Students' work-life balance can add up to a rewarding career

Certified public accountants (CPAs) are known for their ability to manage time and money, a skill honed through years of learning the art of time management by coping with presentations and examinations.

The life of an accounting student can be tough, but the rewards could be great.

At this year's Career Forum 2010, organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA), two graduates of the qualification programme talked about its challenges and benefits.

'A CPA licence is essential if one wants to work in an accountancy firm or accounting-related work in the private and public sectors, and the high entry barrier is what makes the profession attractive,' says Edward Tsui, who completed the programme five years ago and is now audit manager at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

'Whether the economy is up or down, and no matter what kind of business, the essential skills of a CPA are sought after,' says Kim Ting, who completed the 2004 course and worked for an accountancy firm before joining an airline.

According to the HKICPA, almost 100 per cent of students who qualify through the programme are able to get a job.

The course can be challenging, but time management and thorough preparation are essential, the pair say.