Qualification to future proof your career
TEH Wee Sheng always dreamt of becoming a doctor or a scientist, but all that changed when he turned 16.
“My brother had just begun studying for the ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ICAEW ACA) qualification and the world of business and finance sounded so exciting. I decided I was going to find out more,” he said.
Chartered accountants play a key role in providing strategic counsel and direction to help businesses maintain financial health and drive growth.
In an ever-more digitised age, businesses will increasingly rely on their critical judgment and analysis. This prestigious career offers unlimited opportunities for professional growth in a strong and consistent industry.
The ICAEW ACA is an internationally recognised professional qualification that signifies the highest standards of technical expertise, proficiency and ethical conduct.
ICAEW ACA professionals bear the designator letters “ACA” after their names, distinctive credentials that are significantly valued in business and finance.
Around the world, students undertaking the ICAEW ACA generally begin their careers with full-time employment while studying part-time.
In Malaysia, students have the unique opportunity to begin the ICAEW ACA programme after Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or equivalent.
Malaysia is the only country that offers this pathway via the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB).
This full-time course is conducted at selected, approved higher education institutes such as Sunway College, INTEC Education College and Kolej Profesional MARA, Beranang.
Teh began the ICAEW CFAB programme after SPM, commenting, “The qualification provided me solid technical grounding and essential business and finance skills, and helped expand my thought process.”
The rapid pace of change in business and finance requires professionals to be dynamic and adaptable in their thinking, approach and response.
The ICAEW ACA programme is updated every year to ensure students acquire the highest level of technical, analytical and strategic thinking skills. These and many other critical skills, such as agility and collaboration, are further developed when students undergo structured training for the ACA.
Teh shares, “At 20, I began my ACA Training Agreement with Deloitte Malaysia, an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer. I was actively involved in client work, such as auditing and also provided feedback and counsel to ensure a true and fair view of the financial statements, which would then be produced.
“I also developed my time management skills as I learnt how to effectively and efficiently organise myself to work fulltime, study part-time and represent Malaysia in the sport of dodgeball.”
Teh completed the ICAEW ACA programme and became a member of ICAEW at age 24. Since having the letters “ACA” behind his name, he has had his pick of many exciting job opportunities.
Today, Teh enjoys a successful career as a senior financial analyst with The Royal Bank of Canada’s Capital Markets Division.
■ For more details on how to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant, visit icaew.ca-sea. asia or contact ICAEW Malaysia at malaysia@icaew.com or 03-2171 6022.
Coming up next week: An ICAEW chartered accountant and leading food and beverage entrepreneur shares her success story.