An auditing group has called on the government on Wednesday to include auditors in its talent list, after a survey found more than 30 percent of such firms were heavily understaffed.

The Hong Kong Association of Registered Public Interest Entity Auditors surveyed 313 accounting practitioners and students between October last year and February. It said the results highlight "a growing shortage” of accountants.

Clement Chan, the chairman of the association, said the staff shortage situation is "very serious", and that the sector lacks more experienced workers.

“Those people who have maybe four to six years of working experience [and] had gotten themselves qualified – around that level is the area where most of the firms are finding the shortage on,” he said.

“The people of that background tend to be the main target of the migration programme recently in different Western countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada,” he explained.

And given that most of those working in the sector are female, Chan said firms should consider putting in place flexible hours and work-from-home arrangements for them to balance work and family commitments.

Based on the survey findings, 61 percent of the surveyed students said work-life balance is very important.

Chan said companies can consider offering flexible employment models such as remote work, or even part-time and project-based employment contracts.

Chan urged the government to include the accounting profession in the talent list and said the government should be more flexible and broaden the recognition of foreign qualifications.

Those working in professions under the talent list are eligible for immigration facilitation under the General Employment Policy, the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.