On 13 October 2026, the Department of Accounting at the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM) invited the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) to deliver a business and career talk in T2-102. Ms Ying Li, Associate Manager of Mainland China Affairs at the HKICPA, introduced the Institute’s roles, membership pathways and Qualification Programme (QP), and discussed course exemptions and examination arrangements with students.

Dr. Alvin Cheng from the DAcc presents a commemorative gift to Ms. Li Ying

Ms Li explained that the HKICPA is responsible for setting Hong Kong’s accounting and auditing standards, administering the QP and its examinations, registering and regulating members, and providing continuing professional education. The QP consists of three levels—Foundation, Professional and Capstone—with a total of 15 modules. Under the Early Admission Scheme, students can register for the QP while still at university. Students who meet the requirements for accredited programmes may also apply for exemptions from relevant Foundation Level modules. After completing the designated Foundation and Professional Level modules, students may apply for the Certificate in Accounting and Business (CAB).

Ms Li also outlined the module exemption arrangements between the QP and the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) Examination, as well as the international recognition of the Hong Kong accountancy qualification. Drawing on trends among companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and mainland enterprises seeking to list in Hong Kong, she discussed the market’s demand for professionals with both mainland experience and knowledge of Hong Kong’s accounting and finance sector.

During the Q&A session, students asked questions about module exemptions, programme requirements and examination timelines. Ms Li advised students to carefully check the requirements for corresponding courses when applying for exemptions and to submit supporting documents, such as transcripts, promptly. She also encouraged students to plan ahead and consider taking Professional Level examinations while at university, in line with their academic progress.

The talk helped students gain a better understanding of the QP and related career pathways, providing useful guidance for their future academic and career planning.