Oliver-Bu

This interview was first published in the May 2015 China edition of Accounting and Business magazine

I started my career in PricewaterhouseCoopers as a tax consultant and China business adviser straight after graduating from university with a degree in accountancy. I chose tax advisory in the Big Four and a career in accounting and finance in general because I sense China is experiencing an unprecedented trend of expansion. Enterprises are encouraged to upgrade and merge within China, and at the same time to invest and explore opportunities across the world. With the knowledge I acquired from university and professional training from ACCA, I am eager to contribute to the nation’s development.

Taxation is no longer a standalone regulation for individual countries. In the 21st century, global solutions are needed to ensure that tax systems do not unduly favour multinational enterprises at the expense of citizens and small businesses. Existing rules that protect multinationals from paying double taxation too often allow them to pay no taxes at all. So, global co-operation and information sharing should be a major direction for all tax authorities.

Within PwC, I lead teams to prepare tax advice on M&A, asset and project financing and disposals to the world’s top 500 companies. I also provide tax and business advice on inbound and outbound investments and cross-border transactions. I review tax return packages and assist companies with other tax compliance matters, such as negotiating with tax officers over controversial tax treatment. I enjoy the process of communication with my clients, getting to understand their needs in business and exploring professional solutions for effective business advancement.

‘Building relationships, creating value’ is more than a motto for PwC. As a tax adviser, my role in the firm complements our core auditing business line and adds value to our clients by upgrading their mindset from ‘do the right thing’ to ‘do things right’. Getting insightful perspectives on tax helps generate a wider overall business timeline and situational picture for my clients, so they get a better snapshot of where they are now and what opportunities and challenges they can explore.

Beyond business, my biggest influence is Lionel Messi, in my opinion the greatest footballer of the past 30 years. With indescribable brilliance and football genius, Messi remains extremely humble and still improves himself on a daily basis. People should never rest on their achievements; they should continuously strive to improve. As Messi puts it: ‘I’m never satisfied. I always push my limits. And I always try to get better every day.’