The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (HKICPA) qualification programme goes beyond borders, which is a major benefit for those eyeing jobs on the mainland.
Those with HKICPA certification can practise anywhere in the world, and many with the qualification have been lured by opportunities on the mainland.
'There has been a trend of relocating to the mainland since there is a continuously high demand for experienced accounting professionals in recent years,' says Ricky Li, speaker at the 'Career Development in China' workshop, which was part of the Career Forum 2010 organised by the HKICPA.
'Chinese enterprises are gaining importance in the world, so many job opportunities can be found in these enterprises that lack [staff] with an international perspective,' says Li, executive director and financial controller of investment holding company GDH.
Accountants who have had professional training and earned their qualifications in Hong Kong are in particular demand on the mainland, as they are expected to adjust easily to the language and culture there compared with people from other regions. They also have an international perspective that mainland accountants lack, Li says.
However, CPAs who choose to pursue their careers on the mainland must adapt to local practices and understand the business environment there.