More guidance for students eyeing accounting careers with new Acra playbook
The guide outlines the skill requirements of the accounting sector, dispels common misconceptions and details the various pathways into the profession
[SINGAPORE] Secondary school and junior college students aspiring to join Singapore’s accountancy profession can now receive better support from their teachers and career counsellors, with the launch of a new playbook by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra) on Tuesday (May 27).
Targeted at education and career guidance (ECG) counsellors and teachers in pre-tertiary institutions, the playbook is designed to equip them with resources to guide students more effectively.
There are more than 100 ECG counsellors across Singapore’s secondary schools and junior colleges.
The playbook, comprising a 20-page document on a website and PowerPoint slides, outlines the outlook and skill requirements of the accounting sector; sheds light on emerging roles; dispels common misconceptions; and details the various pathways into the profession.
To support the playbook, Acra has also developed a toolkit offering “quick and easy access” to up-to-date information on career pathways, industry trends and educational programmes.
The toolkit also consolidates available scholarships and bursaries for polytechnic and university students pursuing accountancy.
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“The playbook represents our commitment in nurturing the next generation of accountancy professionals,” said Acra chief executive Chia-Tern Huey Min.
“We hope this playbook will equip ECG counsellors and teachers with the tools and insights, to showcase the exciting and wide-ranging opportunities in the accountancy profession,” she added.
The initiative is part of the work of the Implementation Committee for Accountancy Workforce Development, co-chaired by Acra and the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (Isca).
Formed in September last year, the committee is responsible for carrying out the recommendations of the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee (AWRC), which released a report in May to tackle manpower challenges in the profession.
Speaking at a panel discussion during Tuesday’s playbook launch, Isca president Teo Ser Luck said Singapore’s accounting sector holds a “unique” position compared with its global peers.
This is because the Republic “got our act together” and established the AWRC to propose and implement reforms to the profession, and it has already begun to reverse the global trend of struggling to attract new talent into accountancy, said Teo.
The panel discussion was moderated by Susan See Tho, assistant dean of business and accounting at the National University of Singapore.
In response to a question from a student on how to stay relevant in the profession, DBS Singapore country head Lim Him Chuan urged new joiners to build strong competencies, trust their convictions and stay disciplined.
Thinking long term is also important, Lim said. “Because if your purpose in life is: I want to earn quick money, I want to earn a lot in my first five years – I’m sorry, short-term benefits will not carry you anywhere.”
The third panellist, EY assurance partner Belinda Teo, echoed Lim’s point on technical competency.
She also pointed to people skills – such as being able to make small talk with clients – and adaptability to changes in the profession as other key attributes.
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