Practical Experience

The right fit 

As the founder of Stella W.M. Kwok & Co., a small sized CPA firm based in Hong Kong, Ms. Stella Kwok has a passion for her work. She believes the accountancy profession is not just about numbers but also working along with people to provide solutions. Stella established the firm in 1995. What distinguishes SWMK from other similar sized firms is the higher proportion of its overseas clients. “Our client list has been expanding through recommendations. The quality service we provide is all the advertising we need,” Stella said. The firm is now employing 20 staff providing services in the areas of auditing, taxation, financial reporting and company secretary.

Putting the talent in place
In order to develop and drive the business forward, the firm is looking for graduates with the
right character, attitude and skills. The firm has been an authorized employer under the Hong Kong Institute of CPAs qualification programme since 2004, currently with eight QP students. “This is a perfect match as our service areas correlate exactly with the training modules of QP,” Stella said. “Our QP students get the essential experience from the job. At the same time, we benefit from the skills and knowledge acquired by them through QP.” When new staff join SWMK, they will go through induction. However, Stella added that as a small firm, resources are limited. That is where QP provides the foundation training for competency and standards required within the profession. “I have to ensure we select the right candidates with the right character for the work. The technical expertise can be taught but it is hard to change someone’s personality or mentality,” Stella said.