Once accredited, certified public accountants (CPAs) have a universe of opportunities ahead of them. Nevertheless, four organisation types continue to attract the bulk of candidates - Big Four accounting firms as well as smaller, so-called Small and Medium Practices (SMPs), commercial companies, and government departments. The Classified Post contacted a representative from each of these entities to discuss the opportunities, responsibilities and benefits that a potential employee might encounter.
BIG FOUR FIRMS July Kong, director, human resources, Deloitte China
Deloitte is a large brand under which tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms throughout the world collaborate to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax services to selected clients.
Kong says that CPAs looking to move into firms like hers can expect to gain experience in any of these multidisciplinary services and, subject to the work experience of the individual, can join the organisation at entry, senior, managerial, directorial, or even partner level.
For graduates and individuals who have just attained their Qualification Programme (QP) certificates, Deloitte offers comprehensive, structured learning schemes that guide and support their staff's continued education and training in both technical and soft skills, Kong explains.
'We prepare our employees to be leaders within and outside the firm through on-the-job coaching and training,' she says. 'Our training arm focuses on developing the competencies necessary to become effective and client-oriented professionals and business advisers.'
Some of the possible unique experiences and approaches on hand include a diverse client portfolio that offers staff exposure to different industries, a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to serving clients across a wide range of job areas and also the opportunity to work from home or overseas, if desired.