Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by ThanatosSwiftfire

How to make myself more 'employable'

ThanatosSwiftfire — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 16:20:33 +0800

Hi guys,

I've been trying to apply jobs for the past few months and things have not been going the way I wanted (I'm frankly not even getting any damn offer), and so I've pretty much determined the problem to be the fact that my qualification and skillset is frankly not good enough.

So, I'm currently consider what sort of education I can obtain over the next 5 years (without killing myself, or taxing my wallet far too highly) so I won't be in a position where I'm pretty much 'begging' for a job, and instead would be considered ahead of other candidates. (yes I'm kiasu like that)

Where I am now :
1. 4 years experience as an external auditor with a Big 4 (so much for being marketable -___-)
2. ACCA Member
3. Savings : Approximately RM40-50k (so try not to recommend something that would be soo expensive that I can't do it)
4. 24 years old

What I'm considering over the next 5 years is

a) Take GMAT then a part time MBA with NUS/INSEAD (this will take approximately 2.5 years, probably I'll need to save the next 2 year's income to just even pay for the tuition fees, so the likelihood of me being able to do this will only commence in 2014)

or

b) Take CFA (I can start doing this now)

or

c) Do another degree in economics/econometrics (a proper degree one this time, instead of doing the whole ACCA-linked degree which seems to be worth jacks shit), (do recommend other areas if you see where the industry is going)

or

d) SAP accreditation (probably start off with a few modules) so as to move into the whole ERP scene.

My queries and concerns are as follows
Which of the above would be the best bang for the buck?
Do any of you forecast any future trends that perhaps I should look into exploring?
CFA and SAP would inherently mean my ACCA/4 years exp is pretty much worth nothing, so would that be worth it?
What would you recommend?

Personally I'm more into the MBA route, since it has far better visibility than the rest, and is easy to explain about. But what do you guys think?

PART 2

Another component which I felt was lacking in my resume was some kind of foreign language knowledge, which I intend to start acquiring. I currently can speak English (duh), Mandarin, and of course BM.

I'm contemplating the following languages
a) Spanish
b) Japanese
c) French
d) German

What do you guys think will be more useful in terms of getting a job? I'm more on the French/German side since they do have a larger share of the world economy and Japan is pretty much going downhill, but yeah.. any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Why are people so difficult to impress?

ThanatosSwiftfire — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:02:37 +0800

I was in the lift today going to my working floor, then I overheard this bunch of people talking in the lift.
Conversation went like :

Girl A asks : "So how's your trip?"
Guy B answers : "Meh, so-so" (shakes his fingers/palms making that barely above water motion)
Girl A then went silent.

Then it occurred to me that, 'hey. why can't we say we had a great time?' (even if we didn't)
I reflected on the conversations I've overheard, and then I realised most of them never really convey any strong praise or comments. Very often everyone likes to say, 'well.. it's not too bad", oh, it was okay.

DAFUQ PIPUL.

Why can't you be more positive and say, "Hey, it was great! I mean, there's a few bumps here and there, but it's great!"

tldr : ITT I complain why pipul so negative.

How to politely reject a girl

ThanatosSwiftfire — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:01:25 +0800

There's a girl that likes me. She's slightly cute and I'd say to a degree, above average la. (not fat or anything).
Thing is, she isn't the one I have in mind, and I like her as a good friend, so I really can't accept her. (if i did, it'd be more of out of sympathy than attraction)
(okay truth be told i'm freaked out by commitment, and she gives me this feeling la she's gonna demand heaven and hell out of me)

She's someone I'll see on a regular basis thanks to job commitments.

How do I tell her no? (i'm not perasaning. very bloody sure about it)

Big 4 Recruitment Drive_v2

ThanatosSwiftfire — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 20:53:33 +0800

Who are the big 4?

PricewaterhouseCoopers
PwC (officially PricewaterhouseCoopers) is a global professional services firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom.[2] It is the world's second-largest professional services firm (after Deloitte) and one of the 'Big Four' accountancy firms.[5]
It has offices in 757 cities across 151 countries and employs over 163,000 people.[4][6] It had total revenues of $26 billion in 2009, of which $13 billion was generated by its Assurance practice, $7 billion by its Tax practice and $6 billion by its Advisory practice.[4]
The firm was formed in 1998 by a merger between Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand.[1] The trading name was shortened to PwC in September 2010 as part of a major rebranding exercise.[7]
As of 2009 it was the eighth largest privately-owned organisation in the United States.[8]
PricewaterhouseCoopers Website

Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young (EY) is one of the largest professional services firms in the world and one of the Big Four auditors, along with Deloitte, KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Ernst & Young is a global organization of member firms in more than 140 countries. Its global headquarters are based in London, UK and the U.S. firm is headquartered at 5 Times Square, New York, New York.[3]
As of 2009, it is ranked by Forbes magazine the 10th largest private company in the United States.[4]

Deloitte
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (also branded as Deloitte) is the largest professional services organization in the world.[2] According to the organization's website as of 2010, Deloitte has approximately 170,000 staff at work in more than 150 countries, delivering audit, tax, consulting, enterprise risk, and financial advisory services through its member firms.
Its global headquarters is located in Paramount Plaza, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York.[3]

KPMG
KPMG is one of the largest professional services firms in the world and one of the Big Four auditors, along with Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Its global headquarters are located in Amstelveen, Netherlands.[1]
KPMG employs 140,000 people[3] and has three lines of services: audit, tax, and advisory.

Firm / Revenues /Employees/Fiscal Year/Headquarters/Source
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu $26.578bn 170,000 2010 United States [1]
PwC (officially PricewaterhouseCoopers) $26.569bn 162,000 2010 United Kingdom [2]
Ernst & Young $21.255bn 141,000 2010 United Kingdom [3]
KPMG $20.11bn 135,000 2009 The Netherlands [4]

Is facebook screwing with our lives?

ThanatosSwiftfire — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:39:49 +0800

Hi CC,

I start with a personal anecdote, since it was when it happened that I realized how facebook is making life tough for me. I check facebook quite regularly, and recently got my heart somewhat broken (yeah yeah.. shit happens).

So all's fine and dandy, I went out, hang out with friends, and for a while I forgot about the fact that I even had a heartbreak.

Then I got home, and turned on facebook.

POP! On the top right corner it shows "Photo memories", and shows the photos of that very woman that broke my heart.

-________-

At that very moment I felt like disabling that goddamned function, BUT NOOOOOOO. You can't DISABLE IT???!!! Then okay, so now I've got the whole shit brewing in me again. (I'm feeling much better now so that's not the point)

Anyway, my point is, so how did facebook make your love life difficult? Did it dig up some shit that U wished remained buried?

Do share, I guess it's interesting how everyone gets FML-ed by FB

Office ladies - Diff dept = Diff Personality?

ThanatosSwiftfire — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:47:28 +0800

My personal encounter with OLs has been quite interesting to date, personally my observations are as below.

1. Finance girls = New joiners tend to be young, rather cute, but very quiet. (generally chinese-ed)
2. Marketing girls = Makeup giler!!!
3. Management trainees (not rly a dept, but yeah) = Usually damn hot, and english ed. I find them able to converse very well, though I wonder whether they really understand what they tell me.
4. HR girls = Cute, but I wouldn't mess with them. I'd stay a mile away!

Thoughts ppl, and add more depts into the fray!

Since we're past stereotyping by race and education, now it's time to stereotype by dept! XD

How to jump higher & further

ThanatosSwiftfire — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:12:45 +0800

Hi,

I'm looking for exercises to improve my ability to jump higher. Any advice?

Coping with our own mistakes and errors

ThanatosSwiftfire — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:46:17 +0800

I've recently made a mistake at work, that just came to light far too late for me to do anything, and fault is on my complacency. Whilst I'm inclined to somehow push the blame to others as a simple way to cope (as many of us Asians are fond of doing), a part of me knows I am in no position to blame anyone and I must take ownership for the mistakes I've made.

But hell, knowing we've screwed up is a bitter medicine to swallow. I don't want to dwell of spilled milk, but yet without some dwelling and putting some thought into it, we'd never learn. Yet If I dwell on it and let the realisation that I've messed up sink it, I feel like sh!t, and that stinks because I'm on another assignment that needs my attention.

I've already admitted the mistake to my superiors and they've assigned my colleague/intermediate superior who's still on the assignment to rectify the mistake as it involves some communication with the client.

So my question is, how to cope with the guilt of not having done a good job in the first place.

Any advice?
How do you all normally react for a mistake that has been discovered by either your peers or superiors?

How to deal with slow colleagues.

ThanatosSwiftfire — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:31:26 +0800

Yes. As per title, I have stupid colleagues. It's a pain trying to explain things to my stupid (actually, to be kind, the more appropriate phrase is that they are just damn slooooooooooooooooooooow) colleagues, but I need to, because I'm expected to delegate and educate them. Anyone can help?

I'm starting to think that it may be

a) I suck as a teacher
b) They're just thick
c) Both.

