I am the main accountant at Harvey Law Group. The law firm was founded in 1992 and is established in 20 countries. As the group has expanded, my role has evolved.
Before I was hired, most of the accounting activities were outsourced. I had to deal with business-as-usual activities, but also take steps to progressively bring accounting in-house.
My role is very dynamic and constantly requires me to update my skills
One challenge was to implement a scalable in-house accounting system. It needed to support and accommodate the company’s growth, both locally and internationally. I like this role as it is very dynamic and constantly requires me to update my skills.
I chose to study accounting as accounting skills are transferable internationally and I always earned good grades in mathematics. So I went to City, University of London to study for a BSc in economics with accountancy.
After my degree, I started working for accountancy firms to be trained as a professional accountant. I studied for my ACCA Qualification through three solid years of training. I have since gained extensive experience in various organisations in the UK and Hong Kong.
Accountancy in China will grow in importance. I expect accountants will not only deal with financial data, but also advise major listed companies on strategy and internal audit planning. The internal controls of entire companies rely on accountants, who play a crucial role in ensuring they comply with regulations.
Always upgrade yourself by learning about new regulations, tax rules or tech skills
The main challenges for me in the ongoing international expansion of Harvey Law Group is the high volume of data and regulations. To deal with the data, I stay updated on the development of the latest accounting systems. I also need to coordinate with external auditors for our law firm’s clients and trust accounts to meet the Law Society of Hong Kong’s compliance deadlines.
Once you have achieved your ACCA qualification, don't stop learning new skills to enhance your future prospects. Always upgrade yourself by learning about new regulations, tax rules or tech skills.
Outside of work, I enjoy swimming and hiking. I also like cooking and trying out different international cuisines.
