Vocation International CPAs, the ninth-largest accounting firm on the mainland, has merged with Baker Tilly China. The new entity will continue operations under the latter's name, expanding the business horizons for Baker Tilly Hong Kong and creating opportunities for further co-operation.

The Hong Kong firm will hire 20 professionals by the end of this year. There will be positions available for mid- to senior-level managers for which candidates should be able to show strong technical competency and a high degree of independence.

"Our audit division operates on a pool basis not limited by industry or by group," says Janet Bibi Ferreira, director of human resources and administration at Baker Tilly Hong Kong. "Staff have opportunities to work on various types of assignments and learn from different managers and directors. This broadens their exposure."

Candidates with at least five years' experience and those who have been at Big Four or mid-tier CPA firms are likely to have an advantage. The firm also looks for people with the potential to be senior leaders, who want to be part of a friendly, learning culture, and who are willing to grow with the business.

"We offer at least 20 hours of CPD [continuous professional development] training a year, conducted by in-house or external trainers," Ferreira says. "We organise a number of informal sessions to encourage knowledge sharing and offer allowances for staff attending technical training run by professional bodies."