Few professions are recession-proof, but accountants tend to be busy during good economic times, as well as periods of economic downturn. When times are good, companies need accountants for auditing their initial public offerings, and when times are bad, they are needed to work on insolvencies and liquidations. Mergers and acquisitions bridge both peaks and troughs, and require that due diligence be carried out by the right people.
'Different business climates bring different opportunities for the accounting industry. We always need people to join us,' says Pammy Fung, director, Crowe Horwath (HK) CPA.
Although Fung expects the euro-zone crisis to affect the global economy, and that Hong Kong will slow down next year, the firm keeps on expanding with a growing number of assignments from the mainland.
For 2012, the firm is hiring 40 to 50 fresh graduates and at least 50 staff across other grades, as well as over 60 interns during the youngsters' spring and summer holidays.
Important requirements for potential candidates include good time and stress management to deal with tight deadlines, and a strong commitment to ongoing professional development.
Proficiency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin is checked during the interview process. The job also requires good teamwork and excellent communication and analytical skills, and, at the higher echelons, the ability to manage a team.