‘The reason why people often leave a company is because they feel that they have learnt all they can and need to move on to learn something new. But I’ve never felt this way,’ says Sharon Chow of her three decade-long career journey with CSC.
‘Things are always moving. One moment I’m in manufacturing, the next I’m in franchising, and then I get to be exposed to reporting requirements across many different countries and get a unique view into businesses that many people do not get a chance to see.’
‘We have to stay positive and be willing to change strategies when challenges arise’
In addition to the multi-faceted clientele that Chow sees as an accounting professional, she has also witnessed the evolution of the company – first as Deloitte when she joined in 1988, which then sold its corporate secretarial and accounting services to Intertrust Group in 2007, and finally as CSC, which took over the business in 2022.
Dynamic environment
These changes have seen Chow move from a two-person team, to leading a team of 100 across the Singapore and Hong Kong markets. In that time she has also seen her responsibilities expand from client servicing into managing business relationships, driving projects, and sitting in the management team.
While Chow, who is based in Singapore, enjoys working in a dynamic environment, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, including managing staff across multiple jurisdictions. ‘The staff you see here at the Singapore office only represent a portion of those serving the Singapore market. Others are based in India, and then there’s the Hong Kong office,’ she says.
In addition to ensuring that teams across these physically different locations follow protocol, Chow also needs to keep on top of the accounting standards and tax regulations of Singapore and Hong Kong.
‘It’s OK not to know everything, but it’s important to know where to find the answer’
‘There are some significant differences that exist between the two markets. Moreover, processes also differ to comply with local regulatory requirements .’
Problem solver
To deal with these challenges, Chow adopts a positive mindset, choosing to see issues not as problems but as opportunities that create business and encourage learning and development.
‘We have to stay positive and be open and willing to change strategies when challenges arise,’ she says.
CSC
CSC is a global business, legal, tax and digital brand services company providing knowledge-based solutions to clients worldwide. It has offices and capabilities in more than 140 jurisdictions in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, and more than 8,000 colleagues.
‘It’s also helpful to cut your problems into smaller parts. I find that things become less overwhelming when you approach them piece by piece. I think it’s OK not to know everything, but it’s important to know where to find the answer.’
Technology partner
Having been in the industry for over 30 years, Chow has witnessed how technology has impacted the accountancy landscape.
‘It has brought wonders to the business,’ she says. ‘There are a lot of things that we can now automate – to improve efficiency, reduce error and ensure better deliveries to our clients.’
On a more human note, Chow has also seen technology play a part in improving work-life balance in the office. ‘In the past, it was quite unthinkable for our staff to do remote working because of the physical files that they had to access in the office. Then came Covid-19 and suddenly we weren’t even allowed to come into the office. That really accelerated our move to paperless systems,’ she says, adding that platforms such as Zoom and Teams are enabling many employees to spend more quality time in their home country during festive seasons.’
‘I enjoy accountancy because it’s it’s tangible and it’s real-world’
Chow eagerly awaits future developments in technology. ‘Today, we have automated systems that can recognise patterns and auto-complete paperwork,’ she says. ‘The next thing I’m looking forward to is seeing how AI can help us with even more complex tasks, such as screening incoming funds and vendors, as part of our AML [anti-money laundering] responsibilities.’
No regrets
Even with the benefit of hindsight, Chow has no regrets about the path she has chosen; after all, accountancy is something that came naturally to her. ‘I enjoy it because it’s not something abstract but something that I can easily relate to. It’s tangible and it’s real-world,’ she says.
Chow’s ACCA qualification has, she says, opened numerous doors for her. ‘ACCA is a prestigious qualification,’ she says, noting that, when talking to clients around the world, simply mentioning ACCA ‘cuts short the trust process; once they know you are an ACCA, they automatically have a certain level of confidence in you.’
Today, Chow remains active in the organisation by maintaining CSC’s ACCA Approved Employer status as well as through involvement in ACCA job fairs. ‘I feel that I am able to encourage future accountants to join an industry that has given me so much,’ she says.
‘I realise that many of my problems could have been lessened with better emotional intelligence’
This encouragement extends to CSC’s staff, who are supported in pursuing the ACCA qualification with study leave and help with exam fees. ‘This is how much we value the qualification,’ Chow says.
For Chow, developing skills around emotional intelligence (EQ) is as vital as technical training and, drawing on her own experience, she is honest about its importance. ‘Through my own personal experience of going through hardships, I realise that many of my problems could have been lessened with better EQ,’ she admits. ‘Unwittingly, I may have caused some friction among colleagues in my younger days.
‘Once I began to get better at managing my emotions, though, I found that my relationships with people also started to improve. This has really helped my work to be smoother, and allows for better collaboration and teamwork in the office.’
