How can you pivot your career so that you do what you love? In this issue, we interview Philip Wong FCCA, a former Big Four partner and CFO who has done just that. Wong is now one of the leading premier wine experts in Hong Kong with a day job as a wine educator and consultant. He talks about his early days as an accounting professional verifying the results of wine competitions and his career journey that combines his accounting skills with his passion for wine.
Over in Japan, we hear from Kate Sizova FCCA, whose accounting career has taken her around the world. Now settled in Tokyo, the multi-lingual senior manager with PwC Japan talks about why a global outlook is important in supporting her clients and how finding a balance so she can spend time with her family helps recharge her batteries.
In our business section this month, we consider the challenges SMEs face in raising finance in Asia. Although banks are still the main source of capital, entrepreneurs are turning to digital alternatives to find affordable and convenient financing. What can fintech solutions offer?
We also look at why some organisations are embedding nature-related disclosures in their reporting. Still at the early stages of adoption, recommendations from the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures are paving the way for increased visibility on companies’ impacts on nature.
We continue our series on tax policies and initiatives in Hong Kong with an article on how the Special Administrative Region has sought to maintain a competitive tax system to attract international business. And we also find out what leading tax professionals think about the measures organisations are taking to stay resilient and venture into new markets.
In our careers section, there’s a CPD article on why the ability to inspire and influence others is a quality worth developing. Could you lead with charisma? If you are looking to top up your learning, visit our dedicated section where you’ll find a library of articles to count towards your verifiable CPD.
And on a celebratory note: ACCA has announced its latest membership figures of over 250,000 in its 120th anniversary year. Watch the video and read the ACCA president’s column this month to find out more.
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