A professional accounting pathway
THE idea of studying to become a chartered accountant (CA) or certified public accountant (CPA) often invokes images of intense struggle, stress and sleepless nights. It is no secret that the path to becoming a professional accountant requires determination, perseverance and focus.
With accounting becoming a popular field of undergraduate study, it has become necessary to have more than just a degree. Receiving a professional qualification can help one progress further in her career.
However, with myriad professional courses available, it can be daunting for a fresh graduate to decide her next step.
A joint programme offeredbytwo prestigious professional bodies – the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) – the MICPA-CAANZ programme is fast becoming the qualification of choice for accounting graduates and employers alike due to its many benefits. It provides graduates with two memberships and qualifications – CPA (Malaysia) and CA (Australia and New Zealand) – both of which are recognised globally.
Members also have access to the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), a group of 10 prestigious accounting bodies from 11 countries.
The GAA passport lets members obtain technical support from their local GAA bodies without having to pay a fee. This benefit is useful for accounting professionals looking to embark on a global career.
The programme requires candidates to work and study concurrently for at least three out of five modules. The MICPA-CAANZ requires three years of work-study experience but it is possible to complete all five modules within two years.
Examinations are open-book with questions based on real-world scenarios. The programme is focused on developing candidates’ application skills and analytical thinking.
Drew Siow qualified as a CPA and CA in 2016 during his three years of gaining audit experience in PwC Malaysia. He has since moved on to PwC Australia, where he is a senior auditor.
According to him, being able to relate his lessons to his work improved his understanding of the course material and real-world applications.
“Studying while working instilled discipline in me, which has been useful in defining priorities in my career and personal life.
“I organised my study load by arranging my studying around peak periods at work and personal downtime.”
Siow did well in the programme, becoming a top scorer in Malaysia and winning Gold Medals for three modules of the programme.
Teoh Hwee Chee is another recent graduate who is obtaining practical experience as a tax consultant at KPMG Malaysia. She completed two of the MICPA-CAANZ modules during her degree and the remaining three while working.
She says that working while studying has given her better insight into how a business operates across various industries. As for how she managed to study while working full-time, she shares, “Planning is necessary but self-discipline is just as important.”
Siow and Teoh kept in touch with colleagues and friends pursuing the same module to share learning materials, tips and useful resources.
I organised my study load by arranging my studying around peak periods at work and personal downtime. Drew Siow
For more information on the MICPA-CAANZ, call 03-2698 9622, e-mail info@micpa.com.my or visit www.micpa.com.my