Developing The Talent Pipeline

Expedition Log: Act 2

Addressing the talent shortage for accountancy professionals starts with engaging the youth.

To grow the accountancy talent pipeline, ISCA has intensified our youth outreach efforts. Through various avenues, we are engaging students from primary to university levels to dispel misperceptions about the profession and reinforce the fact that chartered accountancy is the pathway to diverse job roles.

ISCA launched the ISCA Global Talent Programme on 30 June 2023. The first of its kind for Singapore’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.

The programme, commencing in 2024, provides an immersive experience for undergraduates of all disciplines and from all around the world to gain new perspectives on Singapore and the career opportunities within Singapore’s accountancy sector.

Our primary focus in 2023 was nurturing the next generation of accountants. With over 70 outreach programmes spanning primary schools to universities, we engaged students and educators through diverse avenues such as career talks, panel discussions, career fairs, learning journeys, and welfare drives.

student outreach
career1

We held AccountanCity, our inaugural career exploration event, on 1 and 2 September 2023.

Supported by strategic partners ACRA and Workforce Singapore, the event drew more than 1,000 youths and working professionals as well as the participation of 22 employers.

career2
career3
On 19 October 2023, ISCA and SMU signed an MOU to advance the skills and knowledge of accountancy professionals in Singapore as well as enhance the appeal of the accountancy profession. Under the agreement, ISCA and SMU will collaborate on outreach, research and training initiatives. SMU accountancy undergraduates will also receive support if they pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ), including programme fee waivers for the top 5% of the graduating cohort.
smu
aspiring

On 26 December 2023, ISCA announced plans to invest $15million in initiatives to support candidates pursuing the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) programme, which qualifies candidates for the conferment of the prestigious designation of Chartered Accountant of Singapore (CA Singapore).

ISCA assumed the role the SCAQ programme administrator on 1 January 2024. With its investment, increased support to the SCAQ would include:

  • Scholarships
  • Candidate Communities
  • Enhancement of Learning Resources
  • SCAQ Centre
  • Sponsored Tuition
  • Study First Pay Later Scheme

The first Accountancy Education Connects held on 21 September 2023 brought together accountancy faculty and career office representatives from autonomous and private universities, polytechnics, ITEs and private education institutions, as well as university club student leaders.

ISCA aims to forge stronger collaborations among the education industry and regulators, helping to educate the public and attract more youths to the profession.

edu connects