The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has launched an Accelerated Pathway Programme (APP) aimed at expediting the journey for accountancy degree students to attain the prestigious Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation through a fast-track route. Running for a duration of two years starting April 2024, this initiative enables eligible students to undertake the Singapore CA Qualification (SCAQ) professional programme module exams concurrently with their university accountancy studies.
The programme targets students enrolled in accountancy programmes at 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 achieve the esteemed CA (Singapore) title, candidates must complete the globally recognized Singapore CA Qualification (SCAQ), which equips them with contemporary technical skills and cultivates leadership in accountancy with an international perspective.
Given the high demand for accountancy talent in Singapore, the APP addresses the need for a robust supply of chartered accountants to meet business requirements. Proper financial governance processes, accurate financial statements, and efficient financial close procedures are crucial for organizational stability and Singapore’s reputation as a global business hub.
In response to the talent shortage, ISCA is intensifying efforts to promote accountancy as an attractive career choice among the younger generation. The APP is a key initiative supporting those inclined towards pursuing accountancy.
Designed to facilitate and support accountancy students in clearing SCAQ examinations during their penultimate and final years of study, the APP integrates professional programme modules into their accountancy curriculum. ISCA provides assistance, including complimentary revision classes, to bolster students’ confidence in clearing their professional qualification examinations.
For instance, participants in the APP can expedite their progression upon graduating from their accountancy degree programmes at the local AUs by completing only the final capstone module examination and fulfilling the practical experience requirement to obtain the CA (Singapore) title.
This initiative was welcomed by accounting firms and various Deans and Heads of the Accountancy programmes in Singapore’s Higher Institutes of Learning.
ISCA President, Mr Teo Ser Luck, affirmed ISCA’s dedication to supporting the qualification journey of future CAs (Singapore), offering additional recognition and broader career opportunities for budding accounting professionals.
Candidates interested in signing up for the SCAQ can register via https://scaq.isca.org.sg or contact scaq@isca.org.sg for further information.
