ALTHOUGH university graduates Kong Chhun and Yinn Sirivaddahana both had good jobs, they decided to return to school part time to get more qualifications to further their careers at CamEd Business School, one of the best-known advanced learning institutions in the country.

Clutching his certificate with a beaming smile on his face, Kong, who hails from Siem Reap, had just completed his Association of Charter Certified Accountants (ACCA) training, while Yinn finished her Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) degree.

“What I have learned will be very useful in my daily work,”said Kong. “Even though I am not an accountant, a financial officer or an auditor, there are still companies that will need my skills and services. This certificate allows me to do more professional work.”

“The CAT certificate will give me a lot of benefits as my job is in the auditing field,” said Yinn. “I have also been working with the General Department of Taxation, therefore my degree fits perfectly and is very useful.”

CamEd Business School is an institution offering programs on accounting, finance and auditing with official recognition from the ACCA, a UK-based association recognized in 183 countries.

CamEd also puts an emphasis on teaching knowledge, skills and real experiences in accounting, finance and auditing for those seeking a career in both the public and private sectors in Cambodia or abroad.

Some 98 percent of CamEd graduates get a job after graduating.

“The theory we learnt at school and the practice we did at school will make it easy for us to translate into everyday life,”said Yinn.

Kong added: “Learning under CAT and ACCA programs, was great. They are new, unique programs from real cases that give students real practical experience.

“ACCA is based in the United Kingdom and comprised senior accounting specialists. When they encounter a problem, they try to solve it. Once the solution is found, they compile it into a lesson.”

Cambodia has significantly changed its tax laws in the past few years to bring them in line with internationally accepted practice and both new graduates expected their skills would help in this regard.

“It is a trend that our taxation laws are getting better and our officials are also becoming more transparent,”said Yinn.

“Also, the people and vendors have gained a better understanding and are fulfilling their (tax) obligations as good citizens.”