Nine jobs that are most in demand in Hong Kong in 2017

Accountancy & Finance has the highest demand for skilled professionals.

Chinese capital investment in asset management firms and private equity fund houses has created job growth in the non-banking financial services industry, according to recruiting experts Hays.

This is one key finding from the latest Hays Quarterly Report, for the January to March quarter, which is a guide to the current hotspots of recruitment activity and trends.

Dean Stallard, Regional Director for Hays in Hong Kong, explains, “It’s pleasing to witness first-hand, the impact Chinese investment is having in driving job creation and generating more opportunity for qualified accountancy & finance professionals in Hong Kong.”

Demand is high for fund accountants who are bilingual in English and Mandarin, who understand the investment market, can account for a portfolio of investments and advise firms and Chinese investment partners on finance issues and queries.

Indicative of how many businesses are becoming increasingly digitalised, there will also be demand this quarter for candidates in the digital space that can create and develop meaningful experiences for customers on digital platforms.

“Professionals with deep analytical skills and possess a creative mind-set to support business growth in a changing commercial landscape will stand out in the eyes of many companies” says Dean.

Inventory managers in the supply chain industry will also be highly sought after throughout the opening quarter of 2017 as organisations look to minimise the overall cost of inventory whilst ensuring customers receive their goods efficiently and effectively.

According to the Hays Quarterly Report for January to March, demand is highest for the following skilled professionals:

• Hays Accountancy & Finance:

Fund accountants – Candidates who are able to speak both English and Mandarin are in high demand due to continued Chinese investment in asset management firms and private equity fund houses operating in Hong Kong.

OCI Reporting Specialists – Demand has increased for OCI reporting specialists due to new regional statutory reporting requirements.

• Hays Banking and Financial Services:

Relationship Managers –Business relationship managers with exceptional leadership and communication skills are needed to attract new clients and drive revenue.
Complaint handling and client servicing professionals – Due to new regulatory requirements, banks are increasing headcount to handle complaints and serving clients professionally and efficiently.

• Hays Finance Technology:

Business analysts – Business analysts with experience in at least two banking streams are needed to help companies create new growth in a changing financial landscape.

Data analysts – Candidates with data analysis experience combined with programming skills (Python, SQL) and/or BI tools (Cognos or Microsoft BI) will be in high demand with ETL or EDI knowledge desired as a result of continued digital transformation in a number of firms.

• Hays Information Technology:

Cyber security professionals – New headcount for cyber security professionals will drive hiring activity within the IT industry this quarter as companies continue to further proof their defences against cyber-attacks.

Temporary business analysts – Opportunities have opened for temporary business analysts and project managers to work in the banking industry as pension and MPF projects have expanded.

• Hays Insurance:

Compliance roles – A number of compliance roles are available across distribution, monitoring, regulatory and product.

• Hays Life Sciences:

Oncology marketing specialists – A number of new product launches in oncology will take place in this and coming years which has seen a number of companies get on the front foot early and launch a recruitment drive for qualified candidates.

• Hays Procurement:

Senior indirect sourcing managers – Companies require sourcing managers with experience of managing global and regional contracts to save costs.

• Hays Sales & Marketing:

Digital customer experience managers – To leverage digital technologies to better serve the expectations of customers in today’s digital era.

Digital marketing professionals – Who can execute digital strategies to increase revenue.

• Hays Supply Chain:

Quality assurance professionals – Increasing regulation in the international retail market will drive demand for candidates with knowledge of quality and safety standards in various consumer markets.

Inventory Managers – To minimise the overall cost of inventory whilst ensuring customers receive their goods efficiently and effectively.