Patrick Chan Kwok Wai
Deputy General Manager, Hang Seng Bank
Patrick Chan Kwok Wai started his career doing odd jobs. "After a couple of years, I realised I was getting nowhere. Then one day, while I was wondering what to do next, my brother suggested I become an accountant. I threw myself wholeheartedly in to my new-found interest and achieved the ACCA qualification through nothing more than discipline and sheer determination."
After qualifying, Patrick gained experience in audit and finance with a stint at one of the big four accountancy firms and in local and international banks in Hong Kong. He joined Hang Seng Bank in 1995 as Financial Controller, and is currently Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer.
Patrick attributes his career success and current position to the ACCA qualification. "Holding the ACCA qualification demands respect throughout the accounting profession. It is an assurance of quality, ability and performance, attained through rigorous and comprehensive studies.
"Professional accountants are at the heart of business. I think my career to date more than demonstrates this."
He believes that modern finance professionals require integrity, strong analytical skills, acute business acumen, and excellent communication skills. "We need to be able to influence and guide our ideas," he says, "ACCA has provided me with these skills. I feel as if I add value to the organisation through more than my financial knowledge."