COMPANIES FROM all over the world have been venturing into China for decades. More recently, however, Chinese companies have been expanding their global operations, and that has created a new need for finance professionals with international experience and knowledge.
Those who understand global corporate governance regulations and have country-specific expertise in tax consultancy, internal auditing and risk assessment are in particular demand.
Clement Chan, managing director at Horwath Hong Kong CPA, said: 'More and more companies are setting up distribution networks [overseas]. This, coupled with the fact that China is trying to change its image globally, means these skills are being taken more seriously by companies.'
While the need for managers with overseas experience is growing, Chinese companies have also begun to have more confidence in the abilities of their local workforces. As a result, more local people are being hired for international expansion projects.
Mr Chan said that many middle-management jobs were being filled up by local Chinese while top-tier executives were being recruited from other countries.
'The fact they are hiring experienced managers from outside shows they have realised the challenges of doing business in the rest of the world. They want to hire employees who have a different experience of the international press and markets,' Mr Chan said.