Training body chief: Accountants in hot demand

"Diversity is a key demand of graduates in a business environment, because companies now expect people who can think in different ways, and see things from different angles."

But he emphasised that modern-day accountancy is a lot more than just academic excellence.

He said young people, armed with an accountancy degree or business qualification, should start to think about career-building even before graduation, and take time to improve their presentation skills, for instance, which has become an important part of the recruitment process.

ACCA encourages students to do internships during vacations, and also that its members go to universities as volunteers to share their practical experiences with students and help them think about how to plan their careers.

He said the best opportunities open up to accountants who can involve themselves in all aspects of a project, who can communicate well with both their superiors and peers, and who know how to speak in a basic, clear way.

Ada Leung, who heads ACCA in China, said one of the most important things the organization does in China is its mentoring program, in which students are offered the chance to work in a real environment with real professionals.

"They'll be informed of what problems a firm is facing, and the students use their skills in various areas. Their skills improve, in addition to what they have learned at university."