Wai Tai (Belinda)
Summary
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), experienced in forensic accounting, internal auditing, and regulatory compliance with a proven track record across the Asia-Pacific region. Over 7 years of expertise in fraud detection, financial statement analysis, and FCPA compliance. Skilled in managing high-stakes investigations, utilizing eDiscovery tools, and conducting internal control reviews to mitigate risk. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin with additional capabilities in Japanese and Spanish. Highly adaptable, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing complex financial investigations and driving operational improvements.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder and English Teacher
Sonrisa Education Limited
08.2019 - Current
- Founded and operate a successful English learning center for children aged 4 to 14, providing courses in phonics, oral communication, creative writing, and interview preparation
- Achieved a 100% success rate in helping students with no prior phonics knowledge read independently after just 6 months of phonics classes
- Transitioned the entire business to an online platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued operations and meeting clients' needs, resulting in an 80% increase in student retention
- Manage day-to-day operations, curriculum development, and assessments while maintaining regular communication with parents regarding students’ progress, leading to an 80% improvement in parent satisfaction
World Travel & Volunteering
Career Break
02.2016 - 02.2019
- Traveled across Asia, Australia, Central and South America, and Europe, enhancing my adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving abilities in diverse environments
- Volunteered as an English teacher, developing strong communication and leadership skills while working with students of varying backgrounds and learning needs
- Gained experience as a guesthouse front desk supervisor, where I managed administrative tasks, handled customer service, and resolved operational issues, further improving my organizational and multitasking skills
Full-time MA in Anthropology
Career Break
01.2014 - 11.2015
- Pursued a deep interest in cultural studies while developing critical analytical skills and research methodologies
- Gained a deeper understanding of human behavior, cross-cultural communication, and complex societal structures, which enhanced my ability to approach problems from diverse perspectives
- Developed advanced qualitative research skills, which are useful in forensic accounting for analysing and interpreting complex data sets
- Strengthened my communication skills through presenting research findings and writing detailed reports
Senior Internal Auditor
Emerson Electric Pacific Ltd
06.2011 - 12.2013
- Led investigations into unethical employee conduct through in-depth financial analysis, site visits, and interviews, providing key recommendations to senior management
- Utilized eDiscovery tools to identify anomalies in financial transactions, detecting fraudulent journal entries and mitigating risks to the business
- Conducted internal control reviews, ensuring compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) across multiple APAC locations
- Delivered ethics policy compliance training to employees, enhancing company-wide adherence to regulatory standards
Financial Accountant (Contract)
State Street Australia Limited
08.2010 - 11.2010
- Prepared detailed financial statements for year-end audits, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards
- Reconciled financial data across multiple systems, improving the integrity of financial reports submitted to external auditors
- Proofread final statements for accuracy before submitting for audit, minimizing errors and audit revisions
Assistant Manager, Forensic Accounting
KPMG
10.2008 - 02.2010
- Assisted in high-stakes forensic investigations related to employee fraud, revenue manipulations, and anti-money laundering activities
- Conducted FCPA compliance reviews for mergers and acquisitions, identifying potential risks in cross-border transactions
- Led and coached junior staff on various engagements, providing guidance and mentorship throughout investigations
- Reviewed and provided constructive feedback on junior staff’s work, helping them improve their analytical skills and attention to detail
- Utilized EnCase software to conduct computer forensic investigations, ensuring the preservation and accuracy of digital evidence
Associate, Financial Audit
PricewaterhouseCoopers
12.2006 - 09.2008
- Performed financial audits for clients across various industries, ensuring compliance with audit standards and client requirements
- Managed audit tasks efficiently, communicating progress and potential conflicts to senior management
- Fostered professional relationships with clients, ensuring clear communication and meeting deadlines
Education
Master of Arts - Anthropology
Chinese University of Hong Kong
11.2015
Bachelor of Science - Management, Management Information Systems (MIS) and Finance
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12.2005
Skills
Language Skills:
- Fluent: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
- Conversational: Japanese And Spanish
Programming Skills:
- C
- SQL
Computer Skills:
- MS Office Suite
- EnCase
- eDiscovery tools
Volunteer and International Experience
Volunteer English Teacher
Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia • 11/2018 - 02/2019
- Broadened children’s educational experiences by introducing them to a new language and culture.
- Developed, planned, and implemented an English learning curriculum for a class of 20 Grade 8 and Grade 9 students.
- Fostered a nurturing learning environment to support and encourage students’ learning.
- Regularly conducted skill assessments to track progress.
- Supervised and provided direction to the teaching assistant.
Guesthouse Front Desk Supervisor
Casa Seibel, Guatemala • 08/2017 - 11/2017
- Managed a team of three officers to ensure a smooth check-in/check-out process for guests. Handled guests’ inquiries and needs in a professional and timely manner.
- Responsible for managing reservations made through different channels. Updated payment records as needed., Handled cash received with care.
- Marketed tours and transfer services offered by the guesthouse.
- Hosted events and parties occasionally to build good guest relationships.
Volunteer English Teacher
Utatlan Spanish School, Guatemala • 08/2017 - 11/2017
- Designed and delivered English lessons to underprivileged children, adapting curriculum to suit diverse learning needs in exchange for Spanish lessons.
Orphanage Volunteer
Hogar Tata San Juan de Dios, Bolivia • 08/2016 - 02/2017
- Provided daily care for orphans aged 2 weeks to 3 years, ensuring their basic needs were met and assisting with their overall well-being.
Core Competencies
- Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection
- Financial Audits and Reporting
- Compliance Audits (FCPA)
- Internal Controls and Risk Management
- Forensic Data Analysis and eDiscovery
Certification
- US CPA, lapsed since 2022 (Re-application in progress, expected completion Q1 2025)
- Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N2), 02/01/24
Timeline
Founder and English Teacher
Sonrisa Education Limited
08.2019 - Current
World Travel & Volunteering
Career Break
02.2016 - 02.2019
Full-time MA in Anthropology
Career Break
01.2014 - 11.2015
Senior Internal Auditor
Emerson Electric Pacific Ltd
06.2011 - 12.2013
Financial Accountant (Contract)
State Street Australia Limited
08.2010 - 11.2010
Assistant Manager, Forensic Accounting
KPMG
10.2008 - 02.2010
Associate, Financial Audit
PricewaterhouseCoopers
12.2006 - 09.2008
Master of Arts - Anthropology
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Science - Management, Management Information Systems (MIS) and Finance
Purdue University
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