The Phnom Penh-based CamEd Business School has become a strong brand name in the financial industry, thanks to its skilled graduates who continue to break barriers and contribute to the growing corporate sector and the Kingdom’s economy.

Quality and dedicated lecturers, globally recognised curricula, partnerships with international examination bodies and equipping students with additional soft skills – makes the 20-year-old institution a premier training centre in the country.

CamEd’s finance, accounting and auditing graduates are highly sought after by employers for their sharp skills in their respective areas.

“I can say that from 2019 to 2020, the employment rate of our graduates was 98 per cent.

“The strength of our school is that it is recognisd by employers because our students are capable and quick to adapt in the workplace, while it is not difficult to further train them in technical skills and they have deep knowledge of accounting standards,” said CamEd senior vice president Sam Sokuntheary.

Cambodia needs quality financial and accounting professionals to propel its fast-paced financial sector.

The capital market, banks, microfinance institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises will continue to expand as more companies and businesses enter the market.

Professionals are needed to prepare payroll, process taxation, prepare financial statements and audit accounts.

For nearly two decades, CamEd has produced top notch accountants and other financial professionals.

And the corporate sector – with its lucrative salary packages and work environments – continues to woo fresh graduates.

“The number of Grade 12 students applying to pursue higher education at CamEd has increased year-by-year because the school offers attractive programmes.

“CamEd offers international standard curricula, with four-year graduates earning two degrees at the same time – Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) and the Certified Accounting Technician qualification, which is recognised by the London-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [ACCA],” she said.

CamEd’s teaching staff, mostly consisting of foreigners, are all exceptionally qualified and go through a rigorous selection process before they are hired.

“Both Cambodian and foreign teachers, even if they have PhDs, need to sit for a test because sometimes they have the qualifications but lack teaching abilities. And if a professor is an accountant, we do not allow him to teach finance,” she added.

CamEd is also accredited by ACCA, which is the largest professional accounting and auditing body in the world.

In addition, it is also a member of the Asean University Network, which gives graduates ample opportunities to further their education in universities across the region.

Academic qualifications are not the only emphasis at CamEd. Students also have the chance to improve their soft skills and prepare for the workforce for when they graduate.

“Teamwork activities include camping, as well as charity and cultural events. We also organise annual trips and study tours, both in Cambodia and abroad to encourage students to make friends, achieve their personal goals and enhance their experiences and leadership qualities,” said Sokuntheary.

CamEd has also set up a career counselling section to assist third year students find jobs after graduating.