Developing The Talent Pipeline

ISCA took over the administration of the SCAQ in January 2024. Since then, we have made significant efforts to enhance the programme to attract more talent and better equip students, benefitting employers and the wider community. To enhance the candidate experience and increase the attractiveness of the qualification, ISCA rolled out initiatives such as the Accelerated Pathway Programme (APP), new learning resources, increased engagement with candidates and employers in the programme, as well as increased ISCA’s presence in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs).

As a result of these efforts, there has been a 47% increase in the number of candidates and 22% increase in exam enrolments as at end 2024. 

DEDICATED SCAQ PATHWAYS FOR THE INSPIRED

Accelerated Pathway Programme
The APP was launched in April 2024 for accountancy students studying at the local autonomous universities.

SUPPORTING SCAQ CANDIDATES WITH LEARNING RESOURCES

Enhanced Learning Resources
Ahead of the SCAQ June 2024 exams, study sessions for the ten technical modules were introduced, providing candidates an additional avenue to consult subject matter experts. Around 600 candidates attended facilitated study sessions and APP revision classes in 2024.

In November 2024, e-learning videos were introduced to help candidates with their preparation, particularly those who opted to self-study. Five videos on selected topics were developed for each of the ten technical modules in the FP and PP.

SCAQ Academy
SCAQ Academy was launched in partnership with the London School of Business and Finance in 2024. To cater to the diverse needs of SCAQ candidates, it offers hybrid learning, including complimentary one-on-one sessions with tutors, learning tips and a community of more than 200 candidates through its Telegram channel.

ISCA plans to expand the academy’s course offerings, integrate advanced learning tools, and introduce targeted workshops to address emerging topics in accountancy. The academy also aims to grow its community by strengthening alumni networks and introducing personalised support for candidates.

SCAQ Centre
SCAQ Centre, a dedicated space at ISCA House, supports candidates with a conducive study environment. It is designed to host study groups, facilitate complimentary revision classes, and double up as a social space for activities such as networking sessions, mentorship programmes and workshops.

Thanks to such support initiatives, the SCAQ passing rate has seen a steady climb, rising from 73% in 2023 to 75% in 2024.

In 2024, ISCA continued to ramp up on student outreach to foster a vibrant and supportive student community through a series of engaging activities designed to connect, inspire, and celebrate our future accountants.

We held over 100 outreach activities, engaging students and educators from primary schools to universities. These initiatives encompassed career talks, panel discussions, career fairs, learning journeys, and student welfare activities.

ENGAGEMENT EVENTS FOR SCAQ CANDIDATES

EMPLOYER OUTREACH

2024 was a milestone year as we grew the SCAQ and ATO presence beyond Singapore to markets such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Besides holding ISCA Gatecrash sessions at offices, ISCA staff also shared about the SCAQ and professional pathways at ATOs’ staff onboarding sessions.

With ISCA’s international efforts to grow and nurture pathways to the SCAQ, we saw strong interest in the SCAQ from beyond Singapore. To enable overseas students to take up the SCAQ, it is important to have supportive employers. In 2024, more than 10 overseas companies were onboarded as ATOs. This was also thanks to our strong network of local ATOs, through which we were able to connect with overseas firms and offices to come onboard. Back home, we onboarded a total of 52 ATOs in 2024.

ISCA’S CAMPUS ENTERPRISE HUBS

ACCOUNTANCITY 2024

Over 1,000 guests came to ISCA House for AccountanCity on 6 and 7 September 2024. They included students from various secondary schools, polytechnics, ITEs and universities, and even overseas visitors from over 9 countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan and more. The students learnt about the various career paths and found out from employers about internship and employment opportunities over food, games and sharing sessions. ISCA booths were filled with people eager to learn more about the SCAQ.

ISCA’s inaugural Global Talent Programme (GTP) brought together bright minds from around the world where we showcased Singapore as a leading business and accountancy hub, and the diverse career opportunities that accountancy skillsets can bring. The programme attracted more than 1,300 applications from over 44 countries, of which 12 outstanding undergraduates convinced the GTP Taskforce members and our panel of interviewers that they were deserving of this invaluable opportunity.

One of the key highlights of GTP 2024 was the opportunity for participants to tackle complex problem statements presented by four top local organisations from different industries: Ascott (Hospitality), Changi Airport Group (Aviation), Singtel (Telecommunications), and Accredify (Tech Start-Up). Working in diverse teams, the participants demonstrated their analytical and problemsolving capabilities as they crafted innovative solutions to these challenges.

The programme also provided valuable networking opportunities with C-Suite executives and industry leaders from various sectors, offering insights into leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking. Exclusive corporate visits to organisations like PwC Singapore, SGX, and Block71, an initiative by NUS Enterprise, deepened participants’ understanding of Singapore’s dynamic business ecosystem.

The ISCA Salary and Career Review Taskforce developed two Snippets Revelations, a quick and practical guide for students, educators and parents, offering fresh insights into career opportunities and progression within the accountancy sector. Launched in March 2024, Snippets Revelation #1 explains the three “Ps” – pathways, progression and prospects – of an accountancy career.

The second edition of Snippets Revelations was released at the ISCA Conference in November 2024, announced by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development. Building on the success of the first edition, the report takes a deeper dive into salary trends and their comparisons to other professions, as well as features stories of seasoned professionals, offering unique perspectives on the pathways within accountancy.

Over 1,800 professionals and business leaders attended ISCA Conference on 14 and 15 November 2024.

Themed “Accountancy Renaissance - Leading Positive Disruptions to Set Future Foundations”, the conference featured 22 segments and 36 distinguished speakers covering topics including AI, sustainability, and governance.

With over 40 exhibitors showcasing innovative solutions, the conference provided ample networking opportunities for the attendees.

ISCA Academy continued to support the learning and development needs of the accountancy profession and the wider business community through its various programmes and events.