Damg, I just realized I'm such an oldfag

ThanatosSwiftfire — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:24:32 +0800

I took a look at my joined date today, and i went F UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

then I emo.

Let moorish defend herself

ThanatosSwiftfire — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:03:27 +0800

I request for a thread to enable moorish to defend her opinion against the rest of us.

To those who agree say AYE!

Is there a cure to trolling?

ThanatosSwiftfire — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:49:52 +0800

Dear /K/, is there a cure to trolling?

No fatties @ website

ThanatosSwiftfire — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:47:29 +0800

Dating and social network site BeautifulPeople.com has axed some 5,000 members following complaints that they had gained weight.

The members were singled out after posting pictures of themselves that reportedly showed they had put on pounds over the holiday period.
The site allows entry to new members only if existing members vote them as sufficiently attractive to warrant it.
The US, the UK, and Canada topped the list of excluded members.
The site has always been unrepentant about its selection process, calling itself "the largest network of attractive people in the world".
The move was reportedly prompted by members themselves, who police the membership of the site to maintain a high - if highly subjective - standard of attractiveness.
"As a business, we mourn the loss of any member, but the fact remains that our members demand the high standard of beauty be upheld," said site founder Robert Hintze.

"Letting fatties roam the site is a direct threat to our business model and the very concept for which BeautifulPeople.com was founded."

SAUCE

Am I slowpoke, or is the above a real LOL

Fear of commitment

ThanatosSwiftfire — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:37:12 +0800

Hi CC.

Problem :
Fear of commitment. Like.. seriously. I come across, and are decently close with quite a few gals whom I consider attractive. I'm reasonably confident of getting them to be my girlfriend should I try and put in time & effort. But, I can't make up my mind. Every time I feel like chasing them, and wanting them to be my girlfriend, a million and 1 questions pop up, (ex. How will this affect my finances, How will this affect how I allocate my time, How will this affect my relationship with my friends, work.. and worse is the thought of, 'what if someone better comes along?')

I've been told I think too far ahead / worry too much. Any solutions for such the problem?

Noise from com when playing games

ThanatosSwiftfire — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:52:27 +0800

Hi, I'm running a Q6600, Ge9600GT, Gigabyte P35-DS3L. No overclocking.

I've recently having some problems with my PC when it makes a particularly high pitch buzz whenver i'm running some graphically intensive games (by my low standards lah). It's intermitten in nature, and stops whenever I'm out of the games.

Any possible explanations and solutions?

Intentionally being single

ThanatosSwiftfire — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:25:50 +0800

I've known for one many young men who are desperate, and eager to get themselves a girlfriend. Such threads are a dime a dozen in CC, so I call out to the exact opposite, those single young men who are not desperate, but otherwise intentionally want to be single. At least for the present moment, not saying that these few people will be single for life.

So, my question here.

Why? Why'd you want to be single at this period in time. Is there any reason at the present moment that drives such a decision? Is it internally motivated, or perhaps a result of bad experience?

To start the ball rolling, I'll start.

I'm single at the moment simply because my work presently prevents mean from having enough time for myself, what more a significant other. (yeah lame excuse, some would say)

I feel stuck in a dead end job

ThanatosSwiftfire — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:48:52 +0800

I'm an auditor. I don't hate it, but I don't like it very much either. Everyday I wake up feeling indifferent about my job, thinking about when I'll do something I enjoy, and yet I know I'm too scared to let go of the web of security of having a job gives me. I really wonder...

ACCA V5!

ThanatosSwiftfire — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:53:20 +0800

ACCA v5. This thread is meant for

*Strictly on serious talk regarding ACCA/CAT tuition providers
*comment on lecturers
*exam/study tips

please do not spam here ya...

So read up the
1.Rules/Guidelines
2.How to Multiquote
3.Learn how to use "edit" located bottom right of your post.

1) Previous thread to refer: ACCA
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=116302&st=2600

2) Toughest ACCA Paper, Vote For The Most Challenging ACCA Paper
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...9&#entry9571649

3) ACCA Textbook,Revision Kits and Passcards by FTMS
http://my.ftmsglobal.com/downloads_enrolme...alOrderForm.pdf

4) Coolly's personally opinion on paper 3.5 and 3.7 in FTMS ( newly added )
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/379762/+340# (Post 359)

1) ACCA Official Website:
http://www.accaglobal.com
2) ACCA 2007 New Syllabus Info
http://www.accaglobal.com/horizon/

3) Lowyat ACCA/CAT's chat
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=362089

4) Lowyat Auditor Yam Cha Section
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f=23&t=331577

