From graduate to global professional: Shaping a global career in transfer pricing and beyond

Ashraf Amir is clear on what he needs to do, to be in front of his career: continuous learning, embracing technological change and acquiring globally transferable skill sets. Four years into his journey with KPMG in Singapore, the 29-year-old Assistant Manager in Transfer Pricing is already proving that formula right.

Supporting Ashraf in these endeavours to achieve his professional mobility goals is KPMG's Global Talent Model, a framework that empowers individuals to take charge of their careers by gaining multi-disciplinary experience and collaborating with teams across the firm’s worldwide network.

Ashraf joined KPMG’s transfer pricing team after completing an 8-month audit internship. Armed with an accounting degree from the Singapore Institute of Technology, Ashraf came to realise that his decision quickly revealed itself as a perfect fit.

“The work is intellectually stimulating, and I get to see the direct impact of what we do on a client’s business strategy,” he says. “It goes far beyond compliance. It forces you to think strategically, align with global trends, and sharpen your analytical edge.”

The structured training environment at KPMG accelerated his development. Technical skills, client exposure, and constant feedback from senior colleagues built both his confidence and his capabilities. “The learning curve is steep,” Ashraf reflects. “But you gain an incredible amount of knowledge in a very short time.”

Determined to keep pace with an ever-evolving field, Ashraf has been studying almost every year since joining the firm. With support from KPMG, he completed his Singapore CA Qualification exams and is now just one step away from becoming a Chartered Accountant. Next on his list: a professional tax certification with the Singapore Tax Academy.

Balancing study with client work is far from easy, but Ashraf credits his managers for guiding him through. “KPMG encourages leaders to act as mentors. That makes a real difference when you’re juggling both work and exams,” he says.

Technology is another area where he is pushing himself to stay ahead. “No job is timeless. With AI and automation advancing so quickly, you have to adapt constantly,” he explains. “The key is to find the gap between what you can do, and what technology can’t do - now and in the future.”

That belief crystallised during a three-month secondment with KPMG’s Tax Technology & Transformation Services team. There, Ashraf designed four AI personas — advanced large-language model prompts that automate transfer pricing tasks. The tools are already live and supporting the team’s daily work.

“It was just a short secondment, but I was able to build something that could have a long-lasting impact,” he says with quiet pride. The experience deepened his conviction that the future of advisory work will depend on professionals who can bridge technical expertise with digital innovation.

Transfer pricing is inherently international, and Ashraf thrives on that global dimension. His day-to-day work connects him with colleagues, secondees and clients across multiple jurisdictions. Those interactions, he says, have been as educational as any exam.

“You learn very quickly that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” he explains. “The way you communicate in one country may not work in another. Understanding those differences makes you more adaptable and effective.”

For now, most of this global exposure comes from Singapore, but Ashraf is already eyeing KPMG’s talent mobility programmes, including the Tax Trek initiative, which would allow him to work overseas and gain firsthand experience in foreign markets. 

Ashraf’s drive extends well beyond client work. He organises trips and dinners for his department, builds networks across different teams, and laces up for the firm’s football squad. These activities, he believes, enrich his professional life as much as his personal one.

“They give me the chance to connect with colleagues from all over the firm, to share knowledge in an informal setting, and to build a wider perspective of KPMG,” he says.

Looking forward, Ashraf is determined to evolve from supporting engagements to leading them. That means strengthening his interpersonal skills, honing his ability to solve problems in real time, and taking full ownership of client relationships.

“The career model here is structured but flexible. It equips you with technical knowledge, leadership skills, and exposure to multiple disciplines,” he says. “For someone like me, who wants to grow into a global leader, that’s invaluable.”