As COVID-19 continues to leave its mark on every industry, continuous professional development has become essential to keep up with changes in the workplace.
Ferdinand Maluntad ASA, accounting technical manager at PKF-CAP LLP Singapore, believes in lifelong learning to succeed in his career.
He chose the CPA Program because “it was a good opportunity for me to step up and further my career and education in Singapore and achieve personal career goals.”
Maluntad, who has an illustrious career working with Deloitte, PwC and E&Y, heard about the CPA Program from a friend at his current organization last year and got enrolled right away.
CPA Australia has signed a Member Pathway Agreement with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and the Professional Regulation Commission’s Board of Accountancy (PRC-BOA).
Strive for success in a competitive environment
Maluntad believes that accounting graduates in the Philippines can benefit greatly from the CPA Program if they want to be successful, remain competitive in the market and exceed stakeholder’s expectations.
Maluntad holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, cum laude.
“I’d like to advise accounting graduates in the Philippines that aside from the local CPA and other certifications out there, getting an international designation through CPA Australia will greatly equip and help them deliver superior outcomes in the field of accountancy, be it in the academics, government and in private or public practice,” he says.
Become part of a global community
As a member of CPA Australia, Maluntad felt like he was a part of a supportive global community at a time when the world was shaken by COVID-19.
“In Singapore, we’ve been through the circuit breaker last year because of the pandemic and we were stuck at home for quite some time like everyone else,” says Maluntad. “As a professional, I felt that there was a need to upgrade my skills and learn more if I wanted to stay secure and relevant in a time of instability and gear up for the new normal.”
In addition to building on skills, Maluntad says that CPA Australia supports diversity and encourages members to network and collaborate.
“An international designation through CPA Australia will open doors for young professionals to explore global career opportunities and gain international exposure and experience.”
CPA Australia has worked actively to become a world-leading professional accounting body with over 164,000 members spread across the globe in more than 150 countries.
Opening new learning opportunities
For Maluntad, the greatest advantage of the CPA Program is that it is more than just accounting knowledge and education.
“The CPA Program has given me a nuanced business perspective which helped me look beyond the technical world of accounting to what is currently happening in the market and what the future will look like, and that is insightful.”
“The program itself is structured in such a way that candidates can keep themselves updated and knowledgeable with the current economic environment,” says Maluntad. “It is technically heavy and yet at the same time the modules are very engaging.”
Maluntad says though he has studied ethics and governance during his MBA at Murdoch University, he was surprised to see the module includes topics such as sustainability reporting and the impact of organizations on nature, in our ecology and on Earth.”
“These topics raised alarming concerns about our natural environment and the responsibilities of every organization to protect and provide sustainable means for the environment to recover and take care of our future generations.”
These unique topics were of particular interest to Maluntad because he was able to expand his understanding beyond the essential compliance with local and international ethical issues.
Maluntad is a seasoned accountant and with his prior work experience as a Philippine CPA and an MBA graduate, he was able to get several subject exemptions and is currently on his way to completing the examinations for the CPA Program.
PICPA members and holders of Philippine CPA license are offered special benefits and potential exemptions for attaining the CPA Australia designation.
Inspire through leadership
CPA Australia positions its designation and ongoing professional development as a foundation for professionals who aspire to lead.
As the accounting technical manager, Maluntad says he can demonstrate technical competence in the audit industry where he is required to solve complex issues on accounting, auditing and regulatory matters every day.
“In giving accounting and technical advice, you really have to support your answers or advice with the right research and a sound position,” says Maluntad. “The CPA Program has helped me to be more mindful of my responsibility as an accountant, to exercise professional competence and due care at all times in responding to technical consultations with fellow accountants, auditors and clients.”
He believes that by performing his role at a high standard, he will inspire others to raise the bar on quality.
Maluntad explains that to be successful in a role like his, one has to be extremely careful and detailed.
“At times, you really have to exercise professional judgment in complex accounting and auditing issues that may arise in the course of work,” Maluntad says.
“With the CPA designation, I feel more confident that I have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the standards to make wise decisions and satisfy the requirements of the accounting bodies and regulators and others.”
You can apply for CPA Associate membership via MPA with PICPA . Alternatively, you can register for our complimentary live webinar to learn more about the PICPA and CPA Australia MPA pathway.
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