By Roger Loh Kit Seng, Associate Director- Financial Advisory Service Department at Mazars

1. Description of your role – what are the important roles you play professionally?
I am currently involved in advising businesses in connection with merger and acquisitions (M&A), Initial Public Offering (IPO), debt fundraising, business valuation.

2. When did you become a member?
I became a full member of MICPA since the year 2017.

3. Share some of your fondest memories in your MICPA journey.
I met Dato’ Seri Johan Raslan when I was choosing which accountancy qualification to study. After discussing with him, it was clear to me that MICPA suited me better. He was right, and I never regretted it since then.

4. How has your MICPA journey shaped you as an individual?
The MICPA Programme is not about memorising theories and formulas. Instead, the examination tests candidates on their understanding of accounting treatments. The MICPA approach allowed me to appreciate the standards while not being just book smart.

5. How has your MICPA membership impacted your career?
Being MICPA-qualified is more than I have imagined. I have trained beyond just compliance, adding value to my M&A advising role.

6. Why is MICPA special to you / why are you proud to be a MICPA member?
MICPA focuses on technical excellence on its members, and I feel proud to be one of them. MICPA shares technical updates to members, and through its collaboration with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), I have access to Global Accounting Alliance as well.

7. Why do you think that young aspiring accountants would benefit from the MICPA Programme?
The MICPA Programme is vigorous as it comprises of four solid technical modules with the Capstone module. Most of the Programme is delivered online, where I am free to plan out my schedule to study while earning my way to become a full member of MICPA.

8. How do you think MICPA members are perceived in industry?
MICPA members are generally perceived to be technically sound with outstanding professional competence.

9. Why did you choose the MICPA Programme?
I had a full-time career when I decided to choose MICPA. I was willing to use my weekends for studies and therefore looking for a programme with online delivery. On top of that, the MICPA Programme typically tests candidates’ understanding more than memorising the accounting concepts.

10. Looking back on your MICPA journey and knowing what you know now, what is one piece of advice you would have given yourself along the way?
When I started my MICPA journey, I thought of enrolling in one module each term. However, there were times when I was more occupied with work (especially during audit peak periods). It is wise to keep a comfortable pace without rushing to complete all modules in the shortest time.

11. How did you keep yourself motivated throughout your studies especially having to work & study at the same time? What benefits did you reap from the experience?
I must admit this was not easy as I took the MICPA Programme while having a full-time job. I planned and allocated time for study. It was not easy, but I realised that when I am able to plan and allocate my time well, I am better at prioritising work and meeting deadlines.

12. Do you feel that the Programme prepared you for real work life scenarios? Share your experience.
Definitely! I believe MICPA Programme prepares candidates to be a qualified Accountant. My analytical skills and scepticism have developed over time, and I comprehend the relationship between a company’s business model and financial performance. I truly appreciate the training I have gone through under the Programme.

13. What would you do differently if you had the chance?
I am glad I took MICPA, and I think I would stick to the same decision if I could choose again.

14. What advice would you give to rising young professional accountants who might be afraid to take up the challenge?
The MICPA Programme provides a lifetime of rewards with just a few years of hard work. What is better than earning two qualifications with a single Programme?

Note: The MICPA Programme is awarded by MICPA. Completion of the MICPA Programme can lead to eligibility for CA ANZ membership if requirements are met.

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