Adding it all up

CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting bodies, provides a range of useful services to its members. Education, training and networking support are available, along with some more subtle, equally useful services provided for new generations of graduating accountants. These include giving members the inspiration to succeed, sharing knowledge, and forging leadership skills.

Nelson Hon CPA (Aust.), a Trust Relationship Manager at HSBC Trustee (Hong Kong) Limited, is Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Young Achievers Committee (YAC). The networking platform offers activities for young professional accountants, the aim of which, Hon says, is to create a relaxed atmosphere in which they can get to know each other and share their knowledge.

The YAC organises an annual CPA Australia Christmas Charity Santa Race to raise money for children in need, and YAC has been recognised for their work with a Volunteer of the Year award from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong in 2015.

Events like this have made Hon feel thankful, he says. “When I attended an event for underprivileged children, I realised how lucky I was as a child,” Hon explains. “I was able to focus on what I wanted, and I didn’t have to worry about the cost.” he says. “Nowadays, I want to help those in need. Christmas is a special time for everyone, and a good opportunity to serve the community and bring joy and happiness to the underprivileged.”

Hon’s sense of social responsibility encompasses the whole community. “Everyone should serve the community they live in. A donation is one way to give, but serving in a more hands-on way also means a lot,” he explains.

Hon’s community spirit demonstrates that he leads by example. He feels the networking and social elements are a bonus, as he enjoys meeting professionals from different areas of accounting through the activities at CPA Australia.