Carol Cheng, CMInstD, CA
Founder of Hong Consulting · Virtual CFO · Independent Director · Strategic Business Advisor
Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA) · Chartered Member, Institute of Directors (CMInstD) · Xero Certified Advisor · 25+ years' experience
About Carol
Carol Cheng is the founder of Hong Consulting and a Chartered Accountant with more than 25 years of experience across finance, advisory, governance and transaction services in New Zealand, Hong Kong and China. She works closely with business owners, boards and management teams as a Virtual CFO, independent director and trusted advisor, helping businesses improve performance, manage risk and navigate important strategic decisions.
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Throughout her career, Carol has advised businesses ranging from SMEs to multinational organisations. Her experience spans financial leadership, mergers and acquisitions, financial due diligence, business valuations, governance, risk management and strategic advisory. She previously served as Executive Director at PwC New Zealand and Partner at Grant Thornton China, leading advisory engagements across a wide range of industries and markets.
Carol currently provides Virtual CFO services to a select group of businesses and also serves as Virtual CFO for ElementX, supporting strategic planning, financial management and business growth initiatives. This hands-on CFO experience complements her advisory work and allows her to bring practical, real-world commercial insight to clients.
Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Carol has extensive experience supporting businesses involved in New Zealand–China trade, investment and cross-border transactions. She has advised clients on market entry, financial due diligence, acquisitions, investment opportunities and commercial negotiations across both markets.
Governance and Board Experience
In addition to her executive and advisory work, Carol is an experienced independent director with a strong governance background. She has served as Chair of the Risk and Finance Committee of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited since 2020 and was a Trustee of the Asia New Zealand Foundation from 2023 to 2026. She also served as an Executive Board Member and Treasurer of the New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA) from 2014 to 2020. In 2017, she received the Institute of Directors Emerging Director Award.
Credentials
Carol is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, and holds a Certificate of Public Practice. She is passionate about helping business owners make informed decisions, strengthen financial performance and build sustainable long-term value.