Opportunities in China

CPA Australia's Beijing representative office was established in 2002. In 2006, we have further enhanced our presence in China with the opening of the Shanghai office. Our reach also branched out across the Pearl River Delta with the establishment of a liaison presence in Guangzhou and Macau in the first half of 2007.

These new business expansions would provide high quality services and support to members and the general public interested in pursuing the Australian CPA qualification.

Member services

CPA Australia offers members in China a range of unique products and services including:

  • career seminars
  • careers counselling and advisory services
  • membership services — admission, advancement to CPA status and beyond (including assistance with CPA Program enrolment and the Mentor Program)
  • technical and networking events
  • CPA Program excellence awards
  • CPA Update — e-newsletter

Pathways to membership of your local body

In 2004, CPA Australia and The Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for further exchange of information and cooperation of professional development.

The agreement opens up the possibilities for professionals to expand not only their knowledge base, but to also assist China-based companies and organisations to become more familiar with international accounting, auditing standards and business management skills.

China's business environment

The accounting profession in China is relatively new, having existed for about 25 years.

There are currently 140,000 Chinese CPAs and approximately 3000 international qualified accountants. Amongst them, approximately 70,000 work in public practice.

Starting from 1 January 2007, all listed companies in China are required to abide by the new Chinse Accounting Standards which is substantially converged with International Financial Reporting Standards. Meanwhile, new Chinese Auditing Standards began to be applied for audits of listed companies.

China's economic growth, which has averaged 9.5 per cent per centre past two decades, has been the singe largest contributor to global growth. Over the past five years and in 2005 China accounted for around one quarter of the world economic growth.

The competitiveness and branding of Chinese companies has been raising the world.

So far, over 30,000 Chinese companies are operating abroad. China's growing economy is creating many opportunities for accountants and finance professionals.

Employment trends and graduate programs

According to Michael Page's 2006 / 2007 Salary Survey Finance and Accounting, the growth in China's international business has created an increasing demand in the following specialised accounting areas:

  • internal audit / internal controls
  • mergers and acquisitions / business development
  • Sarbanes-Oxley compliance
  • IPOs

Candidates who have overseas working experience and good English skills can receive a higher salary.

Employment opportunities

Many companies in China offer accounting related jobs for recent graduates throughout the year. The major recruitment period for large and international firms starts in September and closes by late December.

Join CPA Australia before you return home. Being an Associate member of CPA Australia will be an extra credential on your CV.

Skills and specialities in demand

Due to the opening and rapid development of the China economy, there is a growing demand for qualified accountants with the following skills and specialities:

  • good English
  • China accounting knowledge
  • international accounting knowledge
  • business management skills

Employers in China are recruiting accountants at all levels, however positions with the highest demand are:

  • audit / internal control
  • financial accounting
  • management accounting
  • planning and analysis
  • tax
  • treasury

Source: Ambition 'Accounting and financial recruitment, market trends and salaries report, China 2007'.

Work permits

An employment visa is required for foreigners working in China. Key criteria for the working visa are possessing relevant expertise and experience and a clean record. It is the prospective employer's responsibility to apply for a visa.

For further information visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

Working conditions and lifestyles

Career opportunities for professional accountants are abundant especially in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou where many multinational companies set up their offices.

There is a general respect for people in senior positions, and job titles in China are very important.

Information hubs

Visit the Useful website section of the CPA Australia website for a full list of addional resources for graduates planning to work in China, including information on:

  • wage protection
  • rest days
  • holidays with pay
  • paid annual leave
  • sickness allowance
  • maternity protection
  • severance payment
  • long service payment
  • employment protection
  • termination of employment contract
  • protection against anti-union discrimination

For more information about recruitment, government departments, professional accountanting boards and bodies visit the Chinese Government's official web portal.

More information


Page last updated: Thursday, 20 March 2008

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