Accounting and professional services

Singapore is home to the regional offices of international financial institutions which have, over the years, grown from the strength of this well-connected country. In the financial services sector, there is great job scope in key companies like JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, DBS, HSBC and Barclays Capital. In terms of career progress, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has a finance arm and Graduate Immersion programme, which advocates for fresh graduates to be employed and trained by leading banks.

Job opportunities
Fresh graduates can expect to be employed as accounts assistants, accountants, risk managers or controller and operations officers in the financial services sector.

Risk managers
The career progression for this increasingly popular role begins with analyst and moves on to associate, vice-president and finally, senior management or managing director

Accountant
You will be required to prepare financial statements and tax returns plus offer advice on associated record-keeping and compliance requirements. You need to have a degree in accountancy or accounting and finance, as well as an Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. Working in one of the big four accounting firms in Singapore will assure you of a well-charted career path, complete with work experience and the training required to move forward.

Financial planners
This is a sales and marketing role which requires one to work closely with clients and offer expert advice on how to put their financial plans into place, in accordance with their financial goals and life dreams. There is ample room for progress and growth with the following establishments which focus on enabling ambitious professionals to move forward:

• Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF)
  This non-profit organisation was established in 1974 as a training centre for the Singapore financial sector workforce. Over the years, IBF has expanded its role to include the administration of local and overseas examinations.
• FinanceConnectSingapore
  This website is part of the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) and is supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and key industry players. It administrates The Financial Industry Competency Standards (FICS) programme and helps financial executives to upgrade their skill sets and professional competencies to face the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Note: All accounting professionals need to register with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in order to practise as public accountants in Singapore. Individuals who possess the required qualifications, practical experience and membership in a recognised professional accounting organisation can register online at www.acra.gov.sg/Public_Accountant.

Useful links :

• Institute of Banking and Finance
• FinanceConnectSingapore