Chief Financial Officer
Qualification: CPA, Master of Accounting
Year of Graduation: 2011, 2014
Education Provider: Curtin University
Job Title: Chief Financial Officer
Employer: Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation
Country of origin: South Korea
Are there any notable experiences from your time studying you’d like to share?
During that period, I was working full-time during the day and pursuing a master’s degree in accounting in the evenings. The curriculum was thoughtfully designed to accommodate individuals like myself who were juggling work and studies. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to complete my master’s degree smoothly and successfully.
If you could tell your graduate self one piece of career advice, what would it be and why?
- Networking is Key: Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth and opportunities. Connect with colleagues, mentors, industry professionals, and attend networking events. These connections can open doors to new job opportunities, collaborations, and valuable insights.
- Hidden Opportunities: Many job opportunities are not advertised publicly but are instead filled through referrals or internal connections. By nurturing a strong professional network, you increase your chances of learning about these hidden opportunities and being recommended for them.
- Support System: Networking provides a support system throughout your career journey. You can seek guidance, mentorship, and support from your network during challenging times. They can offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and provide a sounding board for your ideas.
- Personal Branding: Networking helps you develop and promote your personal brand. By showcasing your expertise, building credibility, and demonstrating your passion and commitment, you become more visible and memorable to others in your field.
- Continuous Growth: Networking is an ongoing process. It's about building connections and maintaining and nurturing those relationships. Regularly engage with your network, offer support, and provide value to others. In return, you will continue to expand your network, learn, and grow throughout your career.
In summary, my advice to my graduate self would be to recognise the importance of networking and invest time and effort in building and nurturing professional relationships. It's an invaluable asset that can open doors, provide support, and lead to exciting opportunities throughout your career journey.
Tell us about your experience since leaving Curtin. How has your career progressed to date? Any professional achievements you’d like to share?
I started my career in an entry-level position, gaining hands-on experience and gradually taking on more responsibilities. Over the years, I have been able to advance to more senior roles, demonstrating my competence and dedication to my field.
I have pursued professional certifications related to my field, such as obtaining certifications in accounting. This certification has enhanced my knowledge and skills and demonstrated my commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Throughout my career, I have been involved in implementing successful projects and initiatives that have had a positive impact on the organisations I have worked for. These achievements have included process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, or strategic initiatives that have contributed to the overall success of the companies.
I have embraced a growth mindset and actively pursued opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. Whether through attending industry conferences, participating in workshops and seminars, or engaging in online courses, I am committed to continuous learning to stay updated with the latest industry trends and advancements.
Overall, I am proud of the progress I have made in my career since leaving Curtin. The combination of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to ongoing growth has allowed me to achieve significant professional milestones and contribute positively to the organisations I have been a part of. I look forward to further challenges and achievements as I continue to advance in my career.
What are some of your passions and interests?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and prioritising physical and mental wellbeing are important to me. I enjoy engaging in various forms of exercise, such as Pilates and strength training. Taking care of my health allows me to stay energised, focused, and balanced in both my personal and professional life.
What are the top 3 skills you need in your role as the Chief Financial Officer/Corporate Services Manager?
As a CFO/Corporate Services Manager, strong financial management and analysis skills are essential. This includes expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. The ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and make informed strategic decisions based on financial insights is vital in this role.
The CFO/Corporate Services Manager holds a leadership position within the organisation and is responsible for guiding the financial and corporate strategies. Strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster collaboration, and drive change, are crucial. Additionally, strategic thinking and the ability to align financial goals with the overall organisational objectives are key for success in this role.
How has your technical and operational experience assisted you in your role?
With a strong technical background in finance, including a deep understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and reporting, I can provide sound financial guidance and make informed decisions. This expertise allows me to oversee financial operations effectively, develop accurate financial forecasts, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
I work closely with teams across different departments. My technical and operational experience has allowed me to effectively communicate with stakeholders from various functions, understand their needs, and collaborate on strategic initiatives. This cross-functional collaboration helps align financial goals with broader organisational objectives and drives the overall success of the company.
What was your main reason(s) to select Perth as your study destination?
- Safe and Welcoming Environment: Perth is known for its friendly and safe environment.
- Quality Education: Perth is home to reputable universities and educational institutions that offer high-quality education and a wide range of academic programs.
- Natural Beauty and Lifestyle: Perth boasts stunning natural landscapes, pristine beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.
What have you enjoyed the most about living and studying in Perth?
Perth is known for its stunning natural beauty. I have relished the opportunity to explore the city's pristine beaches, such as Cottesloe and Scarborough, with their crystal-clear waters and golden sands. The breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean are a sight to behold. Additionally, Perth boasts beautiful parks and gardens, like Kings Park, which offer tranquil spaces for relaxation and leisure activities.
What would you say to students thinking of coming to Perth to study?
Perth offers a high standard of education with renowned universities and educational institutions. The city has a strong reputation for academic excellence and research opportunities across various disciplines. By choosing Perth as your study destination, you can benefit from a quality education that will equip you with the knowledge and skills for a successful future.
Did you use any of the StudyPerth service offerings during your time studying? And if so, which support services were helpful?
Even though I didn't personally use the StudyPerth services during my time in Perth, it's wonderful that I still recommend their services to others.
StudyPerth provides support services to prospective and current international students, in enhancing the study experience in Perth.