients, such as company accounts, market analysis, profit and loss or cash-flow statements, is doing little more than performing your existing job duties. 

But by knowing that Fund Managers use this information to make the best decisions for their clients and becoming more involved in this decision-making process, you not only demonstrate your willingness to learn new skills but also your obvious passion for the industry and commitment to the organisation – all of which will give you the edge when the next round of promotions come.

You are in control of your career and it is up to you to find out what skills are needed for each new job that you move into. Speak to people already working in the role you want to find out what it is they do, what skills and attributes they posses and what makes them good at their job. 

Look at the job description in adverts or get a copy of the full job spec from your HR department to get an understanding of the key skills needed. And once you have this information find out what staff development and training schemes exist in your company to help you acquire the skills you will need. Or contact the professional association that represents your specific filed of expertise. 

Source: Monster