5) FTMS Website
http://my.accaglobal.com

6) Orange International College (formerly McOrange) (OIC or McO)
http://www.oic.edu.my/professional.html#acca

7) Kasturi Website (KSA)
http://www.ksacitycampus.com/

8) Global tuition providers
http://www.accaglobal.com/students/study_e...tion/providers/

9) Approved textbook publishers
http://www.accaglobal.com/students/publications/publishers

10) PAAC Home Study Programme(newly added)
http://www.paac.edu.my/Home%20Study%20Plan...d%20061206).pdf

11) Kolej Bandar Website (KB)
http://www.calow.biz/

thumbup.gif Recommended Lecturers thumbup.gif

Understand there are many people looking for part time course to pass their acca soonest possible and the followings are a few lectures recommended by people who had passed thier ACCA paper

The following recommended lecturers are based on individual's personal opinion...please use it at your own risk... laugh.gif

Note:The number shown in () refers to the relevant old syllabus paper.

Fundamentals Level - Knowledge module (F1-F3)

F1 Accountant in Business AB(1.3)
Chang Shew Leng (KSA)

F2 Management Accounting MA(1.2)
Low Chin Ann (KB)
Miss Sunita (PAAC)

F3 Financial Accounting FA(1.1)
Yap Kok Wah (KB)
Miss Sunita (PAAC)

Fundamentals Level - Skills module (F4-F9)

F4 Corporate and Business Law CL(2.2)
Viknes (KBandar)

F5 Performance Management PM(N/A)
Ian Lim (McO/OIC)
Andrew Pang (KSA)

F6 Taxation TX (2.3)
Alan Yeo (KSA)
Low Chin Ann (KB)
Wong Paik Wan (McO)
Siva Nair (FTMS)
Choong Kwai Fatt (Segi) (Revision class only)

F7 Financial Reporting FR(2.5)
Haneef (McO)
Joe Fang (KSA)

F8 Audit and Assurance AA(2.6)
Sheila (McO)
Philip Woo (KSA)
Low Chin Ann (KB)
Fung Chee Kong (FTMS) ( RI Only )

F9 Financial Management FM(2.4)
Daniel Ho (FTMS)
Andrew Pang (KSA)
Steve Lumby (McO) *RI only

Professional Level - Essentials (P1-P3)

P1 Professional Accountant(N/A)
Sheila (McO)
Philip Woo (KSA)

P2 Corporate Reporting CR(3.6)
Haneef (McO)
Ms Menon (Sunway)
Joe Fang (KSA)

P3 Business Analysis BA(3.5)
Michael (McO - Revision only))
Parminder (KSA)
Wong Siew Choo (FTMS)
Martin (FTMS) *Revision only
Phillip Woo (Revision only)

Professional Level - Options (P4-P7)

P4 Advanced Financial Management AFM(3.7)
Daniel Ho (FTMS) (of an uncertain future...)
Andrew Pang (KSA)
Mr Chan (OIC)

P5 Advanced Performance Management APM(3.3)
Andrew Pang (KSA)
Chow Kim Tai (OIC/McO)

P6 Advanced Taxation ATX(3.2)
Chow Chee Yan (McO) Revision only
Low Chin Ann (KB)
Chong Kwai Fatt (Segi)(maybe yes maybe no lah)

P7 Advanced Audit and Assurance AAA(3.1)
Fung Chee Kong (FTMS)
Jackson (KSA)
Sheila (McO) (revision only)b

What's with so many accounting topics?

ThanatosSwiftfire — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:25:05 +0800

Per title, I've noticed recently that there is a proliferation of accounts-related topics. Whilst I applaud them for their willingness to post a topic and hopefully get feedback on their possible future, but what is it with accounts?

Is it that desirable? Are our youth so money-minded that they'd forgo the enjoyment of a proper college life, a good working environment and most importantly, doing something we enjoy? (Honestly, I hate being stuck in a dead end job, having a cubicle, doing the same thing year in year out, and mostly dealing with people who are awfully incompetent)

Whilst I don't mean to discourage people who do accounts, but do realize the increase in supply will not be translated by an equal increase in demand, thus the average salary of any accountants will fall as a result. Furthermore, in case of any recession, accounts staff, being a support role, often gets salary reductions and no bonus. So much for a 'secure' and 'financially bright' future.

So maybe you guys can help me out here, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING when you did ACCOUNTS?! Why is everyone seemingly wanting to get into it?

EduE Forums Download

ThanatosSwiftfire — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:04:28 +0800

EE forums, everytime I click on it, it prompts me to download 123 xmas.jpg. WTF?

NVM problem solved, cleared my cache.