I started my career as an audit assistant in a medium-sized firm. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to remain in the finance line or venture into something different, such as writing for a newspaper or magazine. However, I chose to pursue ACCA as a part-time student after my degree and, 18 years down the road, I’m glad that I kept my nose to the grindstone.
Accountants or ‘finance people’ were previously known as number-crunchers. This is now a myth as prospects in this profession are diverse. This is largely due to the advent of technology, offshoring to low cost centres and globalisation. The bottom line is, we need to be self-aware and learn to be versatile so that we can evolve with emerging trends.
I have good insight into the organisation’s vision and mission related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
My professional network keeps me abreast of current trends. Through it I learn how other organisations are coping with changes in technology. For example, we are currently venturing into robotic process automation in some of our business areas, such as procurement, as well as studying the feasibility of implementing it in the finance functions here at WHO’s global service centre.
Malaysia is preparing for the fourth industrial revolution. Finance professionals must stay alert to this to maintain their relevance.
My recent promotion gives me an overview of all the processes in WHO and how the work done by each unit in different parts of the world impacts the financial statements. Moreover, it gives me the opportunity to make suggestions on improving controls without increasing the workload for senior management. Having been with WHO for close to nine years and having been in various roles prior to this, I have good insight into the organisation’s vision and mission related to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Malaysia has great potential in terms of business. We are still considered a low cost centre for multinationals to offshore their businesses.
If I wasn’t an accountant, I’d have been a doctor. But I have no regrets as I’m indirectly related to the heath sector via the UN’s dealings with humanitarian emergencies around the world. In my own way, I feel I am contributing to the community and humanity.