The European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao is looking for:

An Accountant in the Admin section.

We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao works in close coordination with the Consulates General of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the two special administrative regions in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Accountant, (Local Agent Group 3) in the Administration Section. The team consists of 5 people and there are occasional atypical working hours.  Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Office, and on the changes of these needs.

The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Administration Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in Accounting as well as administrative and clerical assistance to the Administration Section of the Office, in accordance with the EU rules and regulations.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

Accrual accounting

The incumbent will mainly be in charge of the management of budget and financial operations, based on the principles of “accrual accounting” (transactions are recorded when they occur, regardless of when cash is exchanged);

Execution of the authorized budget

The role involves executing and planning the authorized budget, including initiating financial and operational processes, verifying and processing invoices, and ensuring timely payments. Responsibilities include managing expenses, maintaining databases, and ensuring contractor approval. Additionally, the role supports budget planning, mission cost calculations, and purchase order preparations. It also encompasses payroll management, rights and obligations of expatriate staff, and handling representation expenses.

Imprest account

The role involves managing Office imprest accounts, preparing and executing local payments through web banking or cheques, and handling imprest payments, including encoding them in ABAC and managing petty cash. Additionally, it includes preparing closure, reconciliation, and monthly reporting tasks.

Operational and administrative support and resources - administrative assistance

The role involves assisting in drafting documents like notes, briefings, and reports, coordinating with secretariat staff, and maintaining schedules, including managing diaries, calls, and emails. It also includes taking and preparing notes and minutes, handling routine correspondence and presentations, and managing personnel administration tasks such as mission planning, leave records, and absence management.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from HKD 27.497. However, the exact salary and level within our pay grade will be finalized once the recruitment process is complete, as an example a candidate with 15 years of experience would have a salary of HKD 37.137. 

There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.

The position is vacant immediately.

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)

• Minimum of secondary level diploma or higher;
• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience, as an accountant, budget officer or similar;
• Good level in (C1) in English and equivalent of C1/C2 in Cantonese/Mandarin;
• Good level of time management and interpersonal skills; capacity of organizing and coordinating meetings and agendas;
• Level of computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Zoom, Skype etc.);
• team’s fluency, flexibility, and capacity to work under pressure
• Right to residence and work in Hong Kong;
• Medical fitness to carry out the tasks assigned.

Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)

• Experience in the diplomatic field (work in embassies, government bodies, international organisations, etc.) or in a team in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment;
• Diploma or degree in accounting and/or business administration.
• Previous experience in EU institutions and/or EU Delegations, notably from the administrative section;
• Knowledge of ABAC and other EU proprietary accounting tools

• Knowledge in French or an European language other than English