I originally joined KPMG Vietnam in 2018 as a graduate. International experience has always been really important to me, so I undertook a secondment to Cambodia for six months, and then moved to KPMG Australia in 2022.
Having that initial experience in Cambodia was really beneficial for my development, both personally and professionally. Experiencing a new culture opens so many possibilities and challenges that stretch how you think as everything around you is different. It’s not just those technical skills that you gain; it’s the soft skills you need in life. You gain so many transferable skills that you can take anywhere.
Australia’s market is highly regulated, which demands auditors constantly adapt
In my current role, I lead a junior team in performing audits and act as the main point of contact between clients, the audit manager and partners. What I enjoy most is the flexibility of the role, allowing me to deliver high-quality work while maintaining a balance between client needs and the firm’s standards. I also appreciate the variety the job offers, from switching between different business processes, clients and personnel.
A key challenge in the Australian audit landscape is the continuous evolution of regulations and requirements. The market is highly regulated, which demands auditors constantly learn and adapt. This challenge excites me and motivates me to invest time in truly understanding the role of an auditor and staying ahead of industry changes.
ACCA played a pivotal role in launching my career and continues to support my professional development. I’ve built connections throughout my ACCA journey; some of these even turned into colleagues after I moved to Australia.
My biggest influence has been my wife. We were in the same cohort in KPMG Vietnam, and I would say that our ‘friendly’ competition has driven me to push myself and achieve what I have today. We still work in the same firm here in Australia.
The biggest milestone in my career was my transition to Australia, which I never anticipated when I first started my ACCA journey. While it may not be a traditional achievement, it has been a defining moment in my life, and I couldn’t be happier to have taken that step.
I strive to keep moving forward and embracing new challenges every day
My aspiration is to continually learn and grow, both professionally and personally. Whether it’s in business or other aspects of life, I strive to keep moving forward and embracing new challenges every day.
On weekends, I enjoy playing video games and going out for a coffee. My weekdays are usually quite hectic, so I really value the time I get to unwind and focus on myself and my family.
If I weren’t an accountant, I would likely have pursued a career as a software engineer or an athlete. I’m not skilled in either of these areas at the moment, but I often regret not exploring them more seriously earlier in life.
