2025 China Finance and Accounting Salary Guide

In China, finance and accounting teams serve as the bedrock of enterprises, playing a vital role in ensuring financial order and providing crucial insights for navigating the complex business environment. But the finance function in China is in a state of transformation. It is evolving towards a more versatile model, where job roles are becoming increasingly integrated and comprehensive.

Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements is an ongoing struggle and the talent stability of finance departments remains a concern for department leaders.

While senior-level positions maintain a certain stability, the competition for middle management talent is intense. Finance departments are currently relying on contractors to immediately stem skill gaps but sectors like new energy are finding it harder than other like real estate and semiconductor.

Finance and accounting market update

With economic recovery, the Chinese economy is on a stable path, yet external uncertainties persist.

Meanwhile, new internal control regulations and increasing internationalisation strategies boost the demand for high-level finance positions.

Enterprises are seeking professionals with knowledge in finance, business operations, technology, and data analytics.

Salaries by category

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Market outlook

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Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size and demand for the role.

Accounting

Compliance/Internal Audit/Internal Control

Costing

Credit Control

Financial Management

Financial Planning & Analysis

Finance Business Partnering

Reporting

Tax

Treasury

Mergers & Acquisitions

Supply Chain & Procurement

3PL

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Senior Accountant/AP or AR Supervisor - S/M

166000

224000

293000

Senior Accountant/ AP or AR Supervisor - L

186000

275000

392000

General Ledger Accountant - S/M

149000

186000

244000

General Ledger Accountant - L

224000

248000

305000

General Ledger Manager - S/M

436000

474000

513000

General Ledger Manager - L

562000

625000

637000

Accounting Manager/Shared Services Centre Manager - S/M

450000

523000

589000

Accounting Manager/Shared Services Centre Manager - L

499000

625000

711000

Accounting Director/Shared Services Centre Director - L

1000000

1300000

1800000

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Finance professionals in China are adopting more realistic salary expectations, with fewer candidates making excessive demands. The market is shifting toward a more stable and balanced compensation landscape, though salary remains a key priority for those in finance and accounting roles.

of finance workers say it is more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year of finance workers say it is more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year

of finance workers will focus on their professional development if they are not given a pay rise in 2025 of finance workers will focus on their professional development if they are not given a pay rise in 2025

In the wake of the market's instability and fluctuations, career stability and salary have become the two aspects that current finance and accounting employees value the most. To remain competitive, employers should address the worries of their staff through clear and straightforward communication channels and by showing their dedication to safeguarding long-term job security.

of finance workers think job security and salary are equally important of finance workers think job security and salary are equally important

of finance professionals working at Fortune Global 500 foreign enterprises prioritise job security over salary of finance professionals working at Fortune Global 500 foreign enterprises prioritise job security over salary

Automation has become a prominent trend in finance. Although GenAI is still in infancy, its potential applications in finance have already begun to emerge. The shortage of GenAI talent may hinder the simplification of operations and the enhancement of efficiency.

of finance leaders are devising AI upskilling initiatives, and 51% are creating new job roles tied specifically to AI of finance leaders are devising AI upskilling initiatives, and 51% are creating new job roles tied specifically to AI

of finance employees consider AI skills essential for career advancement of finance employees consider AI skills essential for career advancement

The mandate of returning to the office has been met with mixed reactions among finance and accounting professionals.

While 47% say full-time office work boosts productivity, 44% and 41% respectively argue hybrid and full-time remote work are equally effective, indicating a predilection for workplace flexibility. If hybrid or remote work isn't viable for companies, providing flexible hours can also benefit businesses.

of finance workers intend to request working from home/hybrid options in 2025 of finance workers intend to request working from home/hybrid options in 2025

of finance workers intend to request remote working options in 2025 of finance workers intend to request remote working options in 2025

In-demand jobs in finance and accounting

Finance Business Partner

Internal Audit Manager

Reporting Manager

Financial Controller

Financial Planning Analyst

Internal Auditor

Internal Control Manager

General Ledger Accountant

In-demand certifications and degrees in finance and accounting

CPA

ACCA

CFA

CMA

In-demand skills and experience in finance and accounting

Project management office (PMO)

Financial modelling

Costing

Data analytics

Communication and interpersonal skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Presentation skills

Rapid learning

How much should I earn or pay?

Top industries hiring for finance and accounting specialists

FMCG

Energy

Pharmaceuticals & healthcare

Consultancy

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers in China.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses or benefits. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

The non-salary data presented in this Salary Guide is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 finance, accounting, and IT and technology professionals employed by a diverse range of organisations in China, including SMEs and large companies in first-tier cities.

Third party sources: 1. Microsoft&LinkedIn, 2024, Work Trend Index Annual Report 2024