The need of talent cultivation has driven the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants to launch the ISCA Global Talent Programme, the first of its kind for the island state’s professional services sector.
The programme aims to develop the accountancy talent pipeline and position Singapore as an accountancy hub and a choice location for accountancy professionals, ISCA said.
Talent cultivation aside, the programme also aims to correct the misperception among youths that accountancy is about crunching numbers and may be less exciting than other emerging fields, accountancy body noted.
According to ISCA, the programme will provide an immersive experience for undergraduates of all disciplines and from all around the world to gain new perspectives on Singapore and the abundant career opportunities within Singapore’s accountancy sector.
ISCA said it will support the students’ expenses on this week-long programme with a $1 million allocated fund.
The programme will provide the students with opportunities to experience Singapore’s dynamic business environment, develop a global perspective and build their leadership, communication and project management skills, according to an ISCA statement.
Up to 300 candidates will be selected for the programme over the next three to five years, said ISCA, adding that the programme is free for participants, and all related costs are borne by ISCA.
Participating students will gain an understanding of opportunities in the accountancy sector, especially the high-growth areas in Singapore’s vibrant business ecosystem, ISCA pointed out.
During the programme, students will engage and network with industry stakeholders and experienced professionals through visits to companies, accounting firms and government agencies, ISCA said, adding that they will also learn technical skills from their mentors and peers as they tackle problem statements concerning the accountancy sector.
“The ISCA Global Talent Programme provides a unique opportunity and transformative experience for the undergraduates to be exposed to various facets of the accountancy profession while engaging in cross-cultural exchanges, knowledge sharing and networking,” said ISCA President Teo Ser Luck. “With this programme, ISCA aims to contribute to a diverse and inclusive talent pool and the development of Singapore as an accountancy and business hub.”
“Today’s finance function has swiftly transitioned from a traditionally custodial, statutory and regulatory nature to one that is forward-looking and adaptable to industry-specific and macroeconomic challenges and nuances,” said Arthur Lang, Group Chief Financial Officer, Singtel, which is part of the ISCA Global Talent Programme. “The finance department is the champion for enterprise value creation, and this requires a multi-disciplinary approach with varied skills such as strategic thinking, data analytics, corporate finance and a deep understanding of capital markets and stakeholder management.”
