On the evening of September 18, 2025, the Accounting Department of the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM) successfully hosted a seminar titled “HKICPA QP: Empowering BNBU Students on the Path to Accounting Excellence” in T2-101. The seminar, held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featured Ms. Ying Li, Assistant Manager for Mainland China Affairs at the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA), as the keynote speaker. Ms. Li provided a comprehensive overview of career development opportunities for accounting students, the dynamics of Hong Kong's capital market, and the professional value of HKICPA certification.

To welcome the distinguished guest, Dr. Zhimin TIAN, Associate Head of the Department of Accounting, and Dr. Alvin CHENG, Associate Professor of the Department of Accounting, presented Ms. Li with a BNBU-themed gift box at the opening of the seminar, expressing the department’s heartfelt gratitude for her presence.

Ms. Li began with an in-depth introduction to the diverse career paths available to accounting students. She highlighted that, in addition to traditional roles in auditing and taxation, graduates can pursue opportunities in emerging fields such as corporate financial analysis, tax planning, and IPO-related services. She also emphasized that becoming a "Practising Accountant" is a significant career goal for many. This role, which grants the statutory authority to sign financial reports for listed companies, requires ongoing professional development and rigorous assessments, representing a high level of professional competence and ethical standards.

Following this, Ms. Li analyzed the interplay between regional economics and the accounting profession, using Hong Kong as a case study. As an international financial hub connecting China and the world, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant IPO market, which generates strong demand for accountants in areas such as auditing, due diligence, compliance, and financial disclosure.

Ms. Li then elaborated on the core functions of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) and the competitive advantages of becoming a practicing member. She explained that HKICPA is not only a certification body for professional qualifications but also a key driver of industry standards and international collaboration. Practicing members enjoy significant career advantages, including the authority to sign audit reports for Hong Kong-listed companies.

Addressing the students’ keen interest in professional certifications, Ms. Li provided a detailed explanation of the application requirements and examination structure for the HKICPA Qualification Programme (QP). The QP consists of four modules and a final examination, held twice a year in June and December. Examination centers are available in multiple cities across Mainland China, making it convenient for students to participate. Ms. Li advised students to plan their preparation early, focus on case analysis and the application of accounting standards, and utilize resources such as HKICPA’s mock exam database and online workshops to enhance their exam readiness. She also encouraged students to enroll in BNBU courses that align with QP exemptions and to take advantage of the “Early Bird Scheme” to better prepare for the certification process.

During the Q&A session, students actively posed questions on topics such as course selection, the employment landscape in Hong Kong, and the specifics of the QP examination. Ms. Li addressed each question with patience and detail. Even after the seminar concluded, many students gathered around the podium to seek further guidance, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

This seminar not only deepened BNBU students’ understanding of diverse career pathways in accounting but also provided clear guidance for planning their career journeys. Looking ahead, the Faculty of Business and Management will continue to introduce high-quality industry resources and build top-tier platforms for academic and professional exchange. These efforts aim to support students in achieving steady progress on their path to becoming accounting elites while contributing to the development of globally-oriented, high-caliber accounting professionals.