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Interview
Belinda Young – ACCA Council Member
Congratulations on being elected to Council for another term. What experiences have inspired you to run for a second term at Council?
In the first term, we were assigned to committees within ACCA. I had the chance to be on Staff committee, Qualifications committee and a few other Global forums, formerly known as technical committees. In all the discussions, you will need to contribute ideas, provide constructive comments and at the same time able to meet with people from all over the world who are also experts in their field. I was truly inspired and suddenly understood what Going Global really meant. I felt that from these meetings, I needed to participate and be part of ACCA’s strategies and to make it work. By not continuing as a Council member after the first term would not have been fair on ACCA and would have be a waste of the initial 3 years of ‘training’.
Could you share with us the importance of having Singapore represented at Council?
Singapore is only a tiny dot on the world map. However, it is the 5th largest market for ACCA for members, affiliates and students. The students and members are not only from Singapore but from the nearby regions of Indo-China, Indonesia and China. The numbers are still growing as Singapore has excellent tuition providers and also provides good stable economy for jobs thereafter. A council member from Singapore would be able to provide positive feedback on any of ACCA’s strategies, policies and assist in the execution of them.
What are some of the exciting projects you will be involved in during your new term in Council?
I am still on the Qualifications committee for 2013. New and exciting ideas and strategies are being thought out for the examinations. Watch this space. I am involved in several Global Forums, namely Business Law and Tax. We provide feedback and comments on the different jurisdictions (My feedback is on Singapore Company Law matters and Singapore Income Tax matters) and comment on certain papers which ACCA prepares for media and public.
You have a very interesting career. What is the one trait you have developed that has had the most impact on your role as a Council member?
For me, it is the experience and the different portfolios which I have held in both work and in committees to enable me to be able to engage with the diversity of members and matters which ACCA has.
What are some of the biggest work challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them?
Meeting deadlines - All compliance matters have to be done on time, especially when you are in practice; And, learning and applying how to make use of today’s technology in communication effectively, efficiently and at the lowest cost.
With such a demanding schedule, how do you manage balancing work, volunteering for Council and family? What advice can you offer fellow members?
We all have deadlines. Time management is critical. I am always available for my clients and family. I have learnt how to prioritise my work, do the important ones first, plan ahead and set up a system whereby I am contactable at any time by family and clients.
And finally, what would you say to members who are thinking about contributing back to ACCA?
Go for it. Give what you can and it does not need to be monetary. Actions speak louder than words.