What is your current role and responsibilities? How is it going so far?
As a Finance Manager working under the financial operation team of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, I am responsible for coordination in areas of budget management and control, resource allocation and planning, and financial analysis. The role is challenging, but I’m fortunate to have a very supportive team. I treasure the opportunity to work with and learn from service partners such as doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Effective communication with different professionals is the key to success as I have to put myself in their shoes to understand their resource needs, and find ways to ensure that their operations run smoothly.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role, and why?
The most rewarding and challenging aspects of my role are responding to urgent requests and solving problems. It has been particularly challenging during this COVID-19 pandemic, as we have to handle urgent requests while maintaining due care in budget control and monitoring. As for budget management, we need to monitor the budget utilization of departments, forecast their financial position, and address any budget issues from time to time. Meetings with departments are conducted regularly to update them on the financial status based on financial projections and reports. This not only facilitates effective budget planning, but also provides a platform for departments to bring up any financial issues for discussion. We work closely with departments to support them with timely financial information to facilitate their decision-making.
What inspired you to become an accountant?
I am good with numbers and my passion to become an accountant started when I was in secondary school. I obtained my Bachelor Degree in Professional Accounting at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and began my career as an external auditor. I then moved to working in a listed company as a group finance manager as I wanted to develop myself into an all-round professional.
Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years in your career? Which field do you plan on specializing in, and why?
With my professional knowledge as a Big Four auditor, commercial experience in a listed company, and financial planning and analytical skills, I am confident that I am ready to further my career advancement. Accountants are facing challenges in today’s rapidly changing financial environment – especially with emerging new technologies and artificial intelligence – and I believe that they should focus more on creating value for businesses. I am preparing myself to become a finance leader who brings value to organizations, and I’m happy to continue developing myself in the healthcare sector.
What are the biggest lessons you have learned so far from work experience or managers?
It would be the importance of time management. When I was a junior auditor, I was assigned a lot of tasks to be completed within tight deadlines, so I had to work overtime, especially during peak seasons. Time management became more important after my promotion to a managerial position. Managing different projects and leading a team that could deliver to a high standard were not easy tasks. This taught me to prioritize tasks for my team and develop my management skills. By planning ahead, I was able to meet the expectations of my clients, supervisors, teammates and my family.
How do you think the Qualification Programme (QP) has helped you in your career so far, or prepared you for your current role?
The QP is a very comprehensive training programme. It equipped me with the relevant knowledge and skills to become a professional accountant through its modules, workshops, and examination. The financial reporting and business assurance modules of the QP helped me to understand clients’ financial statements when I was an external auditor, while the corporate financing module prepared me to make management decisions in my current role. All in all, the QP has helped me to build a solid foundation for my future.
