Career Advice Recruitment tips

Taking mainland plans into account

Six positions at Hong Kong-based accounting firm Grant Thornton Jingdu Tianhua are currently vacant in assurance, tax and advisory services, and the company is looking to hire at least 50 more staff over the coming year, in line with its global growth plan.

As its motto - "One firm, one China" - highlights, the company is a fully integrated part of Grant Thornton China, with 2,400 people in 15 offices across the mainland and in Hong Kong.

Building on the vast opportunities offered by the mainland, the firm expects further growth this year, and is looking for candidates who fit in with its values of global collaboration, leadership, a culture of excellence, acting with agility, having deep respect for people and taking responsibility for one's actions.

"Our firm looks for people who are earnest, hardworking, passionate about learning and enthusiastic about making a difference," says Kelvin Kwong, Grant Thornton Jingdu Tianhua's staff partner.

"Good team players with open mindsets are highly valued by our management and staff," he adds. "We believe that teamwork and close-knit communication is important in conquering obstacles at work."

The firm has a wide scope of clients with great global exposure. Therefore, communication skills are important and candidates should be able to speak and write in English, Cantonese and Putonghua. "We are looking for candidates with good communication, interpersonal, organisational and leadership skills," Kwong says.

Grant Thornton International has a well-organised training programme, including induction and a week-long core technical course arranged for newcomers, depending on their seniority and line of business.

Newcomers are also assigned a mentor who helps them to fit in and understand the work culture.

The firm's Global Learning Centre allows staff to connect with colleagues from around the world for group-wide webcast training sessions.

Hundreds of study programmes are available on professional topics for staff to go through at their own pace, with face-to-face training sessions.

A regular webcast updates staff on any changes in the regulatory environment. Meanwhile, the firm's Advanced Manager Programme is designed for high performers and potential future company leaders. Its three one-week face-to-face sessions are held in locations around the world over a 12-month period.

"As a reputable firm adhering to professional standards and service quality, we aim to develop the professional lives of our people. Leaders should emerge from every level of the business," Kwong says.

Apart from the training, long- and short-term secondments are arranged for talented staff. "International assignments are a great way for individuals to broaden their skills and be more appreciative of other cultures and working methods," Kwong says, adding that they also organise staff outings, an annual dinner and charity events to promote teamwork. 

"Our firm has also initiated the New Great Wall Project, for which we raised 300,000 yuan [HK$369,000] for the New Great Wall Senior High students who live in poverty," Kwong says.

The staff get exam and study leave and revision course fee subsidies. They also get a qualifying bonus, plus birthday and ceremony leave.