INTHEBLACK May 2025 - Magazine - Page 35
Part of the appeal of joining the IFAC
board is the chance to give something back
to her profession, just as she has done
in the past through leadership roles,
including as president of CPA Australia
(Malaysia Division) and vice-president
of the Information Systems Audit and
Control Association (Malaysia Chapter).
RISKS AND REWARDS
As she observes a sector that is grappling
with the rise of artificial intelligence
and the question of whether automation
could one day take over human jobs,
Phan believes that there is still a strong
need for professional accountants who
provide advice around sustainability
practices, and associated reporting
and assurance services.
“To be truly effective and play a major
role for an organisation’s sustainable business
growth, it goes beyond just complying
with regulations and standards,” she says.
“The accountant plays a very significant
role in all these, but the value the accountant
can offer is the ability to understand
sustainable opportunities and risks that
impact the organisation, its investors
and other stakeholders.
“It’s not just about the collection of data,
reporting it and making sure all the boxes
are ticked. It’s a journey as we learn from
each other in the profession, and develop
and improve our knowledge and competencies.
And it’s a journey worth taking.”
Phan believes the CPA designation
will continue to be invaluable, noting that
it aided her career by giving her “global
recognition as an accounting professional,
as well as the opportunities to contribute
to the profession at a global level”.
While splitting her time between
Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne, Phan is
enjoying seeing her children more often,
while still being able to contribute to the
accounting profession that has been such
an important part of her life.
“I believe strongly in the accounting
profession working to serve the public
interest and the crucial role it plays in
building trust in our financial markets.
For me, it’s a way of giving back,
contributing and sharing my experiences
and knowledge.” ■
READ
an article about
advice for the next
generation of
accountants
UPSKILL
with CPA Australia’s
range of career
development
courses
Three letters
to limitless.
Josie Collins CPA
Commercial Analyst,
Helimods
LEARN MORE
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au 35
