Campus Spotlight: Ashley Au

Ashley’s Forensic Accounting Career with A&M: Trusted to Lead and Supported to Thrive 

Ashley Au is a Manager with Alvarez & Marsal’s Disputes and Investigations (DI) practice in Hong Kong, China. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in Accounting and Finance from the University of Hong Kong.  

In this Q&A, Ashley shares her internship experience at A&M and what inspired her to return full time. She talks about the company’s culture and core values from her personal experience and wraps up by sharing a goal from her bucket list. 

Why A&M? 

What drew you to intern at A&M, and what inspired your decision to return full-time? 

A&M stood out to me early on as a pioneer in forensic accounting, being one of the few firms offering students real exposure through internships. During my time there, I got to work on a major investigation into accounting fraud at a Greek-listed company. Even as an intern, I was trusted with meaningful tasks, and what impressed me most was how much my project manager cared. He genuinely wanted to know if I was learning and growing. That experience confirmed my interest in forensic accounting and made me feel like I was valued. I chose to return full-time because of the people. Their support, mentorship, and the collaborative culture that made me feel like I belonged from day one.   

Mentorship That Moves You Forward

How has A&M supported your personal or professional development since you joined? 

Since joining A&M, I have felt genuinely supported in shaping my own path. One of the things I appreciate most is how the firm backs us when we take on growth opportunities. When I expressed interest in certain types of investigations and shared the skills I wanted to build, my team made a real effort to align my work with those goals. That kind of support has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I have been able to take on projects and initiatives that challenge me, while knowing I have a team that backs me up and invests in my development. It’s empowering to know that at A&M, we’re trusted to take ownership of our growth and we’re not doing it alone.    

Where Culture Meets Connection

How would you describe the culture of your local office or team? 

The culture here is inclusive and encourages collaboration well beyond our immediate team. People here are open to sharing knowledge and often work together on cross-practice engagements. As the firm continues to grow, our local office makes a real effort to maintain that sense of connection. We have social drinks and informal gatherings that bring everyone together in a relaxed setting. These events help us get to know each other better and strengthen our collaborative spirit across the office.  

Driven by Our Values   

How does A&M’s core value of Fun resonate with you, and how have you seen it reflected in your work or team culture? 

A&M has always been a fun place to work, and that spirit comes from both the work and the people. Since joining the firm, I have had the opportunity to be part of large-scale and high-profile engagements that I never imagined I would be involved in. Some have been truly unique, providing opportunities that feel like once-in-a-lifetime moments. Beyond the work itself, the people at A&M make every experience enjoyable. Their sense of fun extends beyond internal teamwork to client interactions. A great example was our Hong Kong DI team hosting a pub quiz night. Competing alongside our contacts, we had an incredible time, especially during the “recent news” and “pop culture” rounds. It was a memorable evening that showed how fun can be an integral part of the workplace experience.    

Just for Fun: Life Beyond the Office

What’s one thing on your bucket list for the next five years? 

Skydiving! I have always been curious about what it feels like to be completely weightless, even if it is just for a few seconds. The view from up there must be surreal, and I think it would be an unforgettable experience, not to mention a perfect photo opportunity. I hope I get the chance to try it soon, and maybe even convince a few friends to join the adventure with me. 

Ready to start your professional journey like Ashley? Explore our current career opportunities and apply today!