The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and Ernst & Young (EY Singapore) have partnered to launch the “EY x ISCA SCAQ Career Mobility Programme” to address the talent deficit in the accounting field in Southeast Asia. Singapore alone is projected to need 6,000 to 7,000 accountants by 2025.

The initiative targets university students in Southeast Asia, promoting the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) as a pathway to international career opportunities. ISCA and EY Singapore will collaborate to nurture accounting talent from countries like Thailand and Vietnam, providing training and cross-cultural work experiences in Singapore.

Successful completion of the SCAQ Foundation Programme and ISCA Professional Business Accountant designation guarantees an interview with EY Singapore. Those who secure positions will progress to the SCAQ Professional Programme and gain practical experience with EY Singapore as an Accredited Training Organisation. The aim is to increase the number of chartered accountants over time.

Enrolment in the SCAQ has increased by 47% year-on-year, exceeding 4,200 candidates in 2024. ISCA aims to attract over 7,000 candidates by 2025. EY Asia East Deputy Regional Managing Partner, Liew Nam Soon, expressed commitment to developing aspiring Chartered Accountants in Southeast Asia and investing an estimated S$5m over the next five years to nurture talents in the profession.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: ISCA, EY Singapore launch career mobility initiative for chartered accountants