I am a student at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, studying for a master’s in professional accounting. I am also an intern in the university’s financial services team. I want to gain local accounting and auditing experience, while also learning about New Zealand’s workplace culture. Most of the time, I help the accounts payable team. I also get involved in small projects to improve workflow.
I will start as an external auditor for RSM New Zealand in February 2021. What I like most about this job is that it values soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and leadership, as much as technical skills. I aspire to become an auditing professional. I hope to provide specialised services and valuable advice to my clients. I want to share my opinion on accounting standards and professional trends with many people. At the same time I also want to maintain a balance between work and life.
I worked as an external auditor in China for almost four years. During that time, I completed more than 300 audit projects, involving all kinds of entities. I am so proud of this accomplishment as it shows my high level of efficiency under pressure.
The Covid-driven homecoming of New Zealanders will bring a lot of talent, but also many challenges in how to utilise their skills and integrate them back into communities
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about huge change in many businesses. Companies need to reconsider their business models and core competitiveness. Online access to their products and services has become more important than ever. Meanwhile, the way of working has also significantly changed. People now work from home and attend virtual meetings.
Due to Covid-19, many overseas New Zealanders have decided to return home, which has led to a huge increase in house prices. The homecoming of New Zealanders will bring with it a lot of talent, especially in science, art, education and medicine. But it will also bring many challenges in how to utilise their skills and integrate them back into communities.
Technology has triggered a blast of information and data. For the auditing profession, the adoption of new technologies, such as robotic process automation, blockchain and artificial intelligence, enables auditors to access more information, and develop improved insights and analytics. In the future, technologies will continue to liberate people from entry-level repeatable work and make them focus on critical decision-making.
Networking expands my vision, renews my knowledge, keeps me motivated and provides me with new opportunities. Becoming an ACCA member has brought me into contact with the most outstanding leaders in accounting and auditing all over the world, and I have learned a lot from them.
If I weren’t an accountant, what would I be? If I didn’t work as an auditor or accountant, I would have chosen to protect animals or fight against global warming.
