Hong Kong hiring managers are demanding more soft skills from accountants

A college degree isn't enough anymore.

Accountancy jobs in financial services now require candidates with a longer list of soft skills.

According to a release from Hays, in its latest Hays Quarterly Report, the recruiter notes that while technical accountancy & finance talent is in demand in the financial services industry, it is the soft skills that increasingly appear on an employer’s job specification.

“Hiring managers in Hong Kong are looking for accountants with more than just a college degree and solid technical knowledge.

Candidates need soft skills such as the ability to persuade and influence, and the talent to explain challenging concepts in easy-to-understand terms for a non-specialist audience,” says Christine Wright, Managing Director of Hays in Asia.

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“Employers are seeking employees with leadership potential and the ability to work well in a variety of different environments with a diverse range of colleagues and executives,” says Christine.

“Soft skills could even determine whether a potential hire succeeds or not.”

According to the recruiter, candidates with strategic ability who are able to look beyond the numbers and see how businesses can be impacted by broader business trends are becoming increasingly sought after.

Also, those candidates with international exposure who have gained experience working or studying abroad are highly regarded by employers as they can offer insights into different ways of doing business.

The recruiter says there is also an increasing need for candidates with both written and spoken Chinese language skills due to the growing number of roles available within Chinese financial institutions.

“In the commercial sector Financial Planning & Analysis Managers are sought as companies need professionals who can adapt to fast changing environments and possess strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills,” says Christine.