Lawrence Kang Kee Chuan
Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) Accounting
Alumni March 2007
Chairman, Askar Wataniah, 2005-2006

I am Lawrence Kang Kee Chuan, graduate of Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) Accounting, 2007 April batch. Since graduation, I have been working as an auditor, serving two prestigious companies, namely Deloitte & Touch and Ernst & Young, located in Malaysia and Singapore respectively. I have just obtained my CPA (Aust.) associate membership a few months back.

Here, I would like to share some of my working experience with you. I still remember how I worried for my future when I was in my last semester in university. I got Second Lower Class honours and there was a spreading rumor that Second Upper Class was the minimum requirement to get into a medium size or large audit firm. Therefore, I did not hope much and started off my career working in a travel agency as an Account Executive cum Acting Manager. My primary job scope was to handle overseas accounts with the help of an assistant. After three months, I received an interview notice from Deloitte & Touch. I attended the interview apprehensively and anticipated all sorts of questions to be thrown at me. Fortunately, I managed to sail through the interview and that was how I started my new chapter working at Deloitte & Touch as an Audit Assistant II on 15 April 2007.

The most challenging part of my job then was the application of the accounting standard, cash flow and deferred tax as they were not like what we had studied. Besides, I also had to juggle to apply the Audit Methodology in my workplace; from the way I selected the sample to the way I tested the account balance, all these to achieve a sound conclusion. I worked almost 16 hours per day in order to familiarize myself with the new tasks and environment. I did that voluntarily because I wanted to pick up the methodology as soon as I can in order to move faster to the next level. Shortly, nine months after, I was promoted to a SIC (Staff-In-Charge). As a SIC, my responsibilities were to lead the junior staff, handle more complex section and close up some smaller files. By then, my working hours ranged from 12-14 hours per day. My main motivation was to outperform others by submitting quality work to my superior. In return, I did gain good reputation at the management level.

One fine day, after nineteen months of hard work and great opportunity came up. One of my Audit Managers approached me and asked me whether I would like to advance my career by move to Singapore. I gladly took up the challenge to work in one of the world's financial hubs. I officially joined Ernst & Young LLP Singapore on 1st December 2008 as an Audit Executive III. I definitely feel proud because one normally needs 4 years to achieve this position.

At Singapore, my challenges are even greater than before. I needed to brush up my English so as to communicate well with colleagues and clients who are the cream of NUS and NTU and some overseas. To write report to my English native Manager was another big challenge as well. Besides, I must catch up with the Singapore Financial Reporting Standard which is different from Malaysia's. On top of that, I have to familiarize myself with EY Methodology in audit procedure within the shortest time since as seniors; we are the ones the junior will always refer to when they face any problem. Looking back, I spent almost 17 hours daily on my working desk for months to get this new knowledge at my fingertips.

As I climb further up the ladder, command of English becomes more important, alongside with technical knowledge. I have to master the appropriate way to deal with clients? top management, negotiate with clients on dateline, discuss and solve audit issues, report to managers and partners regarding the latest status, and even sit in meeting rooms with other EY country managing partners, technical partners and head of audit practice.

With the strong determination and soft skills which I acquired through the Malaysia Royal Army Reserve Officer Training sometime ago, I managed to sail through all these. Today, the managers and colleagues in my department know me and trust me. Although, I did not pass with flying colors in my studies, I managed to stand where I am today. What I am trying to say is, even though to maintainance a good CGPA is important, it is not everything. As long as you are willing to work hard for your career, you will get your rewards.

With that, I end my article. It is 3a.m, 15th October, Saturday. I am still sitting at my EY desk at One Raffles Quay Office. I am not a workaholic. I am here because I like to stay in office and I know that there are greater rewards waiting ahead for me.