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Dear Young Professionals in Accounting Firms

I still remember a group of Big 4 audit staff came to my office for a meeting years ago.
They were smart. Polite. Well spoken.

After the meeting, they left.
And on the table… used tissues, scattered papers, empty cups.

I stood there for a moment and thought the next morning,
“Alamat… how can this happen? Where is the basic manner?”
That was when I realised something.

Basic professional behaviour is quietly disappearing.

And that is why I am writing this.
Because I kena complaint by a client this week.

Not on technical.
On manners.
That one hurts more than audit or tax findings.

So this is my public self reflection. And maybe a gentle reminder for all of us.

1. Never be late. If you are, inform early not on the spot.
A 9:00am meeting means 9:00am, not 9:05am with excuse.
If you know you will be late, CALL the client at 8:30am or in advance if some uncontrollable pop up. Not at 9:01am from the lift.

2. Always greet the key person first.
Before you open your laptop, find the person in charge. Say hello. Acknowledge them.
It is basic respect but many forget.

3. If you go for lunch, tell the client.
Don’t just disappear from the meeting room.
“Hi, we’re stepping out for lunch and will be back at 2pm.” That’s all.

4. When you finish your fieldwork, inform them.
Don’t quietly pack and leave. Let them know you are done and thank them for their time.

5. Leave the room better than you found it.
Push back the chairs. Clear your cups. Arrange the table.
It tells the client, “I respect your space.”

6. Silence your phone and never check it in front of the client.
No scrolling.
No replying messages.
No looking down when the client is talking.
It tells the client, “Right now, you are more important than my phone.”
That is rare today and very valued.

7. Say thank you properly.
Not “thanks ya”.
But “Thank you for your time today. We appreciate it.”
It costs nothing, but leaves a good last impression.

8. Keep promises or update early.
If you promised a document by Friday and cannot make it, update on Thursday.
Silence creates anxiety.
Early updates build trust.

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, the Group Principal, in his personal LinkedIn post.

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