Kan Cui: Improving financial performance of leading law firm

Kan’s journey

I was previously a finance manager in a top-tier international law firm and was a trusted finance partner to nine business units. Using my expertise in accounting, data analysis, process improvement and change management, I helped my company improve financial performance and reduce inefficiencies. 

Although offered a place on an MBA programme in London, I chose the Cambridge Master of Accounting instead for two reasons. 

Firstly, the University of Cambridge was one of the most renowned teaching institutions in the world. Therefore, it attracted prominent teaching staff and elite students from all over the globe. To me, this meant a high-quality learning experience from both faculty staff and my classmates. The reputation of Cambridge also provided enhanced career mobility and opportunity. As I climbed up the career ladder, I believed this programme would be highly beneficial. 

Secondly, I found the curriculum well-designed and original. It was by no means like a conventional Master of Accounting programme, whose focus was on financial reporting, audit, tax, etc. This programme taught, amongst other things, change management and negotiations, interpersonal dynamics and data analytics, all of which were essential skills for finance professionals. 

My goal was to become a finance director in a large organisation. I believed this programme would accelerate my career in many ways. Firstly, it would give my current or future employer an immediate positive impression. Secondly, I underwent a transformation in this programme, from being an accountant to a future-ready financial leader with knowledge in financial reporting and analysis, strategic management, change management and data analytics. 

Lastly, after 2 years, I became an alumnus of Cambridge University, meaning the power of networking played an important role in my career development. Having an association with Cambridge was a lifetime reward. With regards to the Cambridge Executive Master of Accounting in particular, I developed lifelong friendships with my cohort and the faculty. 

I also applied my learning to my job. For example, when I worked at E&J Gallo in my previous role, I led several change initiatives. Some of them affected my immediate team, while others impacted the wider finance team. I was able to apply the learning from the Change Management module—such as recognising and handling resistance to change—to many of my projects, delivering successful outcomes.