Meet a CPA: From Finance to Social Impact

Join us for the inaugural webinar in CPA Australia’s new career inspiration series, featuring Daniel Chew CPA (Aust.), Group Head, Sustainability & Partnerships, HCSA Community Services. In this warm and candid conversation, Daniel will share his journey from Shell across Nigeria, India and Singapore to a new chapter in social impact leadership, and reflect on how a career built in finance can evolve in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Beyond a move into the non-profit sector, Daniel will explore the broader theme of career reinvention: what it means to consider a shift in industry, function, role or direction, and how to navigate that journey with clarity, courage and confidence. Through his sharing, members will hear how professional skills in finance, governance, stakeholder management and leadership remain highly transferable across sectors and stages of life.

Daniel will also introduce HCSA Community Services, an Institute of Public Character driven by the purpose “To Give a Future and a Hope,” with a vision of “Lives Transformed. Families Strengthened. Communities Uplifted.” and a mission of “Empowering the vulnerable to find purpose for a more abundant life.” HCSA serves vulnerable communities through four signature programmes, including support for male ex-offenders rebuilding their lives, teenage girls recovering from severe abuse and trauma, single parents and lone caregivers with limited support, and vulnerable individuals seeking employability and skills development.

Drawing on his experience leading sustainability and partnerships at HCSA, Daniel will share how commercial finance skills and experience can help strengthen sustainability, build resilience and support growth through people development, stakeholder engagement and resource mobilisation to create lasting impact.

This session is designed for CPA Australia members at all career stages who may be thinking about what comes next — whether that means a new industry, a different function, a leadership pivot, or simply a more purposeful chapter ahead. Members will leave with practical insights and fresh inspiration for shaping a career that continues to grow, adapt and contribute meaningfully over time.

For more information, please contact us at sg@cpaaustralia.com.au.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain how professional capabilities built in finance can open doors to different career paths.
Identify what matters most when considering a shift in role, industry or direction.
Discuss insights from one CPA’s journey of reinvention and the mindset needed to embrace change.

CPD Hour: 1.5 hours

Rooted in faith and servant leadership, Daniel is grateful for the opportunity to serve with dedicated colleagues at HCSA Community Services to provide a hope and future to the vulnerable in our community and this refreshing ministry of joy. With more than 30 years of fulfilling global and regional leadership experiences across Shell, Johnson & Johnson, Chevron and Avago (Broadcom), including diverse experiences acquired through working and living in Australia, India, Nigeria, and Singapore, he is thankful to be able to to draw on valuable skillsets and experiences acquired to strengthen HCSA’s long-term sustainability and impacts.

Driving strong focus on Stewardship, Learners' Mindset and Continuous Improvements, he championed Organization Innovation and Transformation (including Finance / HR / Digital), led transformation initiatives and asset optimization projects that sustainably grew annual revenue by over half a million dollars, and secured committed support from highly skilled volunteers who now augment HCSA’s workforce with professional expertise.