When I was at university, I was interested in working with people rather than numbers, so, after graduating in business administration, I got a chance to work as an HR officer for a leading microfinance institution in Cambodia. However, after a while, I felt it wasn’t challenging enough. Fortunately, a friend of a friend working as an auditor at EY suggested I give audit a shot and study ACCA. I won a government scholarship to pursue ACCA and landed a job as an auditor at PwC Cambodia a few months later.
My main role is as audit and accounting advisory engagement lead. I audit financial statements and provide accounting advice to organisations in Cambodia operating in various sectors, including financial institutions, FMGC, manufacturing, services and not for profit. What I enjoy most is finding solutions to the problems faced by accounting practitioners and adding value to organisations beyond the finance function. The biggest achievement in my career to date was assisting a number of local companies to list their shares and bonds on the Cambodian stock exchange, contributing to the development of Cambodia’s capital market and economy as a whole.
I’m inspired by the opportunity to face challenges beyond my technical skills
I love working with people, so a career in finance, especially as an auditor, which not only requires working with numbers but forming connections with different people, is perfect for me. I find helping people solve important problems inspiring, fulfilling and satisfying. I’m inspired by the opportunity to face challenges beyond my technical skills, including the ability to solve complex issues and business challenges, and leading teams and projects effectively, with the firm’s leadership team inspiring me along this career path.
Accounting and auditing standards are forever updating and becoming more complex, requiring me to continuously learn and improve. I also need to upskill beyond finance, given how quickly technology and the economy changes and evolves. Skills in AI, data analytics and sustainability reporting are increasingly important in the accounting profession.
ACCA has helped grow my career; it’s well recognised within the firm and by our clients. With the qualification, I’ve grown in confidence and gained the trust of our clients. It also helped me get a part-time job as a university lecturer in accounting and finance.
If I weren’t an accountant, I’d be a full-time English or business teacher. From a very young age, I’ve enjoyed teaching.
