As a typical accounting student, I started my career as an auditor after graduation. Not long after, however, I found I could not get used to the frequent client site visits or business travel, so I threw myself into the tax field with a focus on Hong Kong corporate tax.
My client portfolio consists of listed groups, MNCs and local private groups who come from various industries, particularly in real estate, infrastructure and transportation. I advise our clients on potential tax risks and provide recommendations in respect of group shake-ups. I also assist clients in dealing with queries or tax audits raised or done by tax authorities. Internally, I help our audit team with tax provisioning reviews to facilitate their audit work, and I am responsible for coaching junior staff.
As global and local tax rules gradually evolve, we must humbly and continually learn new knowledge
Having a stable working environment and some regular targets to achieve, such as tax filing deadlines, are things I enjoy in my work. Being a tax practitioner, my work is not only accounting-focused, but also law-oriented. Therefore, one challenge is that we must understand the tax rules and relevant case law thoroughly to provide our clients with profound and practical insights. Also, as global and local tax rules gradually evolve, we must humbly and continually learn new knowledge to equip ourselves and be subject-matter experts.
Technology is advancing rapidly and our profession is also picking up speed to cope with it. While the global pandemic drastically impacted the economy and our daily life, it has also created new opportunities for digital transformation and fostered a new working culture. Accounting firms must now encourage remote working arrangements, the shift towards digitalisation, adopting various green initiatives and valuing staff wellbeing. With all these worthwhile changes, I believe our industry can be modernised, enhance service efficiency, reduce staff turnover and attract top talent.
We must maintain our curiosity about things and be prepared to seize every business and career opportunity
Accountants are facing many different challenges these days, such as amendments to our accounting standards, digitalisation of our workflows and professional service solutions, increasing demands for remote working and greater awareness of achieving a work-life balance. To adapt to these changes, I invest time reading industry-related journals and news, and discuss cases with colleagues via virtual meetings or instant messaging.
We should take pride in our work and take advantage of the new technologies to increase our work productivity and efficiency. We should never stop learning and improving. We must maintain our curiosity about things and be prepared to seize every business and career opportunity. Furthermore, we should be open-minded about new ideas and experiences, and have the courage to dispense with the traditional ways of working.
Being the firm’s People Champion, I help to promote work-life balance in our office. I organise different types of events, such as tea treats, virtual team gatherings and internal football games. Joining these activities improves our wellbeing, and boosts our team spirit and bonding.
In my leisure time, I do workouts or go jogging regularly. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and walking my dog.
