Interview with Prof. Wang Yakun | The Advantages of SME Accounting Programme

Cutting-edge Knowledge and Research 

The School of Management and Economics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, operating under a “One brand, Two Campuses” philosophy, is deeply influenced by the accumulation of The Chinese University of Hong Kong for over half of the century, and is vitalized by a group of young scholars back from overseas studies.   

Our school is one of the pioneers in Asia that launches Accounting programmes with data analysis concentration. Compared with the peers at home, we enjoy a front-runner status thanks to our international and young faculty team. Prof. Wang mentioned that professors from Mainland universities tend to focus more on relatively old school topics while our professors focus on frontier researches on data analysis in accounting. “For example, textual analysis in accounting, application of AI in accounting, use of big data in the process of accounting management, etc. Our students can acquire practical knowledge about the latest development of accounting in classes.”   

Combining China and the West

According to Prof. Wang Yakun, the Accounting Programme for undergraduates is based on the International Accounting Standard and taught in English. “When our students prepare themselves for the ACCA examination, they will find the exam contents have already been incorporated in their daily studies. Backed by the system of CUHK, our program perfectly matches the international practice and gains accreditations, such as CPA Australia and ACCA. In the coming future, we may gain HKICPA accreditation, and ensure that our students will receive a level of exemption from CICPA.” Although some universities in the Mainland also have this advantage, the consistency of the curriculum system and instructing language with international examinations makes our students more adaptable. 

“We realized that our graduates need to face China’s issue if they pursue jobs in the Chinese Mainland after graduation. Therefore, we set up a series of courses, such as China Tax Law and China Capital Market, which provide the knowledge both about the capital market in the Mainland and basic norms in the global market. Besides, our faculty team also understand the Chinese market. Among them, Prof. Zhang Tianyu and special-term Prof. T.J. Wong are leading scholars in the field of research on China’s issue.” 

Law Courses Offered to Facilitate Employment 

“As the businesses of investment banks and securities in Mainland develop by leaps and bounds, students mainly seek for job opportunities in investment banks, securities, PEVC, and venture capitals where the knowledge of law and accounting combined is required”. Prof. Wang suggested graduates equipping with professional knowledge about accounting and law because legal affairs closely link to the due diligence process of venture investment. Therefore, we offer courses such as Company Law, Business Law, and China Taxation and International Taxation in our curriculum. “We encourage students who want to pursue a Master’s degree to study law or accounting-related field, as the existing courses lay a foundation for their postgraduate study with a combination of law.” 

Over Half of Students Received Offers from Big Four Accounting Firms After Internships

Located in Shenzhen, the hub of the Greater Bay Area and pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the Accounting Programme of SME, CUHK-Shenzhen offers advanced knowledge and global vision for students. The undergraduates seem not to be anxious about finding jobs.  “The supply of graduates falls short of demand in job market. Our school is one of the few outstanding business schools in Shenzhen that cultivates many excellent graduates with accounting major”. 

The school maintains good relationships with Big Four accounting firms, and regularly organizes company visits or case studies at the firms. For example, we launched mentorship programs with PwC and Deloitte. The programs and part of classes jointly launched with the Big Four can provide rich working experience and practical skills for students. Every summer and winter vacation, many students of the accounting programme take internships at these firms in Shenzhen, and over half of them can receive job offers.