I got my start in accounting when I joined PwC, after studying mathematics as an undergraduate in London. I came back to Hong Kong to find a job and found this role by chance.
I was an associate when I joined the company, and I’m now a senior consultant in the integrated tax business consulting department. I provide tax compliance services such as preparing tax returns and applying for certificates of tax residence as well as tax advice and business consulting such as due diligence, restructuring and international tax advice.
The role is quite an independent one. I do my work, and it is reviewed by my seniors or partners afterwards. I connect with the team from time to time to share our knowledge and experience.
I find it quite challenging to interact with different clients every day. It is different from audits or other commercial jobs, where you work for the same company for a set period or for the whole year. I have more than 200 accounts, so I have to react quickly to answer different client requests and be agile solving a diverse set of problems.
I have more than 200 accounts, so I have to react quickly to answer different client requests
I had no accounting knowledge before I started my professional studies, so I had to take all 13 subject exams to obtain my ACCA Qualification. I was fortunate that PwC offered me study leave to prepare and attend the exams. I passed all 13 in just 15 months and was awarded the top affiliate accolade in Hong Kong.
Every company requires tax services in its life cycle. I think the rapid economic development in China has led to exponential growth in the number and size of Chinese companies, leading to an increase in demand for tax services.
The international tax environment continues to evolve and impact many companies. There is a greater demand for tax services so businesses can expand or ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations. With the implementation of the OECD’s Pillar One and Two rules, I think more Chinese enterprises will have to pay increasing attention to international tax rules. To keep up with a changing demand of skills and scope of client work, a Hong Kong tax professional with fluent Chinese will be in a better position to help Chinese enterprises resolve their issues.
Technology is evolving and organisations are looking to automate their workflow. It is good for tax professionals to upskill; we have to acknowledge that technology is needed in areas like tax. International tax is quite sophisticated and requires a lot of financial data to be transformed into tax-specific data. At PwC, we have a tax technology and reporting team to provide technology solutions and help clients automate their tax reporting processes.
Outside of work, I like to exercise. Before Covid-19, I hit the gym and hiked every week. I also like bouldering (free climbing, without ropes or harness), which helps keep my mind and body refreshed and challenged.
