[from left] Dr Abby Ashraff bin Saprudin, Uma Devi Uturaju and Dr Zubir Azhar
You need that extra edge to succeed in the world of accountancy today. That's the advice of three highly qualified accountancy and auditing academics to graduates.
Dr Abby Ashraff bin Saprudin, Uma Devi Uturaju and Dr Zubir Azhar are leading university lecturers and academics in the field. Dr Zubir and Uma Devi have attained the coveted FCPA (Aust.) designation and Dr Abby the CPA (Aust.) designation.
All three say that graduates looking to enter the profession need to have an advantage to succeed in the highly competitive accountancy job market. Technical proficiency is a must, but graduates must elevate themselves above being seen as mere 'number crunchers'.
"The market stats tell you everything. Candidates with standard qualifications are common and oversupplied," says Dr Abby, the Head of the Accounting Department, Faculty of Management, Multimedia University.
Going beyond the ordinary
So, how does a graduate stand out from the crowd?
One way is by pursuing an internationally recognised professional qualification. Attaining the CPA designation shows employers that a graduate is willing to go above and beyond for professional growth and development.
Uma Devi, an accountancy lecturer at the Victoria University Sunway KL, says she initially undertook the CPA Program because her school had become a programme partner to CPA Australia.
"One requirement to establish the programme on campus was to have CPA qualified lecturers," says the former Kings College London lecturer.
Upon researching the programme for herself, she was impressed by its scope and rigour. "What stood out the most was the design of the course, the structure, the flexibility and the online support for students studying at their own pace."
"The curriculum is curated to meet the expectations of the real world, and the exams are of high standard and quality. One cannot say, oh, it is an open book, so no need to study — I guarantee you will not pass!"
The flexibility to do you
Dr Abby says the CPA Program's flexibility was crucial in his decision to pursue the designation.
"A few years back, I was contemplating to take a professional qualification while also pursuing my PhD," he says.
"Since the CPA Program offered flexibility, I could take one paper at a time, arrange my classes, and study around my work schedule."
"It was a hard decision to make as I was juggling work and study, but I decided to give it a try since the CPA Program pathway looked manageable."
He is effusive in praising the CPA Australia staff involved with the programme. "I'm glad to be part of this network of people with intelligence. The kind and helpful staff ensured my CPA journey was a remarkable one."
Global recognition for your skills
For Dr Zubir, attaining the CPA Australia designation enabled him to connect to an international network of people and resources.
"CPA Australia is well-recognised internationally, with approximately 170,000 members all around the globe providing various accounting, finance and business services. I had the privilege to offer accountancy services to a few European companies," says the University of Manchester graduate.
He says those interested in gaining new skills, career progression and international mobility should consider the CPA Program.
"It passionately prepares and continuously develops its members to reach the next level in leadership, strategy and business without compromising the complementary skills gained and harnessed at universities."
"This is a good investment that will enable you to achieve a world-recognised professional qualification in your dream job."
Pathways to success
With flexible study options alongside face-to-face and online exams available in most locations globally, CPA Australia is committed to providing quality, consistency and integrity.
Join our complimentary 'Become a CPA' info session for an overview of the subjects, exam format, study resources, important dates, fees and the application process. Register your attendance now and enjoy a waiver on the application fee.
Special admission pathways to the CPA Program are available for holders of other relevant professional qualifications. There is also a CPA-MIA pathway for members of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) for at least five years.
The 'CPA Australia – Yayasan Peneraju Sponsorship' for Semester 1 2022 is now open for registration. Please reach out to our friendly team for more info.
Connect with us today to discuss your professional development plan. Email us at kl@cpaaustralia.com.au, drop us a WhatsApp message or call the CPA Australia team at 012-229 6746 or 012-207 5772. Please register your interest with us via the QR Code below for any other inquiries.
