The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has unveiled a $2m Career Support Programme designed to assist job seekers and mid-career individuals in transitioning into the accountancy profession. Announced at ISCA’s Annual Dinner by Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, the initiative responds to the increasing demand for accountancy professionals as Singapore shifts towards a digital and sustainable economy.
Developed in collaboration with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and Workforce Singapore (WSG), the programme offers a range of support including professional affiliation, recognition, and learning opportunities. Eligible jobseekers will benefit from ISCA membership fee waivers and access to structured pathways for professional designations. Additionally, the programme provides complimentary networking events and e-learning through ISCAccountify, alongside a “Skills First, Pay Later” scheme.
A key feature of the programme is the AI-enabled ISCA Talent Marketplace, which connects job seekers with employers and offers personalised skills gap analyses. Since its soft launch in July, the platform has hosted over 100 job postings from 28 employers and facilitated the creation of more than 150 job profiles by job seekers.
Dilys Boey, Chief Executive of WSG, highlighted the programme’s potential to enhance employment outcomes and make accountancy more accessible. “The synergy between WSG’s career advisory services and ISCA’s AI-enabled Talent Marketplace creates more opportunities for Singaporeans to join the sector at any career stage,” she said.
The initiative also prepares professionals for the impact of AI on jobs, with ISCA committing $2m to its “AI for Accountancy Industry” initiative. ISCA President Teo Ser Luck emphasised the importance of adapting to technological changes, stating, “AI will fundamentally reshape the accountancy sector and fuel demand for accountants with new skills.”
The programme aims to support individuals in finding their footing in the evolving job market, ensuring they remain relevant and equipped for future challenges.
“`