Accounting knowledge and skills
Accountants must be able to apply accounting theories, principles and practices to meet business and management needs in compliance with accepted accounting standards, rules, regulations and legal requirements.
Accountants
Descriptions & Duties
- Accountants prepare and examine accounting records and financial statements to ensure that they are accurate and comply with established accounting standards and procedures. Accountants are also responsible for evaluating the financial status of an organisation to ensure that it operates efficiently.
Generic Competencies
Physical Abilities
Physical abilities
- Physical strength
- Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity
Importance:1 (Max:5)
Skill is rarely required
Technology Skills
Technology skills
- Computer literacy
- Application of technology
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities
- Creativity
- Visualisation
- Logical thinking
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Comprehension And Expression
Comprehension and expression skills
- Reading comprehension
- Oral / written expression
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Social Skills
Social skills
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Organisation And Execution Skills
Organisation and execution skills
- Planning
- Organising
- Judgement
- Decision making
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Problem Solving Skills
Problem solving skills
- Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Management Skills
Management skills
- Leadership
- Management of finance / time / people / other resources
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Trade Specific Competencies
Financial monitoring knowledge and skills
Accountants must be able to compile and examine various financial statements and reports to assure their accuracy, integrity and conformance to accepted financial rules, regulations, polices and guidelines.
Financial monitoring analysis knowledge and skills
Accountants must be able to analyse various financial ratios and indicators for evaluating the financial status of an organisation to ensure that it operates efficiently and effectively.
Computer skills
Accountants need basic computer skills. They should be comfortable using spreadsheets and accounting software.
Detail oriented
Accountants are responsible for producing audit reports. They must pay attention to details to avoid making errors and to spot errors that others have made.
Integrity
Accountants have control of an organisation's accounting documents, which they must use properly and keep confidential. It is vital that they keep records confidential.
Mathematics skills
Accountants deal with numbers and they are required to be good at basic arithmetic.
General Requirements
Academic qualification
A recognised bachelor's degree in accountancy
Professional qualification
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) registered with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, or equivalent
Experience
3 to 5 years of audit/ accounting experience
Career Path & Salary
Private Sector
Monthly Salary $18,000-$25,000
Monthly Salary $25,000-$40,000
Monthly Salary $30,000-$50,000
Monthly Salary $40,000-$100,000
Monthly Salary $100,000-$250,000
Government Sector
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 30-44
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49
Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 1
Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 2
Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 3
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 14-27
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 28-33
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 34-44
*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html
Related Education & Training
Degree or above
Higher Diploma
Work Environment
- Accountants work primarily in offices and work regular office hours. They may work additional hours to meet deadlines, for example, at the end of fiscal year, during tax time or while carrying out yearly accounting audits.
Tools
- Ledger paper - Ledger sheets
- Receipt books
