Sui Tsang FCCA

Sui Tang’s career is a testament to the power of learning from every experience—good, bad, and everything in between.

“I’ve been lucky to work with both inspiring leaders and… let’s just say, not-so-inspiring ones. Honestly, both have been equally valuable. The great ones gave me something to aspire to, while the others showed me exactly what to avoid. That contrast has been a gift.”

For Sui, growth has been driven by three words: curiosity, people, and influence.

These three pillars have shaped her career, pushing her to rethink what it means to be a finance professional in today’s world.

Redefining Finance’s Role

“The best advice I ever received? Be more than just finance,” Sui recalls. “I learned early on that finance isn’t just about numbers, but about understanding the commercial and operational heartbeat of a business. Everything touches finance. If you only focus on the books, you’re missing half the picture. I was taught to be a business person first, a finance person second. That mindset has shaped everything I do.”

Today, as part of a complex matrix organisation, Sui is honing one of the most critical responsibilities in modern finance: influence.

“In this structure, relationships matter more than hierarchy. You have to bring people with you—not because they report to you, but because they trust you. Influence is about understanding perspectives, aligning interests, and building connections that allow you to drive meaningful change. It’s a skill I’ve had to practice constantly.”

Driving Transformation, Not Just Survival

Sui understands that the priority for digital transformation isn’t about keeping up but about leading the charge.

“Productivity is everything. It’s not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about driving growth and ensuring finance is a true strategic partner. Too often, transformation is seen as a cost-cutting exercise, but that’s missing the point. It’s about unlocking new opportunities, enabling the business to move faster, and helping finance step into a leadership role.”

For Sui, true transformation isn’t about automation alone. It’s about positioning finance as a strategic leader within the business.

“We have so much potential to lead, but we need to own that space—to stop waiting for a seat at the table and start proving our value. That means embracing change, being proactive about technology, and ensuring the organisation is ready to receive the value we can deliver.”

Finance’s Untapped Potential

Looking to the future, Sui sees two major opportunities for finance professionals:

“Finance should be at the forefront of systems and process transformations because we have the bird’s-eye view of how the business operates. We’re uniquely positioned to lead—but only if we step up.”

“Good finance people make great CEOs. We’re already strategists and problem-solvers, but we don’t always get the opportunities to develop those skills further. That’s a huge missed opportunity, and it needs to change.”

For Sui, leadership shouldn’t entirely focus on big moves but the small, practical changes that make a real impact.

“One of the most effective shifts I’ve made recently is simply mapping out processes visually in PowerPoint. People need to see things. Words on a page don’t always cut it. It’s a small change, but it’s had a big impact.”

On a larger scale, she’s been working across continents to foster collaboration.

“I’ve been working with our US head office to align responsibilities and gain their support for our European operations. I want to ensure everyone is on the same page, even when we’re thousands of miles apart.”

At the core of all these efforts? Empowerment.

“That’s what keeps me going,” Sui says. “I love knowing I can make changes, implement new ideas, and create something that lasts. The ability to work across functions, drive initiatives, and have an impact. That’s what gets me out of bed every day.”