Hoping to nurture young talent, Deloitte has been inviting year one undergraduate accounting students from Hong Kong universities to join the Deloitte Club. Fonnie Tang Fong-yuen was eager for the opportunity to learn more about a career in accounting and wasted no time in applying to join the club. After undergoing rounds of interviews and selection exercises, she ended up among the 30 successful recent applicants. Tang talks to Wong Yat-hei about how she was awarded an internship at Deloitte’s auditing sector for the global financial services industry division (GFSI).

What is your academic background?
I am studying a BBA (Hons) degree in accountancy and law at City University of Hong Kong.

How do you start your day?
During the first week of my internship, I attended a one-week course at the Deloitte training centre to learn about accounting techniques in preparing trial balances, as well as statements of financial position and comprehensive income. I also had lectures on ethical issues in accounting. After training, I was assigned to assist some of Deloitte’s permanent staff. I did not have a routine workflow to follow. My schedule was very flexible. My colleagues and supervisor would provide me tasks when they needed help. In order to equip myself, whenever I had spare time, I read through the PowerPoint files and notes given at the training course.

What does your job entail?
I work at the GFSI division of the auditing sector, which is responsible for financial institution clients. I follow the company’s staff on visits to clients’ offices, prepare trial balances, financial statements, and so on. I also assist with administrative work.

What are the major challenges you have encountered so far?
Assisting colleagues in the preparation of accounting documents can be complicated. I made some mistakes and was really worried since I didn’t want to burden my colleagues. Fortunately, they pointed out what caused the problems and I was able to make corrections on my own.

What have you learned about your chosen career and what are your plans?
Unlike most white-collar employees, an auditor does not stay in one place at all times. I am very fond of working as an auditor, it is something I want to do after I graduate. This is a career with bright prospects. Aside professional knowledge, one needs to have good interpersonal skills to get on well with clients.

Any advice for potential interns?
On top of the academic achievement, one’s whole personal development plays an active role in being successful. Recognise your weaknesses and capitalise on your talents. If you have a valuable opportunity to work as an intern, no matter what kind of job you are assigned, the key to success is to have a sincere heart and a desire to learn from your colleagues.