ACCOUNTANTS LIKE things to balance. So, even though work is sure to keep him busy, Michael To Tat-wang tries to find a balance between his professional responsibilities and other parts of his life.
As tax director at Grant Thornton who specialises in China tax, Mr To usually starts his day at 6am. He logs on to the internet to update himself on news items, recent articles and any developments relating to mainland tax.
'As a tax consultant, you have to keep closely in touch with technical papers and professional journals. You must be up to date to give accurate advice and keep ahead of your competitors,' he said.
'However, when there is so much information available, it is important to select your sources carefully and manage your time well to get the most out of each day.'
The need to communicate regularly with the firm's international offices can often mean an early start and a late finish to his working day.
'When Hong Kong is winding up, London is just getting into full swing,' he said. 'I receive telephone calls from colleagues in London about mainland tax issues when it's late here, and they usually expect an immediate answer.'