IBSS Holds Finance Department Career Development Seminar

Recently, the Work Placement, Employability and Career Development (WEC) team at International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), successfully organized a seminar titled "Explore the Corporate World: Career Development in Finance Department." The event invited several experts in this field to engage in in-depth discussions on topics including core competencies for accounting professionals, career advancement strategies, and adapting to AI-driven changes in the field.

The seminar was moderated by Ms Hailu Hou, Career Counsellor at IBSS. Distinguished guests included: Ms Li Wang, Vice President, CFO, and Board Secretary of PROYA (XJTLU External Mentor); Mr Yu Kwong Wong, Teaching Fellow in Department of Accounting at IBSS (formerly served as CFO); and Mr Hang Dong, working in the finance department of manufacturing industry (IBSS Accounting alumnus). Drawing on their extensive experience and professional backgrounds in finance department, they provided students with valuable career advice and industry insights.

Ms Li Wang, Vice President, CFO, and Board Secretary of PROYA

Li Wang shared her career journey from cashier to CFO. She emphasized that accounting professionals need to master both depth and breadth, developing technical expertise while understanding business operations. Ms. Wang also introduced the organizational structure of PROYA's finance department, including the Strategic Finance (budgeting, M&A, tax planning), Finance Business Partners (BPs), and the Financial Reporting Shared Service Center. She specifically advised students to start their career at industry-leading companies with strong training systems, then transition to business-facing roles.

Ms Li Wang, Vice President, CFO, and Board Secretary of PROYA

Mr Yu Kwong Wong, drawing on his rich experience at KPMG and as CFO of a luxury shopping mall in Shanghai, highlighted the importance of adaptability and comprehensive qualities for engagement in the accountancy profession. He noted that while the daily work of finance department can be repetitive, delivering high-quality results timely requires exceptional discipline. He strongly recommended students to obtain relevant professional certifications (e.g., CPA), balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through internships, and develop the competence to apply the professional skills in business.

Ms Li Wang, Vice President, CFO, and Board Secretary of PROYA

Mr Hang Dong shared his experience working in the finance department of manufacturing industry. He stated that in the context of rapid AI development, students should develop comprehensive skill set, such as client negotiation, AI tool application, process optimization, data analysis, while also cultivating global mindset and language proficiency. He closed with a motivational quote: "When in doubt, ask the wind. If the wind stays silent, follow your heart." He wished students could use passion as their driving force to continuously refine themselves and commit to lifelong learning.

In closing, Ms Hailu Hou summarized: "This seminar provided students with a platform to gain an in-depth understanding of finance department roles. The IBSS WEC team will continue strengthening our three-pillar support system: 'enhancing professional skills, expanding industry knowledge, and improving employability skills.'" Attending students provided many positive feedbacks, indicating that through the speakers' real-world case studies, they not only gained clarity on career planning, but also acquired actionable methods for their career development.

News drafted by: Yanchi Zheng
Photography by: Yidan Liu
Edited by: Hailu Hou