Future accounting employees who wish to obtain professional qualifications now have a new means to do so with the launch of CPA Australia’s scholarship programme. By Vanessa Tan

Statistics released by the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) have shown that Singapore’s accounting sector has grown by 6.5% annually in the last three years. This is almost twice as fast compared to the growth rate in the past decade.

Addressing this demand for specialised skills as well as to raise the standard of accounting profession in Singpore, CPA Australia along with 11 leading organisations and three local universities will contribute S$750,000 to finance over 300 accounting students in NTU, NUS and SMU to commence the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Programme.

The internationally recognised post-graduate course teaches international knowledge of accounting standards and ethics. Chaly Mah, CPA Australia Singapore division president and regional managing partner and CEO of Deloitte Asia Pacific says, “[The programme] teaches invaluable commercial skills and high ethical standards, which are reinforced throughout one’s career via the continuing professional development required of its members.”

The profile of the supporting organisations could be seen as evidence of the expected impact of the programme on the accounting profession in Singapore. They include Deloitte Singapore, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP and KPMG LLP. The participating employers will also provide students with internship opportunities.

Dolly Ng, human resources manager at Foo Kon Tan Grant Thornton, says, “As the scholarship programme offers the professional certification necessary for in individual to move up to the ranks to a CPA, it is important that students get a head-start in their career in accounting.” The company plans to support around five students each year over the next five years.

Recognising the importance of the programme, Foo Kon Tan Grant Thornton also also provides practical training for existing staff pursuing a CPA which will enhance the understanding of the topics covered in the CPA examinations.