Fifi Ang

What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility?

My team in the tax division specialise in fund management, property, agribusiness family business and investment. I assist with tax compliance which involves the preparation of income tax returns for trusts, companies and individuals. The type of work I do includes preparing draft tax returns, liaising with the BPCA team, and working on financials and ad hoc tax questions from clients.  If I were to tell my younger self what I currently do at SW, it would be firstly a lot of learning. We have weekly trainings and monthly trainings. The training has a lot of variety on how they are delivered, some of these training are round tables, some are lunch and learns and some are technical training. You also learn different systems and software.  Tax is a division where you tend to learn a lot about income tax, goods and services tax, fringe benefits tax and more.

What is your background?

I grew up in Malaysia. It took me 5 years to get to my current job position as my previous work sectors included real estate and banking. My transition to accounting was because of mentors. SW has allowed me to learn a lot of life experiences including technical such as Excel, and accounting software and soft skills such as communication.

Firm's culture and environment?

People here are very helpful and nice I also love working with my team. There is an open-door policy and I feel like I can always ask questions and learn from my peers. Working at SW has perks and fun events. I have been a part of a few events such as a Tax retreat, Christmas party, and coffee ambassador and I get to meet clients.

Interesting and challenging aspects of work

I have the best team everyone could ask for. There is a lot of communication and guidance when required. I also enjoy completing tax compliance jobs like lodging income tax. The challenges in tax are that you could receive tax questions from clients that require a lot of research. Completing my CPA course has been very helpful in understanding tax issues and tax law.

Advice for someone applying to SW? Qualities set someone apart in the field?

• Do not be afraid to ask and make mistakes.
• Everyone will learn from mistakes and make sure you learn from them.
• Chill and relax and be yourself.
• Step out of your comfort zone and start a conversation with others.

3 Pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?

• Take classes you know nothing about rather than classes likely to be easy.
• Don't ever underestimate the importance of sleep.
• Tell the truth. If you can’t, then whatever you are doing is a bad idea