Isca, IMDA launch programme to beef up accountants’ fluency in AI

[SINGAPORE] The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (Isca) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Friday (Jul 3) launched an artificial intelligence fluency programme for accountancy and corporate finance professionals.

Named AIxAccountancy, it is the first such programme developed through IMDA’s partnership with professional bodies.

This comes under the National AI Impact Programme, which aims, over the next three years, to train 100,000 non-tech professionals to become “AI bilingual”, that is, fluent in both their domain expertise and the language of AI.

AIxAccountancy also supports Isca’s broader commitment to strengthening the accountancy profession’s AI capabilities, in line with its target of upskilling 60,000 accountancy and corporate finance professionals over three years.

The programme is designed to help working professionals learn to use AI at their own pace online, Isca and IMDA said.

Programme details

It will be delivered in two progressive phases.

Phase 1 covers skills needed for common workplace tasks, such as creating AI-enabled workflows for financial statement analysis. Learners will have hands-on experience with a range of AI tools.

In Phase 2, the focus will be on AI applications in role-specific workflows in areas such as accounting, finance, auditing and taxation.

The curriculum will be regularly refreshed to stay industry-relevant.

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Learners who complete both phases will receive a certificate, a digital badge and Continuing Professional Development Education hours.

The badge is a “verifiable, tamper-proof record of achievement that recognises AI proficiency, signalling credibility to employers”, Isca and IMDA said.

Those in or aspiring to management roles can subsequently enrol in additional modules that will equip them to lead the responsible adoption of AI and drive AI transformation in their organisations.

AIxAccountancy participants also get access to AI Nexus, a dedicated hub for accountancy and corporate finance professionals to learn and share insights, resources and best practices on AI adoption.

Participants can access a sandbox to experiment, prototype and build their own AI-assisted workflows, applying their learning directly to real industry needs. Meetings with leading accountancy companies and AI tool providers will also be held.

Isca and IMDA said: “Together, these channels ensure participants receive both expert guidance and meaningful peer-to-peer learning throughout the programme.”

The Accountant-General’s Department is planning to incorporate AIxAccountancy in the training for all 4,000 public-sector finance and internal audit officers.

Isca and IMDA will offer the programme for free to Isca members who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents.

AI for stronger accountancy

Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah announced the programme’s launch at Isca’s annual dinner on Friday.

In her speech, Indranee, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for National Development, said the accounting profession is critical in maintaining Singapore’s role as a trusted business and financial hub in a complex global environment.

To effectively carry out their role in a trusted financial ecosystem used by investors and businesses, accountants must keep up with changes, including by embracing AI transformation, she said.

“(AIxAccountancy) will enable professionals to move beyond routine work and focus on tasks requiring judgment, analysis and decision-making, where the true value of the accountancy profession lies.”

Programme for better financial decisions

Isca on Friday also launched a nationwide community initiative that aims to help Singaporeans make informed financial decisions.

It will be rolled out progressively in the second half of 2026 through partnerships with community organisations, schools, grassroots organisations and other stakeholders.

The initiative, named Life & Money Matters, will be administered by Isca’s charitable arm, Isca Cares.

Mobilising the accounting profession’s knowledge and expertise, it will include digital learning resources and community workshops. 

Participants will get practical guidance on everyday financial topics such as budgeting, managing financial trade-offs, planning ahead, recognising financial scams and building long-term financial resilience.

Rather than promoting financial products or investment strategies like traditional financial literacy programmes, Life & Money Matters focuses on helping individuals make better financial decisions through their life, Isca said.

“The programme is designed to be practical, impartial and accessible, supporting Singaporeans from different age groups and backgrounds,” it added.