Accounting and Auditing Forum 2026: Don’t Let Numbers Define Your Limits!

“Beyond Numbers: Where Accounting & Auditing Can Lead” – Accounting and auditing are about much more than paperwork and demanding audit seasons. How far can a career in this field really take you? Answers to this question were explored at the Business Forum organized by the Faculty of Accounting, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), on October 23, 2026, at Room A403.

The event was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi My Hanh, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting, and faculty members. More than 350 students joined the forum both in person and online, demonstrating strong interest in career pathways and development opportunities in accounting and auditing.

The program featured two distinguished speakers:

• Dr. Tran Khanh Lam – Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Certified Public Accountants (VACPA).

• Ms. Ho Thuy Linh – Head of Recruitment and Talent Attraction at EY Vietnam.

Inspiring Students to Recognize the Value of the Profession

In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi My Hanh highlighted the significance of accounting in business operations. Accounting not only helps organizations ensure regulatory compliance but also contributes to improving operational efficiency. As technology continues to advance and become increasingly integrated into the profession, students need to strengthen their thinking skills, revisit fundamental principles, and develop a deeper understanding of how businesses operate.

What matters is not simply performing professional tasks correctly, but also recognizing the value that one's work creates for the organization and for oneself. Understanding this value can inspire students to pursue their chosen careers and continuously develop their capabilities.

Your Only Limits Are the Ones You Set for Yourself!

This was the powerful message shared by Dr. Tran Khanh Lam, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of VACPA.

For many students, accounting is associated with bookkeeping, while auditing brings to mind demanding “all-night deadlines” during busy seasons. In reality, however, financial and accounting knowledge can open doors to international opportunities, including strategic and senior-level positions in multinational organizations.

“Going far is not merely about geographical distance; it is a journey of expanding your capabilities,” Dr. Lam emphasized. Students should not wait until graduation to start figuring out their career paths. Instead, they should take the initiative to gain experience and observe the business environment while still at university.

Insights from EY Vietnam: What Do Employers Really Look for in Young Candidates?

Addressing students’ concerns about their lack of work experience, Ms. Ho Thuy Linh, Head of Recruitment and Talent Attraction at EY Vietnam, identified four key qualities that employers value in young candidates:

1. Communication skills: It is not about speaking eloquently, but about presenting ideas coherently, thinking logically, and conveying information clearly. In addition to English, learning a second foreign language, such as Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, can provide a significant competitive advantage.

2. Professional appearance: A neat and well-presented appearance demonstrates respect for others and a serious attitude toward one's profession.

3. A credible and authentic CV: There is no need to fill a CV with impressive-sounding certificates if you do not genuinely understand them. Instead, present your abilities, academic achievements, and practical experiences honestly.

4. A willingness to learn and grow: When choosing between a candidate with strong technical skills but an inappropriate attitude and a less experienced candidate who is eager to learn and open to feedback, employers often prioritize the latter.

Overcoming the “Experience or Opportunity?” Paradox

The familiar recruitment dilemma – “How can I get a job without experience, and how can I gain experience without a job?” – often discourages students from taking their first career steps.

The forum offered a practical answer: consistent preparation throughout university is the key.

Beyond academic performance, participating in academic clubs, group projects, and practical programs allows students to develop valuable soft skills that cannot be fully acquired through textbooks alone. These include problem-solving, time management, accountability, and teamwork.

“Beyond Numbers”: As Technology Transforms the Profession, Human Value Matters More Than Ever

As AI and digital transformation automate an increasing proportion of data-processing tasks, finance professionals are becoming even more valuable for their strategic perspectives. Behind every number lie decisions about resource allocation, risk management, and an organization's sustainable development goals.

As the forum came to a close, the perspectives of academia, professional leadership, and a leading employer converged on one key message: The future is not determined by the degree you hold, but by how you choose to push beyond your own limits.

How far can a career in accounting and auditing take you? The answer lies in the choices you make today!