Associate Director (Audit, Assurance & Ethics), Standard Setting

HKICPA; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

HKICPA in Hong Kong seeks an Associate Director (Audit, Assurance and Ethics) to lead complex standard-setting projects from inception to publication and to drive advanced technical research and policy development. The role involves broad engagement with regulators, industry bodies and audit firms to ensure robust, evidence-based standards and ethical guidelines.

The candidate will draft high-quality technical papers, manage multi-year initiatives, and contribute to modernisation efforts

Qualifications

• 9–11 years of experience in audit firms, standard setters, regulators or related bodies.
• Experience drafting audit technical or policy publications.
• Proficient with auditing and assurance standards and the HKICPA Code of Ethics.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English; Putonghua/Cantonese a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex standard-setting projects from inception to publication.
• Develop project plans, research strategies and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Manage multiple multi-year projects with stakeholder sensitivities and public interest considerations.
• Research emerging technical, regulatory and public-interest issues and assess implications for Hong Kong.
• Draft lucid, structured technical papers with evidence-based recommendations.
• Engage with regulators, audit firms, SMPs and international bodies; present analyses.
• Develop implementation guidance and educational resources; support modernisation via AI and tech.

Skills

Audit standards

Policy drafting

Technical writing

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (AUDIT, ASSURANCE AND ETHICS), STANDARD SETTING

The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the only statutory licensing body of CPAs in Hong Kong recognized globally as the pre-eminent body of top-tier accountants that leads and serves businesses and the public interest of Hong Kong. At the Institute, we say a CPA is a "success ingredient" in a career, in the business world, and in society as a whole. In building a strong accounting profession, the Institute helps to establish and continuously enhance Hong Kong's reputation as a world-class financial centre.To meet our business development needs, we are inviting high calibre professionals to join us for the following position:

Key responsibilities

• Lead complex standard-setting projects from inception to publication.
• Develop project plans, research strategies and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Manage multiple multi-year projects involving stakeholder sensitivities and competing public interest considerations simultaneously.

2. Conduct Advanced Technical Research

• Research emerging technical, regulatory and public-interest issues, involving the analysis of a variety of local and international legislations, regulations, professional standards, academic research, consultation feedback, existing practices and latest developments.
• Assess implications for Hong Kong and develop evidence-based recommendations.

3. Develop High-Quality Technical Papers

• Draft lucid, structured and persuasive technical papers on complex matters.
• Develop clear recommendations supported by robust analysis and evidence.
• Anticipate and address counterarguments and stakeholder concerns.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with stakeholders from different backgrounds, including regulators, government bodies, audit firms, SMPs, industry associations and international organisations.
• Design and lead stakeholder engagement activities.
• Identify issues requiring stakeholder input or agreement and facilitate resolution.
• Present technical analyses and recommendations to stakeholders with different backgrounds.
• Refine proposals in response to stakeholder feedback.

5. Implementation Support

• Develop implementation guidance and educational resources.
• Respond to technical queries and implementation issues.

6. Modernise through AI and technology

• Support departmental modernisation and stakeholder engagement through appropriate use of AI and technology.

Qualifications and Required Attributes

• A minimum of 9 to 11 years’ experience gained in audit firms, standard setters, corporates, regulators, academia or relevant research bodies. Experience gained in audit technical departments, standard-setting bodies, policy development or other relevant environments would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting audit technical or policy-related publications.
• Proficient in the technical details and application of auditing and assurance standards as well as the HKICPA Code of Ethics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Good command of Putonghua and/or Cantonese would be an advantage.