FROM AUDITOR TO AIR WARFARE OFFICER

LTA Liz Voon swapped financial audits for air defence missions. Meet this mid-careerist who left one of the “Big 4” accounting firms to pursue her purpose in the RSAF, in PIONEER’s “From Desk to Field” series!

She started her career with one of the “Big 4” accounting firms. Fresh out of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in 2022, Lieutenant (LTA) Liz Voon joined the company as an associate auditor. 

“Life as a ‘Big 4’ auditor was fast-paced, dynamic, and very structured,” she recalled. Each day was packed with tasks ranging from financial reviews to internal control testing. 

Though she picked up critical skills like time management and working under pressure, something was missing.

“I found myself dragging myself to work, feeling uninspired. I wasn’t passionate about the job, and I realised I couldn’t see myself in that environment long term.

“I didn’t want to live with regrets or 'what-ifs'. I had to try.”

Taking flight with the RSAF

When she told her parents she had applied to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in 2023, they were apprehensive initially due to worries about a pre-existing medical condition that she had. 

But LTA Voon, older and surer of her own capabilities and limits, reassured them with maturity and resolve. 

“I explained the RSAF's safety culture, and that I would manage my health responsibly.  Knowing it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, they gave me their full support.”

Her enlistment was a leap into the unknown.  “I expected Basic Military Training (BMT) to be one of the toughest parts of my journey —especially physically —and it definitely lived up to that!” 

LTA Voon kept an open mind, choosing to experience things without preconceived notions. This mindset served her well, allowing her to stay grounded and gain a firsthand understanding of the workings of the military.

The experience, which involved collaborating closely with peers younger than herself, also pushed her to hone her ability to adapt and communicate effectively.

Overcoming physical & mental barriers

When it came to her IPPT (Individual Physical Proficiency Test), LTA Voon refused to let her medical condition hold her back.

“I trained on my own to one day complete the test. I’ve always been goal-oriented in my training, setting realistic targets and holding myself to my own standards.”

Ironically, it wasn’t a run or circuit that challenged her most. It was the 5m-high confidence jump during Officer Cadet School (OCS). 

“I wasn’t afraid of heights. I was afraid of getting injured and being dropped from the course,” she explained. 

LTA Voon overcame the fear by trusting her preparation and reminding herself of the journey that brought her there.

Becoming an Air Warfare Officer

LTA Voon gravitated toward the Air Warfare Officer (AWO) vocation for its blend of strategic thinking, technical precision, and real-time operational decision-making. 

“I wanted to be part of something bigger — not just executing, but leading and integrating efforts across platforms.”

A standout moment during her training was the Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) Control Module in OCS, which is specifically designed for cadets in the AWO (Air Defence Weapons) vocation. 

It was a rigorous test of her analytical abilities and mental stamina. “The training was intense, pushing us to our limits, but it also gave me a real sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead in my RSAF career.”

LTA Voon sees herself as a situational leader: observing, adapting, and stepping up when it matters. 

“It’s not always easy to be heard. But I believe leadership is not about being the loudest voice. It’s about knowing when to step up and support others.”

No regrets

LTA Voon understands the doubts that come with making a mid-career switch, especially the fear of losing time or falling behind peers. She was not immune to those fears either. 

But to her, the bigger risk is never trying at all.

“If you try and don’t succeed, maybe it wasn’t meant to be. But if you never try, you’ll always be left wondering, ‘what if?’” she reflected. 

Her advice to others in the same position? “If you’re unhappy where you are, nothing will change unless you take that first step. 

“Growth only happens when you leave your comfort zone. Change starts with you — and oftentimes, the only thing standing in your way is yourself.”