While accounting is a popular career choice in Hong Kong, many students enter this field without realising the rich career opportunities waiting for them. After laying the foundations, there is a variety of roads to be taken depending on one's interest and inclination.
Many don't realise that the industry has undergone fundamental changes, and accountants have become strategic business partners, not only taking account of what has happened and how much has been spent, but also forecasting and contributing to the companies' future performance.
'We call accounting the 'common business language'. The skills set you have obtained helps general management to be more effective and make [the right] business decisions,' says Brenda Lam, head of learning development at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Hong Kong.
'Many chief executives and company directors have an accounting background,' she says, pointing out that there are several ways to get to such a distinguished position.
'Some specialise, such as in audit or tax, and then go into the commercial sector. Some go into the commercial sector and then specialise. Mobility is very important if one wants to develop a rewarding career internationally,' Lam says.
For young graduates, whether they major in accounting or other subjects, it is important to have a basic concept of the roles accountants can play in today's business.
