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Sunway TES Centre for Accountancy Excellence is no stranger to world class achievements, producing students that stand amongst the cream of the crop, not just on a national level but on an international scale as well.
Ng Jia Hui began her accounting journey in January 2019, enrolling in Sunway College under the Certified Accounting Technician Programme as a proud recipient of Sunway TES Global Leaders Bursary Scholarship. After graduating with flying colours, she continued to make waves while undertaking her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exams.
Throughout her academic career, she has achieved some amazing feats, most notably #1 Top Affiliate, ACCA Global, #1 Top Affiliate, ACCA Malaysia,as well as numerous World Prizes for various subjects such as Advanced Audit and Assurance ( AAA).
In light of her achievements, we have had the honour of interviewing Ng Jia Hui about her career pathway after completing ACCA in an effort to offer some insight about the working world to current students.
- Could you please elaborate on your current job position?
Currently, I am working as an audit associate, entry level auditor in one of the Big 4 Firms (Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG, PWC ). Auditors usually work in a team for an audit engagement with a client, typically around 2-5 months depending on the size of the client.
As a more junior level auditor, I will be in charge of less complex areas, and assist my seniors in more complex areas. My main job scope in the field includes vouching and documenting work done in work papers, communicating with clients to understand their business and daily transactions.
- How was your job hunting experience?
As I applied to the Big 4 Firms, which are the top choices of many of the alumni, the process was generally slower as many candidates applied for the position. However, in the field of audit, there will always be a demand for new hires, and hence the possibility of not getting a job was not much of a worry to me. The process beginning from the application stage to my first day of work took around 2 months, during which I was able to take a good break after I completed my exams.
- To what extent has Sunway TES/ACCA equipped you to face your working environment?
ACCA syllabus has provided me with the technical knowledge I need to perform my work, such as an understanding of the accounting standards and auditing standards. Sunway TES lecturers have always briefed us regarding the real life working world, as most of them are from the audit field prior to lecturing. I am mentally prepared for the different circumstances and situations that I may face in the working world.
I also have many classmates and friends from Sunway TES that joined the same firm with me, and it provides me with good connections to discuss matters and issues together and share insights from our work experience.
- What challenges do you face in your work? How do you overcome them?
One of the challenges I face is definitely the long working hours during busy periods, as we may be required to work past 9pm-10pm to meet deadlines. The best way to overcome this challenge will be to take breaks constantly, and also taking the time off during weekends where possible.
Another challenge I face as a junior level staff member is that I may be afraid to ask seniors questions as they are busy with their own work and I don’t want to bother them. However, I have learned that this is not a great mentality. If I keep the issue to myself and it snowballs into a big issue that was not discovered earlier, it will have a negative impact on the whole audit process. My seniors and team are also very helpful and friendly, and welcome me to bring up issues that require their guidance. So, I do not need to worry about being scolded for not knowing something.
- How important is work-life balance to you?
Work life balance is important, as it provides my mind with a break, and also enables me to focus more on my work. However, the nature of my work requires me to work overtime during busy periods, but I still take the initiative to catch some rest during weekends to do the things that I enjoy.
- Do you have any advice for current ACCA students or future auditors?
Auditing may be difficult in the first few years, but it provides a good platform for other job fields in the future, such as banking, finance, risk management and so on.I think the first few years of practical experience is extremely important, as it is the place where we can ask questions and learn, without much responsibility to hold.
To all current ACCA students: the journey may be difficult, but when you look back at your journey, all the sweat and tears will be worthwhile when you reach the peak of the mountain.
To all young auditors: There may be a lot to learn and it might be stressful, but there’s never a rainbow without the rain. Do remember to take time to rest, eat well, and do things that you enjoy as well!
We would like to extend our warmest thanks and gratitude to Ng Jia Hui for accepting our interview and providing us with some insight regarding the field of audit. Hopefully, her words of encouragement will resonate not just with students and auditors, but also for any young people out there who are finding their footing in the working world. As she continues on her career path, we wish her continued success.
Written by: Sarah
Edited by: Ruby
