ISCA, AAT and SAA-GE ink MOU to develop accounting talent in the region

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants and its education arm SAA Global Education (SAA-GE) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) to offer the AAT qualification in Singapore.

Based in the UK but with an international reach, the AAT offers skills-based qualifications in accounting and finance to more than 70,000 people around the world every year. The ISCA AAT qualification is a flexible skills-based programme for accounting technicians and is designed to meet the demands of the workplace. The qualification is made up of three levels where aspiring accounting technicians will be trained in practical skills at each level. The skills that will be developed include basic bookkeeping, accounting practices and techniques, preparation of reports to higher- level accounting tasks such as drafting of financial statements, evaluation of financial performance and auditing.

Those who attain the ISCA AAT qualification will be conferred the Accredited Accounting Technician (Singapore) designation and qualify for the ISCA Affiliate membership, subject to meeting practical experience requirements. This ensures that Accredited Accounting Technician (Singapore) holders are represented, supported and regulated by the national accountancy body.

Lee Fook Chiew, ISCA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The collaboration to bring the AAT programme to Singapore supports the Singapore Government’s SkillsFuture programme that is aimed at providing Singaporeans with the opportunities to develop to their fullest potential in life, regardless of their starting points. It also provides a fit-for-purpose and practical entry level, as well as intermediate accounting technician skills. This will help to broaden and deepen the accountancy talent pipeline in Singapore, and expand the pathways for entry into the accountancy profession in Singapore.”

Mark Farrar, AAT’s Chief Executive commented: “The AAT Accounting Qualification provides practical finance skills both for those looking to start their accountancy career, as well as those looking to formalise their experience with professional training. The skills learnt through AAT underpin the accounting profession and are at the heart of the smooth running of an accounting department. Every organisation – large or small, public or private sector need well-trained, effective accountancy professionals who are integral to its success.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and ISCA’s education arm SAA Global Education (SAA-GE) was conducted at Marina Bay Sands on 10 November 2015. From right, Mr Lee Fook Chiew, Chief Executive Officer of ISCA, Mr Mark Farrar, Chief Executive of AAT, and Mr Branson Kwok, Managing Director of SAA-GE posing with the signed MOU.

AAT is looking forward to working with ISCA and SAA Global Education, supporting professional accounting in Singapore and developing the accounting technician level of the profession.”

SAA-GE is the appointed training provider for the ISCA AAT qualification. It will work with ISCA and AAT to deliver quality tuition support to students who are undertaking this qualification programme.

Branson Kwok, SAA-GE’s Managing Director, believes that “education is for life, and education should be for all, where possible.” He added that “SAA-GE is committed to ensuring that students have various opportunities to further enhance their professional standing. Therefore, upon getting an ISCA AAT qualification, students will also have other progressive pathways to embark on at SAA-GE, in order to stay competitive and relevant in the Singapore accountancy sector.”

The ISCA AAT programme is part of ISCA’s initiative to create more pathways for individuals to enter the accountancy profession, thereby widening the accountancy talent pipeline in Singapore. It is also in line with the Government’s vision to develop Singapore into a global accountancy hub.

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For media enquiries, please contact:
Betsy Tan
HP: 96416920
Email: betsy.tan@isca.org.sg

Nicky Burke
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7397 3090
Email: Nicky.Burke@aat.org.uk

Branson Kwok
Tel: 67335730 (ext. 800)
Email: branson.kwok@saage.edu.sg

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. ISCA’s vision is to be a globally recognised professional accountancy body, bringing value to our members, the profession and wider community. There are over 29,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world.

Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Possessing a Global Mindset, with Asian Insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards Singapore’s transformation into a global accountancy hub.

ISCA is the Administrator of the Singapore QP and the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore - CA (Singapore) - designation.

ISCA is an Associate of Chartered Accountants Worldwide – supporting, developing and promoting over 325,000 Chartered Accountants in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

About the Association of Accounting Technicians

AAT is the world’s leading professional membership body dedicated to the education and development of accounting technicians. AAT trains over 70,000 students every year and has a global membership of 130,000. AAT qualified staff are recognised by employers worldwide.

About SAA Global Education

Founded in 1985, SAA Global Education (SAA-GE) has a long established track record and history as the leading education provider in accountancy in Singapore. It is wholly-owned by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), the sole national accountancy body in Singapore. As the education and training arm of ISCA, SAA-GE is committed to deliver high quality professional and academic programmes to its students and customers.

Throughout the years, SAA-GE has consistently produced prize-winners amongst local and international students. At SAA-GE, we listen to the needs of our students and ensure they are equipped with a good education which will enhance their learning development and improve their employability when they graduate.

For more information, visit www.saage.edu.sg.