Monash students gain an insight into Accounting

12 March 2008

The Monash Accounting Club (MACC) recently organized the Monash Accounting Day at the university’s new campus in Bandar Sunway. Aimed at giving students an insight to the accounting and finance industry and career opportunities available, the one-day event featured a career fair and a series of career talks by major private sector firms.

It was the first such event to be organized by MACC since it was established in 2000.

On hand to launch the event was Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam, the Corporate Advisor to the Sunway Group.In his speech, he said one of the most important things a person must do is ‘self accounting’ - where one carries out a daily assessment to ensure that one is on the right track to reaching goals.

“As you grow, you need to achieve a higher quality of life. We must not live our lives on an ad-hoc basis.”

“In today’s globalized and highly competitive world, students must be well-rounded to prepare for the working life. So develop your mind, body and soul and have a broader outlook on life.”

Aaron Phan, President of the Monash Accounting Club said, “The Monash Accounting Day is to enlighten not only club members but also other students about the accounting and finance sector as well as career opportunities in the industry. It is also an avenue for students to interact and network with potential employers.”

The event which took nearly five months of planning, saw the participation of about 20 accounting bodies and corporate firms, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Malaysia Institute of Accountants (MIA), CPA Australia, Ernst and Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Sunway Group and Maybank Berhad.

Representatives from the organisations were also available to speak to the students and answer their queries on accounting.

“We hope to create more awareness about the choices they have in the sector. Currently most of the students here in Monash University are centered towards CPA Australia as our university is an Australian one. But they now have a chance to speak to those from ICAEW, MIA and other organisations as well. I also hope that this will be an annual event on our club’s calendar,” added Aaron. -by Anita Hadi