Dual-Qualified in Law and Accounting: Joining the Big Four to Expand Career Horizons

Full Article in Chinese

• Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) in Accountancy and Law
• Director, Tax and Business Advisory, Global Mobility, Deloitte China

Accounting and law represent highly competitive career paths, prompting many to specialize in either one or the other. Jobey Chan, currently working at Deloitte China, diverged from this conventional choice by pursuing a double major in Law and Accounting at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). Having integrated expertise from both domains, she was promptly hired upon graduation by ‘Big Four firm’ Deloitte China, subsequently rising to play a pivotal role in cross-regional tax advisory.

Professional accountants are often characterized by their rigorous logic, clear thinking, and composure, traits that Jobey fully embodies. Yet, unlike conventional accounting professionals, her background in legal education provided a strategic foundation that significantly accelerated her career advancement. Looking back on her university life, which was marked by challenges, perseverance, and drive, she noted that her cohort comprised around 20 students in the double major. They attended select courses alongside Business Administration students, while their law modules brought them together with traditional Bachelor of Laws (LLB) candidates.

"Not only are they fluent in English, but they also have more opportunities than accounting students who frequently deal with data, to develop their communication and communication skills." Jobey recalled that competing with law students for excellent grades on the same platform was not easy. At the time, she felt that getting an A in accounting was not difficult, but reaching a B+ level in law was already quite good. However, it was precisely this learning experience that forged her mindset and laid a solid foundation for her future tax consulting work, which relies heavily on logical thinking.

To achieve her goal of graduating with first-class honors upon enrollment, Jobey frankly stated that she spent almost all her time focused on studying during her time at CityUHK. This high degree of discipline and perseverance have transformed into her passport to embarking on a professional accounting career.

Speaking of her more than twenty years of striving in the 'Big Four,' Jobey explained that she has witnessed countless companies overcome numerous challenges with the support of her and her team. "Many people think joining the Big Four means working overtime day and night, constantly dealing with numbers, but they overlook the key not only technical, but also communication."

She shared an impressive crisis handling case, noting that she assisted a well-known company in a situation where foreign staff needed to handle cross-border tax planning and settlement preparation within a tight deadline due to a sudden change in its operational direction. "We worked hard to devise suitable solutions and ultimately succeeded through joint negotiations with the company, employees, and the tax authorities, and completed this highly challenging project on schedule. This shows that when using professional service roles to 'defuse bombs' for different companies, the key is to clarify all parties' positions, communicate honestly, and work together closely—there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome."

Observing recent shifts in talent mobility, Jobey noted that Hong Kong’s new normal has evolved. Rather than Western MNCs sending large numbers of expatriates as in the past, talent is now increasingly dispatched from Mainland China through initiatives through the Government Schemes. As a result, individual tax advisory and accounting practices must frequently alternate between English and Chinese. Given that documentation for Mainland enterprises is predominantly in Chinese, adapting flexibly to current trends while keeping pace with change is often the key to winning client trust.

Addressing the widely discussed topic of generational differences in the workplace, Jobey, now in a management role, believes the key is letting go of one's ego. She recalled job seekers who lacked insight into recent industry shifts, focusing their interview questions solely on secondment opportunities abroad without balancing commercial realities and market demand. Instead, she advises candidates to use Q&A sessions to understand the firm’s strategic direction and how they can align with it. Inquiring about professional training or career progression pathways, areas directly relevant to personal growth, creates a far more positive impression.

Offering advice to her juniors, she emphasizes that beyond foundational traits like diligence and sincerity, maintaining curiosity about the world and empathy is vital. "Building mutual trust with clients is simpler than it seems," she shared. "The key is showing genuine care and delivering attentive, tailored service. Simply remembering their preferences goes a long way in bridging the distance.”

（Published at 31 July 2026）