What are the biggest lessons in your career so far?
The most important lesson is that people are the most important part of any successful accounting firm. High-quality audits and excellent client service depend on skilled, motivated individuals who feel supported and valued. People perform at their best when they have clear paths to grow, receive honest feedback, and work in an inclusive environment. Today, with technology like artificial intelligence (AI) changing the way we work, it’s even more important to help younger professionals develop confidence and adaptability. They need help, practice, and support to deal with these changes, and honestly, so do all of us.
What are key challenges of your role?
My biggest challenge centres on talent development. Today’s young professionals have well-defined career goals and priorities, with a strong focus on self-actualization, flexible work arrangements, and tangible growth opportunities. As their mentor and partner, I am committed to helping new hires succeed in cross-border audit roles. I pair new recruits with qualified mentors, immersing them in hands-on IPO and compliance projects tailored to their professional interests. I also prioritize flexible work policies that support work-life balance, alongside clear, structured growth ladders to keep them motivated. While this approach may mean we take on fewer projects at any given time, fostering a sustainable workload is essential for building a resilient, high-performing team.
What are key factors enabling you to grow your career outside of Hong Kong?
My experience in Hong Kong’s capital market is valuable, especially this year as more Chinese Mainland businesses are looking to raise funds in Hong Kong. I can help them meet the regulatory requirements and reporting standards demanded by local investors and regulators. My on-the-ground experience in Shanghai has given me a deep understanding of local business practices. I know how local firms prioritize speed-to-market for new product lines, which often impacts their financial reporting and internal control process. I also know how state-owned enterprises navigate dual reporting requirements for both government oversight and investor disclosures.
How have you seen emerging technologies transform auditing?
AI lets auditors look at all the data, not just some of it. This helps them spot risks better and makes audits better too. Tools like AI-driven analytics and machine learning help detect problems faster and uncover deeper business insights. I believe that technology won’t replace auditors. It will give them more power to provide greater value, strengthen trust, and shape the future of audit through meaningful human and machine collaboration. But it is very important that we prepare to invest in teaching our people to work alongside these emerging technologies confidently. This is an area where I think we need to do a lot more work.
How has your CPA training helped you for your current role?
My CPA training, which includes both the HKICPA and CICPA qualifications, has been essential. The education and exams provided a solid foundation in accounting, auditing, and ethics, which are skills that I utilize daily. I can handle complex financial reporting issues, particularly in contexts involving Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. This empowers me to confidently support cross-border work, IPOs, and audits.
