Binh Duong

Unlock Binh

Why did you choose to work at PKF Texas?
Many firms talk about caring for their people, but PKF Texas is one of the few that actually do.  Everyone has a say here. The Directors are approachable and good ideas get implemented quickly rather than going through a lot of bureaucracy.

How many siblings do you have?
I'm the second to the youngest of eight siblings, one older brother and 7 sisters. I didn't grow up with all my siblings. My sister and I were the "Boat People" who escaped to the US while the rest of my family stayed in Vietnam. I was eight when we left home. We were reunited in 1991 after 10 years being apart. Since then, I’ve lived with my parents and two sisters. Living with them is great...they love and spoil me still.

What is the best city you've visited? 
I’ve been to Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. I would say the best city was Osaka, Japan.

How are you involved in the community?
I maintain the accounting records, do the bookkeeping and various tax returns for the Vietnamese Buddhist Center in Sugar Land. Starting in June, I will also help manage the Center’s Tu Bi Foundation. I’m currently transitioning into this role. This foundation provides scholarships to children in Vietnam, builds wells and buys rice for poor families, etc. This is such a great cause. I’ve always wanted to do this, and when this opportunity was presented to me by the Center’s Abbot, I was both honored and excited.

What is the last book you read?
Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham. The tax partner I worked with at a prior firm recommended the book Now, Discover Your Strengths and had everyone in the tax dept read it.  My response after reading it was "WOW". I understood why I was good at certain things and not so good at others. More importantly, I was no longer trying to work on my weaknesses hoping one day to get great at them. Since then, I am very conscious of my activities and think of ways to do more of the stuff I enjoy. I don't feel bad about my weaknesses anymore. I recognize my weaknesses as they are, and focus more on my strengths.

In one of the Reading Group meetings at PKF Texas, I talked about the "Now" book to the group. I thought it would be a great read and tie in well with the changes that were taking place. A year later, the firm bought the Go Put Your Strengths to Work books for all the managers and directors to read. This book is such a nice follow-up because it helps me apply the concepts to my work by providing a road map.

I'm very grateful to PKF Texas for making the investment in us and encouraging us to read it as a firm.

What are some of your goals?
To be a better person each day and to live my life to the fullest.

Do you ever actually make your bed?
Every morning.