I started my ACCA journey in the second year of university, though I was not an accounting major at that time. With great interest in finance and a willingness to learn, I studied with some accounting-major friends and we encouraged each other.
I had no exemptions for ACCA. Luckily, I passed F1–F3 on the first try, which gave me more confidence for the rest of the exams. I drafted a study plan, did exercises every day and finally passed all 14 exams in four years with encouragement from my parents.
After four years working in Hong Kong, I have not stopped learning. I signed up for the MSc in professional accountancy at the University of London in 2018, when I was pregnant, and completed the course after my child was born. Although it was not easy, I made it with the support of my family and my husband. It is one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Working efficiently during the day without inefficient overtime is an important consideration
I am currently working as a credit analyst, in a credit approval role, at CMB Wing Lung Bank. My job is to review the bank’s limits, evaluate the credit profile of companies that apply for bond issuances or loans, and write credit analysis reports. When I am analysing the credit profile of a company, the accounting and financial analysis knowledge I gained from ACCA helps me a lot. I really enjoy my current job and wish to learn more about different corporates and financial institutions.
The biggest challenge is to balance work and life. Working efficiently during the day without inefficient overtime is an important consideration.
The banking and financial industry in China needs more accounting professionals. Individuals with professional financial knowledge are more appealing now than ever before.
Accounting professionals have more choice. They can choose the Big Four, but also have options like investment banking, commercial banking, credit analysis at asset management companies, mutual funds or corporates. Professionals equipped with financial and accounting knowledge will have a varied career journey.
Passing the ACCA exams is not the final goal. The 14 courses provide valuable knowledge, but achieving the ACCA Qualification is not the end; it is just a beginning. Practice is always different from what is in the books, but the confidence knowledge brings makes for a stronger life.
In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, yoga, hiking and reading. I even have an International Dance Teachers’ Association qualification for Latin dance.
