What are the biggest lessons in your career so far?
One has been the importance of positivity. Accountants are generally responsible for corporate financial exercises which are sometimes challenging, as they require attention to detail and interaction with diverse stakeholders, and occasionally lead to frustration and unhappiness. Positive thinking helps to enhance self-motivation and foster a can-do attitude, which has also been essential in my career. A CPA with a strong can-do attitude will be given more opportunities to take on new roles and jobs, as well as obtain positive appraisals or even promotions.
What do you like most about your role?
My current role is very exciting as I participate in the planning and implementation of corporate transactions involving business acquisitions, investments and divestments, and debt and equity financing. It often takes weeks to prepare the preliminary work, negotiate with counterparties, and interact with professional parties to facilitate the execution of transactions. My team members and I must devote a considerable amount of time and effort to close every transaction. It’s encouraging after a transaction is done and disappointing if the deal is called off. Many unexpected difficulties and hurdles which arise in the course of implementing a transaction have to be overcome within a very short period.
How have your previous experiences prepared you for your current role?
My previous work experience in the private and public sectors involved key financial functions comprising financial control and reporting, budgeting and forecasting, financial analysis, taxation and treasury. Frequent interactions with senior management and fellow colleagues with diverse backgrounds have enhanced my flexibility and adaptability in dealing with duties and jobs, and also strengthened my capability in coping with challenges, which are indispensable in pursuing a career in the corporate finance field.
How optimistic are you about the revival of the property and hotel markets in Hong Kong and Mainland China?
It is expected that it will take years for the local property market to restore momentum because the interest rates are anticipated to be maintained at a high level unless the United States Federal Reserve swiftly cuts interest rates. But I remain optimistic about the property market in the long run as the Hong Kong government has released property cooling measures to stimulate demand in residential units and commercial properties in order to avoid further decline in property values. Since the government has spent abundant financial resources to support tourism and encourage various parties to host international events to attract visitors for sightseeing and doing businesses, I believe the overall prospects of the hotel market remains positive, particularly once the number of visitors from the Mainland returns to the pre-pandemic level.
In what ways has your CPA training helped you in your career?
It has provided me with learning opportunities to gain not only fundamental accounting and finance knowledge but also analytical and soft skills, which have built up my confidence in dealing with various tasks under different positions, and with different parties. After about 25 years of working in accounting and finance, I believe that the CPA qualification will always be recognized by employers in every sector.
