In high school I was in the science stream, but I realised quickly that it wasn’t the path for me. After graduating, I enrolled in the CAT-ACCA programme at UiTM Shah Alam, in my home country of Malaysia. Shortly after, I received an offer to study a BSc in accounting at the University of Essex. In my final year, TalentCorp held a careers fair in London to recruit Malaysian students. I received a conditional offer from PwC Malaysia and started in the Johor Bahru office two weeks after graduation.
My career has since taken me from Malaysia to New Zealand. I’ve also taken two blocks of paternity leave (around three months in total) with PwC New Zealand following the birth of my second child – a benefit I’m very grateful for, as it allowed me to focus on my family and adjust to new routines.
Clients are expecting more than a traditional audit
I’m currently an assurance manager at PwC New Zealand. I manage audit engagements, including planning, delivery, risk management, quality and client relationships, while also developing and supporting our team. I most enjoy the variety. Each client and industry brings different challenges, which keeps the work interesting from a technical perspective. The role also places strong emphasis on people – communicating effectively, motivating teams and supporting growth. That combination makes the job meaningful.
Assurance is evolving quickly. Standards and regulatory expectations continue to rise, with a strong focus on quality, transparency and robust documentation. Clients are also expecting more than a traditional audit; they want insights into risks, better clarity around processes and practical advice on how to improve. Technology is transforming our work as well – from data analytics to more efficient audit processes. It’s an exciting shift, as it challenges us to keep learning, adapt and raise the bar in how we deliver value.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family
ACCA has been hugely valuable. The qualification gave me a strong grounding across finance, audit, ethics and governance – all of which tie directly to my day-to-day work. A standout for me was the Strategic Business Leader exam; it helped me think more broadly about how organisations operate and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different levels. Across Malaysia, New Zealand and globally, the ACCA network has also helped me build connections and gain perspectives that continue to shape my development.
My biggest influence has been my family. Early in my career, the learning curve was steep. I was building my career, studying for ACCA and starting a family all at once. Their support gave me the resilience to keep going, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
I’m most proud of building a career across different offices and countries while also building a life with my family. The profession can be demanding but it has given me great opportunities – working with great people, serving diverse clients and growing through challenges. What matters most is not simply the roles, but how I’ve grown: leading teams, earning trust and staying grounded in why assurance matters.
If I weren’t an accountant, I’d probably be a pilot. It has no real link to what I do now, but the idea of flying and seeing the world from above is something that has always intrigued me.
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