Friday 29 Mar 2024
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To make an impact in the business world, knowledge and skills are as important as end goals.

When challenges are complex, it is the tools you bring that will help you shape your own career and the future.

A globally recognised post-graduate qualification teaches skills to reach the next level in leadership, management, strategy and critical thinking in a fast-paced global business environment.

"For me, CPA Australia offers a learning program that is up-to-date and relevant to what is happening around the world," says Mehazatul Amali Meor Hassan ASA, Head of Investor Relations for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

She is currently completing the Digital Finance module that includes subjects ranging from cryptocurrencies and bitcoin to sustainability reporting in corporate governance.

Joining the multinational energy company in 1998 as a management trainee, Mehazatul has worked her way up to her current position, holding roles including Senior Finance Executive Overseas Ventures Unit and Manager Group Financial Reporting.

She was previously Head of TNB HealthCare and CFO of TNB Janamanjung Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned independent power producer of TNB.

Her current responsibilities include contributing to the company strategy and direction, providing feedback from the investment community to management and preparing quarterly management reports for the board of directors.

She also conducts quarterly analyst briefings to share quarterly financial & operational performance and latest updates of TNB Group.

"As a spokesperson for the company, I have the opportunity to establish relationships with the investment community," she says.

"Part of my role includes acting as a spokesperson to analysts, asset/fund managers, rating agencies, investors and potential investors.

"It is essential that I provide accurate financial and non-financial information and keep abreast of current economic and political conditions not only in Malaysia, but globally.

"With CPA Australia, gaining knowledge that enables impactful performance day-to-day and truly changes the world means more than spreadsheets and audits," says Mehazatul.

"Materials and resources related to leadership and strategy have helped me reach the next level in business."

Contemporary and internationally relevant subjects in the CPA Program include Ethics and Governance, Financial Reporting, Strategic Management Accounting and Global Strategy, which provide the knowledge to impact tomorrow.

Nurliyana Thoh Abdullah, Senior Manager (Statutory Accounts and Governance), Group Accounting and Reporting, Group Finance Division for TNB, has been a CPA since 2009 and says the qualification and membership have given her many opportunities to progress her career.

"I have been working with TNB since 1998 and gained experience in various areas besides accounting including operations and tax planning.

"My current responsibilities are focused on the preparation of statutory reporting which entails monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements.

"I have also been given the opportunity to be exposed to risk management and insurance," she says.

Nurliyana is also the reference person on interpretation on the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards, which she has been doing for the last 15 years.

"It was this responsibility that made me think it would be worthwhile to undergo a professional qualification that would enhance the accounting skills I gained in my undergraduate degree.

"This task requires frequent interaction with technical experts in the accounting field and a professional qualification made me feel that I was on a level playing field."

Her CPA Australia qualification has given her the tools to look at issues from a holistic perspective compared to just an accounting viewpoint, she says, adding that it has also given her confidence and credibility.

"There has been a tremendous impact on my career as, once you are professionally qualified, you are seen as a mentor for the program and are able to provide guidance and motivation in obtaining the professional qualification successfully," says Nurliyana.

She was encouraged to complete the CPA Program by two prominent CPA members En Nazmi Othman, Chief Financial Officer of TNB and Dato' Izzaddin Idris, outgoing President & CEO of Axiata Group Bhd.

Flexible study options, including Full Time, Part Time and Self Study, mean that accountants who want to make an impact on the world with their career have the opportunity to realise their ambitions while juggling other commitments.

"I personally feel that the CPA Program is very suitable for people who are working and trying to obtain a professional qualification while studying on a part-time basis," she says.

"It is not only a professional qualification that is centred on academics and technical knowledge, but also assists you to cultivate skills which can be used in the working world.

"For example, the CPA Program is an open-book examination, something that teaches you to be organised and able to simplify and select the important or pertinent issues to be discussed or referenced.

"I would recommend the CPA Program to anyone looking to advance their career or skills."

Mehazatul, a busy mother of seven, says the CPA Program suits her schedule, juggling family and a management position in a large company.

"I have been able to enjoy the flexibility that I require including online learning, flexible study time and recorded webinars, all within a well-structured program," she says.

CPA Australia's extensive online learning resources include business simulation, case studies, video resources, semester preparation videos, weekly webinars, module quizzes, mid-semester tests and downloadable study notes.

"As CPA Australia provides you with a schedule for the whole semester, you can plan well in advance," adds Mehazatul.

Guided learning maps out a journey for students to follow throughout the semester to achieve great results in exams that can be undertaken face-to-face or online in most locations globally.

"There is also excellent support from the local CPA Australia office and personnel while you are working towards a prestigious and internationally recognised designation."

As one of the world's largest professional accounting bodies, CPA Australia has more than 170,000 members working in 100 countries and regions across the globe.

Now, and into the future, Mehazatul says she aspires to be a leader who successfully accomplishes all the tasks given by management and for the best interest of the organisation.

"I also love to motivate young leaders to pursue new challenges and widen their knowledge and capabilities."

Both these goals are part of her dream to create a positive culture of harmonious teamwork where everyone feels appreciated and motivated to make an impact.

Of her current challenge to interpret accounting standards in an increasingly complex business environment, Nurliyana says she has been greatly assisted by the accounting skills and knowledge she has gained through the CPA Program.

Step forward to create impact. Start by becoming a CPA today.

Join an enthusiastic network of professionals and be the impact you'd like to see.

Early enrolment of the CPA Program for Semesters 2 starts now.

Find out more about the programme by joining their information sessions.

If you would like the CPA team to connect with you, please scan the QR code below or click the link to leave your contact details and you will be contacted very soon.

For enquiries, email [email protected], or call Prish +60122296746 or Serena +60122295762.

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