Aggressive niche player seeks financial officer
The investment banking industry in Asia has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years, driven in part by the strong work ethic of those with the know-how and the drive to work extra hard in a notoriously demanding industry.
One of the fastest-growing investment banks in the region is looking for a skilled and dedicated professional to assume duties as chief financial officer for Greater China, which covers the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The senior role covers responsibility for all financial aspects of entities under the company's corporate and investment banking umbrella.
Vision Partners, which is handling the search, said its client wished to remain anonymous.
'Our client is a focused niche player offering an innovative range of derivatives, structured finance and corporate banking products,' said Stephen Law, managing partner of Vision Partners.
Mr Law said his client had about 300 employees in the Greater China region, although the position on offer required overseeing about 20.
The chief financial officer, who will be reporting to the Asia-Pacific chief financial officer, will provide financial support to a string of creative, structured and market-driven products being developed to 'whet the appetite' of the company's clients, Mr Law said.
The appointee will also be expected to advise, within the legal and regulatory framework, line managers on how to offer clients the best solutions.
This will include ensuring compliance with corporate policies and procedures,
local regulatory bodies and improving processes and financial systems to enhance efficiency.
The bank, which has a proven track record in the European market, where it has its headquarters, is expanding aggressively in Greater China.
The chief financial officer will be leveraging the bank's strengths to support a variety of business entities under corporate and investment banking.
The ideal candidate would be a qualified accountant with at least 10 years of finance and accounting experience in an investment bank or a professional accounting firm.
Applicants should have strong technical skills, an in-depth knowledge of product expertise and be familiar with international financial reporting standards.
Familiarity with local and regional market practices and regulations and experience in project and change management would be an advantage.
The candidate should also have leadership, people management, interpersonal and organisational skills.
Candidates should note that the appointment will require a great deal of travelling around Greater China. At least
30 per cent of the chief financial officer's time will be spent commuting between Hong Kong, the mainland and Taiwan.
