Accountancy job prospects with criminal record?

Hi all. I am seeking some advice on my situation please. I have recently completed my accountancy exams in the UK and would like to move to Hong Kong. My problem is I have a criminal record for assault causing bodily harm in Hong Kong.

Long story short, my mother got into an argument with a HK taxi driver, and it escalated into a fight between taxi driver and myself, subsequently I pleaded guilty on the advice that it would not be very serious. Anyhow I ended up with a criminal record and a fine.


My questions are, 1) would it still be possible for me to realistically pursue an accountancy career in Hong Kong? 2) can anyone tell me what the procedure in the employee background check is please? 3) and would such a check be conducted on a person who has just arrived from overseas? 4) and I have read that employers do not have permission to see a persons actual criminal record, but can see a non-criminal record?


Other details: I hold a Hong Kong Identity Card which allows me to live in hk. I will be looking for entry level/lower supervisory level types of jobs (e.g. Assistant Accountant, Finance Assistant, Accounts Assistant)


Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Were you a minor when you committed the offense?

If yes, then you do not have to disclose that information to anyone. (except to the court.)

If not, then it will most likely come up in a properly conducted background check. (you sign a waiver to privacy when you submit to background check, giving your employer's agent the right to check all your police and court records.)

It will certainly be a major hurdle.

A little clarification first, the HK ID card (assuming it is not a Permanent ID card) is only valid with a visa. It does not grant you a right to live in HK.

Assuming you do not have permanent ID, then you face three hurdles:

1) convince a employer to overlook the criminal record and hire you anyway

2) convince Immigration department to grant you a work visa

3) accountant jobs sometimes need to be licensed, with a very rigorous background check.


first two hurdles are not impossible, the third one is.

so my advice to you is to be perfectly honest with your employer. (after getting the job offer, but before the background check and visa application.)

Explain to them that you made a mistake when you were young and dumb. Getting the employer's cooperation is the key to overcome hurdles 1 and 2.

And avoid applying for jobs which may require a professional license.


Good luck.

Thankyou for your reply, unfortunately I wasnt a minor when the incident occured. So, it will be a certainty that it will show up in a background check as criminal records are not spent for accountants in HK.


In reply to your 3rd point: yes thats right. I read about this, and my criminal record means I will not be able to apply for public sector accountancy jobs. I will definitely avoid these jobs.

2nd point: my ID card is permanent, which allows me the right to abode in HK.

1st point: this is my biggest concern. My only hope is that they dont ask for a background check. A friend of mine secured a job for a global law firm in HK, and is sure that a background check wasnt conducted when my friend was appointed?


Thanks for your advice

Since you have HKPR, then the issue is much easier.

Background check is standard practice for most big multinationals, and required in banking. But smaller local employers in non-regulated industries are much more relaxed about it.

Many local employers do not bother, because it incurs an expense.

So if the employer does not ask, do not volunteer the info.

If they ask, then tell them the simple facts. You may even win points for honesty.

Thanks for your advice Oski. I really appreciate the time and effort you have made in replying to my questions, I thank you!