WA Member Snapshot - Abhi Singh CPA
Thanks for sitting down with us today Abhijeet. First question, what attracted you to the sector?
I am an Auditing lecturer within the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at Curtin University. For me, the art of teaching transcends mere profession; it stands as a powerful catalyst that shapes lives and contributes inexorably to a brighter tomorrow. Drawing from a background rich in experience as an Accountant and Auditor within the dynamic manufacturing sector, I have harnessed my passion to replicate real-world dynamics within the classroom, nurturing an environment that thrives on an inquiry-based pedagogy.
My commitment to teaching excellence has been acknowledged through a series of accolades. These commendations, emanating from my School, the Faculty of Business and Law, the University at large, as well as external academic institutions like the American Accounting Association, underscore my unwavering dedication to crafting and deploying authentic teaching methodologies. These encompass innovative tools such as role-playing, simulation models, psychometric tests, and immersive real-world case scenarios.
Drawing from a tapestry of personal experiences and fruitful collaborations with industry partners, my principal endeavour revolves around moulding graduates primed for professional success. This aspiration finds its foundation in the delivery of an education that is closely intertwined with the realities of industry—a philosophy that fosters the development of graduates seamlessly equipped to embrace the challenges of the professional sphere.
Is there anything you feel about Academia that is important to know, or a misconception perhaps?
A prevalent fallacy often attributed to Academia is the notion that scholars operate in isolation, confined to their research domains. However, this misconception couldn't be further from the truth. At Curtin University, the majority of academics are deeply enmeshed in collaborative endeavours with industries, spanning the realms of teaching, research, and grant initiatives. A profound commitment to authenticity underscores our approach to evaluating students, with a pronounced focus on assessments that mirror real-world scenarios. Our research endeavours, too, are underpinned by the exigencies of industry, driving our pursuits and shaping our contributions.
The academics within our institution are invariably vigilant, actively seeking opportunities to forge symbiotic partnerships with industries. This dynamic interplay fosters an ecosystem where knowledge, innovation, and practical insights converge to cultivate the next generation of thought leaders and propel industries forward.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career?
The pinnacle of achievement in my career, one that fills me with profound pride, is the impact I've had on students' lives – not merely by imparting the tenets of auditing and corporate governance, but also by igniting in them a fervour for pursuing auditing careers. This accomplishment is best encapsulated in the resounding echoes of student testimonials: "Abhijeet has inspired me to work in the Audit Profession and I will be starting work next year as an Auditor." Another student succinctly captured their sentiment: " Brilliant unit, one of the best and most enjoyable. It has me considering a career in auditing if I can get into a grad program."
Over the course of my journey, I've made a web of industry alliances, rooted in the fertile ground of my former students turned professionals. My commitment to their growth and success remains unswerving, extending well beyond their tenure at Curtin. This dedication is vividly manifested in my mentorship of these erstwhile students, guiding them through the comprehensive three-year Mentored Practical Experience (MPE) segment on their journey towards attaining a full Chartered Accountancy membership.
There is immense gratification in realising that who you are is effecting meaningful and transformative changes.
How has the CPA brand assisted your current or previous roles?
The CPA brand has been an invaluable asset throughout my professional journey, profoundly shaping my trajectory. Its imprimatur has bestowed upon me heightened credibility and distinction in the eyes of employers, peers, and students alike. Notably, Curtin University stands as a revered CPA tuition provider, and my CPA certification has empowered me to impart wisdom across various CPA units. This role has garnered consistent recognition, as evidenced by Certificates of Appreciation from CPA Australia, bestowed for nurturing exceptional student accomplishments, and surpassing national examination benchmarks.
Beyond its educational implications, the CPA affiliation has served as a gateway to a rich tapestry of networking opportunities. My status as a CPA member has recently culminated in a prestigious invitation—an involvement in a collaborative endeavor between CPA Australia and the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ). This initiative converges the realms of industry practitioners and academic researchers, jointly addressing contemporary challenges that reverberate within the business landscape.
Furthermore, the regimented cadence of CPA sessions and workshops acts as a dynamic conduit for staying abreast of the latest metamorphoses within the accounting vocation. This continuous immersion in the evolving landscape equips me to seamlessly infuse my teaching with the most contemporary insights, thereby nurturing a learning environment that is perpetually on the cutting edge.
Finally, how is the accounting profession changing in your view? What does the future hold for the profession?
We find ourselves amidst a thrilling epoch brimming with boundless opportunities. As artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technologies ascend to prominence, the path ahead for accounting beckons us to embrace transformative change. Amidst the burgeoning influx of data catalysed by corporations, accounting practitioners must nurture their adeptness in harnessing data analytic skills for the orchestration of vast datasets. The tide of technological advancement shall usher in a renaissance, automating and streamlining erstwhile conventional accounting functions. The vocation of accountants is poised to shape-shift, transmuting them into strategic advisors for their clientele. This transition necessitates the cultivation of profound insights into the industries and business paradigms of their clientele.
As nations rally behind emissions mitigation strategies, as underscored by the Paris Agreement, and as the global spotlight intensifies on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, enterprises worldwide are pivoting towards sustainable practices and commensurate reporting. Accountants and auditors, in response, must acclimate themselves to diverse ESG reporting frameworks, adroitly facilitating and assuring the assimilation of sustainability imperatives into financial disclosures.