New path for mid-career professionals to join the accounting industry

Mid-career professionals in Singapore without accounting work experience or accounting-related qualifications can now be hired and trained as Accounts or Audit professionals.

This has been made possible by a new pilot programme, a result of a partnership between NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and professional accounting body CPA Australia.

Under the programme, e2i will provide participating employers training allowances and subsidise up to 70 per cent of course fees for successful candidates.

Employers that hire candidates for professional accounting roles under this programme can apply for training support of up to S$8,450 per eligible employee.

Employers will commit to offer jobs to successful candidates on a permanent and full-time basis.

The candidates will also have starting salaries of at least S$2,000, and receive a basic salary increase of at least 15 per cent when they complete the programme.

During their training, candidates will enrol in the CPA Programme Foundation Level course, which will equip them with the necessary basic accounting knowledge.

It also provides them with a direct pathway to advance to the Professional Level course, which will confer the globally-recognised CPA Australia professional accounting designation.

Candidates will also undergo 6 months of on-the-job training with participating employers.

Gilbert Tan, Acting CEO of e2i:

"e2i creates employment and employability solutions for PMEs interested in developing their careers. This Place-and-Train programme for Accounts & Audit Professionals was initiated to help address the manpower needs of the Accounting sector, as well as provide a way for locals to tap into accounting or audit-related job opportunities."

Melvin Yong, Singapore General Manager of CPA Australia:

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

The programme is part of the Labour Movement's continuous outreach to professionals in the financial and business services cluster.