Deloitte Audit Partner Aw Xin-Pei’s journey to success

Timeline:

1999 – Graduated with a Diploma in Accountancy from Ngee Ann Polytechnic

2001 – Matriculated into SMU School of Accountancy (SOA)

2002 – Admitted into SMU SOA Dean’s List

2003 – Internship with Deloitte; Admitted into SMU SOA Dean’s list for 2nd consecutive year

2004 – Graduated with a Bachelor of Accountancy (Major in Law) from SMU; Joined Deloitte

2007 – Married his university sweetheart

2009 – Promoted to Manager

2012 – Promoted to Senior Manager

2017 – Promoted to Director; Received 10^th year long service award

2018 – Admitted as Partner, Audit & Assurance

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and playing recreational basketball. I am also an avid supporter of Liverpool FC and the Golden State Warriors!
 

Why did you choose Audit as your career?

In my opinion, audit provides an “exclusive” access to the ins and outs of various industries and companies, and it was the perfect learning opportunity for a young graduate to build a strong foundation.

Why did you choose to join Deloitte?

Deloitte was the only organisation offering an internship in both audit and tax during my polytechnic days. Throughout the internship, regardless of audit or tax, one thing that really struck a chord with me was Deloitte’s open and engaging culture. The experience I gained was invaluable.

What is the best part of your job?

There are many best days at work. For instance, having a satisfied client – the sense of elation and achievement knowing that I had made a difference, and the ability to mentor and work with many of our bright young professionals in the infancy of their careers. Every day is an adventure!

What is your proudest career achievement so far and why?

To be considered for admission as a partner is the proudest career achievement. This is an affirmation and recognition of my abilities.

What do you like most about working in Deloitte?

Deloitte is a people-centric organization and in our different and small ways, we are a group of like-minded individuals working towards a common ambition – for Deloitte to become the world's undisputed leader in professional services.

My advice to undergraduates

What are your secrets to success?

I always believe in the concept of “value-add”. In all situations, it is important to determine what you can bring to the table, and how you can value-add.

There are good days and then there are bad days. While it is a perfectly normal human psychology to be demoralised by a “bad” situation, there is always something that you can learn from each situation.

It is important to rise above that negativity and to look for the silver lining. You are after all, a sum of your experiences.

What are the top tips you would offer to undergraduates to help them find a career that they love?

It is perfectly acceptable that you are not sure how your career will grow. It is an evolving process. Use the opportunities offered in audit to learn and explore, and it will naturally bring you closer to that career you always dream of.

What advice would you offer to undergraduates who want to pursue a career in Audit?

You would have read that more than 65% of tomorrow’s workers would be working in jobs that does not exist today. It is no different in audit. We are living in an age of disruption; data analytics, big data, etc.

Technology advancements are truly wondrous but there are many ways in which such advancements will never be able to compete with us. Focus on developing your people skills: creativity, empathy, communication skills, and compassion to remain competitive.

What type of traits will help one excel in Audit?

Perseverance, your own unique personal brand, hard work, and an eye for both the art and science of audit.

Decision Magazine Issue 11

In issue 11, read on to discover Deloitte’s participation in UNLEASH 2018 and how we are making an impact that matters. Get ready to be inspired by the journey of Deloitte Audit Partner Aw Xin Pei – the second SMU Accountancy graduate to make partnership in the Big Four. FIFA World Cup 2018 was also a tournament full of surprises and drama which saw France bringing the golden cup home - read on as our Southeast Asia Sports Business Group Leader, James Walton sums up some of the highs and low of this year’s World Cup in Russia! 

Want to get fit but can’t seem to find the time? Grab some tips with our “Get Fit in 15 with Deloitte” series as our Deloitte athletes share some simple exercise routines that can be completed in 15 minutes! Be sure to check out the 5 most Instagram-worthy places in the CBD too! Download issue 11 now!