The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) launched an Accelerated Pathway Programme (APP) for accountancy degree
students to become a Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] through a fast-track route.
According to a press release, the APP will be available for two years, starting from April 2024, and eligible students can take the Singapore CA Qualification (SCAQ) professional programme module exams while studying for accountancy programmes at the
universities.
The APP will be offered to students of the accountancy programmes of the following local Autonomous Universities (AUs):
- Nanyang Technological University
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore Management University
- Singapore University of Social Sciences
- Singapore Institute of Technology
To be conferred the prestigious CA (Singapore) designation, individuals will need to complete the Singapore CA Qualification (SCAQ), a globally recognised programme that imparts up-to-date technical skills and weaves together cross-disciplinary elements to develop leaders of accountancy with an international outlook.
A demand for talent
The move comes as the demand for accountancy talent remains high in Singapore, requiring a robust supply of chartered accountants to meet business needs.
Without proper financial governance processes, financial close procedures, accurate and error-free financial statements, the state of financial reporting for organisations and businesses will be thrown into disarray, with negative implications for Singapore’s reputation as a global business centre.
In response to the talent shortage, ISCA is ramping up efforts to promote accountancy as an attractive career choice to the younger generation. The APP is one of the schemes which will support those who are keen to pursue accountancy.
The APP is designed to encourage and support accountancy students to take the SCAQ examinations during the penultimate and final year of their studies.
The professional programme modules which are not available for exemptions will be weaved into their accountancy studies. ISCA will provide support including complimentary revision classes to boost these students’ confidence as they undertake the challenge to clear their professional qualification examinations.
