The Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) celebrated candidates and graduates of their joint professional qualification, the MICPA-CAANZ Programme, at the Excellence Awards 2018/2019 ceremony held on Oct 17.
Graduates of the programme qualify for memberships with both professional bodies, carrying the titles Certified Public Accountant, Malaysia and Chartered Accountant, Australia and New Zealand.
The most prestigious award of the night, The Most Outstanding CPA, is awarded to an exceptional graduate who has excelled in the MICPA-CAANZ Programme and their career whilst demonstrating admirable character traits. Employers that are the Institute’s Approved Training Organisations nominate their high-achieving employees who have successfully completed the programme.
It was a proud moment for Hafizul Akma Azman (C’09), who emerged as The Most Outstanding CPA for 2018.
Coming from humble beginnings, Hafizul’s late father was a security guard and his mother was a full-time housewife. He grew up with the belief that education is the key to changing one’s life.
“I was taught to be passionate about seeking knowledge and grabbing every opportunity. This has taught me to work hard, be independent and strive for the best,” he said.
A Malay College Kuala Kangsar alumnus and Petronas scholar, Hafizul pursued his Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance at University of Adelaide, Australia. He was awarded the Commerce Prize in Commercial Law by the university in 2013.
Hafizul played cricket competitively, representing his school and his university association. He was also actively involved in community service.
After completing his degree in 2015, Hafizul was attached to EY Malaysia in the audit field from November 2015 to June 2019, where he commenced the MICPACAANZ Programme in January 2016 and completed all the examinations within three years. He is now an executive at Petronas Trading Corporation Sdn Bhd under the Financial Accounting Team.
He chose to do the MICPA-CAANZ Programme mainly because as an Australian university graduate, the modules’ syllabus and format were aligned with what he was exposed to during his degree years.
The fact that the MICPA-CAANZ Programme allowed self-study with guidance through online learning videos and online materials made it a attractive option. Upon completion of the programme, the opportunity to apply for dual memberships was also appealing.
“Being a MICPA-CAANZ professional fulfils my dreams. The recognition gave me a head start in pursuing my career as an accountant and being regarded as a point of reference and problem solver.”
He advises aspiring accountants to be proud of their career choice as businesses are constantly seeking out strong young talent.
“Pursuing a professional accounting qualification is the key to opening more doors and becoming part of two prestigious professional bodies that enhance your networking circles through the Global Accounting Alliance is a privilege not to be missed.”
