Fancy a mid-career switch?

Those considering a change of scenery could consider an accounting job, thanks to a new programme allowing those without accounting experience to be hired and trained in the profession.

The new programme, the result of a partnership between NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and accounting body CPA Australia, will allow mid-career professionals to jump into the accounting or auditing roles despite not having prior work experience or qualifications. The programmes will provide training grants and subsidies of up to 70%.

Companies interesting in hiring new staff under this scheme will be entitled to training support of up to S$8,450 per eligible employee, Channel News Asia reported.

They will also commit to offering full-time and part-time jobs to candidates, who will earn a starting pay of at least S$2,000. They can also look forward to a salary hike of at least 15% when they complete the programme.

"As Singapore positions itself to become a global accountancy hub, this partnership between CPA Australia and e2i will provide an ideal doorway for those in mid-careers looking for an opportunity to join the accounting profession,” Melvin Yong, Singapore General Manager of CPA Australia, told CAN.

“For employers, this is a potential avenue to recruit experienced staff amidst Singapore's current tight labour market.”

Candidates enrolled in the programme will receive training under CPA’s programme Foundation Level course to gain basic accountancy knowledge. Following that, they can advance to the Professional Level course.