Why Hong Kong SAR of China works for finance professionals

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With a rapidly expanding economy and opportunities across technology, finance, manufacturing, and innovation sectors, this dynamic market welcomes professionals who bring determination and expertise.

Whether you're drawn to cutting-edge megacities, rich cultural heritage, or the chance to be at the forefront of global commerce and technological advancement, you'll find a place where your hard-earned ACCA qualification can open doors.

Your career move to Hong Kong SAR of China starts here.

ACCA Qualification recognition

While ACCA does not have statutory status in Hong Kong, its enjoys exceptional influence, established through decades of strong presence in the market. Notable alumni include Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Government and former ACCA Council member. Today, it is highly regarded by employers as a respected brand and world-class qualification relevant across all sectors.

As the gateway between global markets and mainland operations, Hong Kong's strategic position creates unique advantages for ACCA professionals. The region's close integration with the mainland, combined with its role as an international financial hub, opens diverse career pathways across borders.

ACCA's strong reputation on the mainland further enhances the qualification's value in Hong Kong, while Hong Kong's international standing reinforces ACCA's regional influence—creating a powerful professional advantage for members in this dynamic market.

Education evaluation

To find out if your qualifications and skills are recognised in Hong Kong, visit the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) website which explains how to have your qualifications assessed for suitability in the Hong Kong employment market.

The HKCAAVQ provides different assessment services covering:

National qualifications and certifications

The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) is the only local statutory body for professional accountants which might support your career in Hong Kong in addition to your ACCA Qualification.

HKICPA evolved from the Hong Kong Society of Accountants, which was established on 1 January 1973. It celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2013. It has more than 45,000 members and 19,000 registered students. Members of HKICPA are entitled to the description "certified public accountant" and to the designation CPA.

In 2020, ACCA renewed its existing Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with HKICPA. The renewed agreement will be in force until 30 June 2025. The MRA outlines how ACCA and HKICPA members can join the other body. It covers students who enrolled in ACCA on or after 16 August 2004 and applies to our members who qualified in the UK and Hong Kong. For more information, visit our mutual memberships section.

Immigration information

Unfortunately, ACCA cannot provide a student visa or work permit due to local laws and regulations. Refer to the following resources for further guidance:

Finding a job

When considering your move to Hong Kong SAR of China, it is essential that you consider where you might work. You will need to be authorised to work and you can learn more about that from these resources:

Additional resources are provided below.

  • ACCA Careers

    Boasting hundreds of job postings within Hong Kong SAR of China, ACCA Careers should be your first step towards finding employment in Hong Kong. Visit ACCA Careers to find jobs from ACCA Approved Employers.

  • Approved Employers

    Consider looking for employment at a global or local ACCA Approved Employer. 

    The following employers are some of our locally approved employers:

    • Big Four firms
    • HSBC
    • Standard Chartered
    • Citigroup
    • Bank of China
    • Hang Seng Bank
    • HK Monetary Authority
    • Inland Revenue Department
    • The Treasury
    • Securities and Futures Commission
    • Prudential.

    For more local information, access our ACCA Approved Employer directory.

  • Employment agencies

    Michael Page

    Michael Page is a global recruitment agency, with office in Hong Kong SAR of China. Visit the Michael Page Hong Kong website.

    Robert Walters

    Robert Walters is a global, specialist professional recruitment consultancy with Hong Kong SAR of China presence. Visit the Robert Walters Hong Kong website.

    LinkedIn

    LinkedIn serves as the job board of choice for many employers and job seekers.  Be sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and check out what jobs are listed there! Visit LinkedIn jobs.

  • Continuing professional development
    • Local CPD webinars available on-demand through our GoTo archive
    • ACCA Learning offers courses, certificates, and diplomas in accountancy, finance, leadership, and digital skills.
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ACCA Hong Kong SAR of China resources

ACCA Hong Kong SAR of China has an office in Hong Kong SAR of China with 12 staff members. We are here to support our members, students, and affiliates throughout their ACCA journey in Hong Kong SAR of China. ACCA Hong Kong SAR of China provides regular member communications via email and coordinates face to face networking events, CPD activities and roundtable discussions between members, students, and affiliates.

Signature annual events such as the ACCA Annual Conference, CFO Summit, Community Day, Free Tax Advisory Services, Tax Conference and Business Competition have built ACCA’s strong brand image and relations with employers, government departments and other stakeholders.

We offer many programmes and resources to members in order to support their professional and personal journeys.  Find out more about our services.

  • Local CPD programme

    ACCA Hong Kong SAR of China has a robust Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. To meet the various needs of our members and stakeholders, each year we organise 100+ CPD events, including technical updates, thought-leadership conferences, business and management skills training and IT courses, offering 500+ verifiable CPD hours to support our members and stakeholders in future-proofing their competitiveness for career success. Our programme also offers members a great platform for idea exchange and fostering relationships among their peers via ACCA’s professional network.

    Please refer to more details of Hong Kong SAR of China CPD in our resources section.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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