Audit Division
The Audit Division (AD) reports to the Audit Committee (AC) and assists the ACRA Board by performing independent and objective financial reviews of ACRA. Its critical role includes determining recommendations to improve internal quality control mechanisms, so as to aid ACRA in realising its full competencies.
Business Facilitation Division
The Business Facilitation Division (BFD) oversees the registration of business entities, i.e. sole proprietorships/partnerships, local companies, foreign branches, limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships in Singapore. The BFD also manages the registration of documents, notices, and returns filed by business entities through its electronic filing system, BizFile. The division also participates regularly in outreach events organised by ACRA and other agencies. These events serve as a platform for public education for the business community and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Client Engagement and Communications Division
The Client Engagement and Communications Division (CECD) delivers value to the business community by providing customers with a one-stop and effective interface for queries and dealings with ACRA. Besides focusing on effective corporate communication strategies to advance the image of ACRA, the division also acts as a bridge between the organisation and its stakeholders through various engagement initiatives. These activities are supported by research and statistical analysis of data and feedback to continually review and improve service delivery. The CECD organises several key events throughout the year to promote greater awareness about the roles of ACRA, thereby enhancing the Authority’s visibility as a proactive partner of the business community.
Enforcement Division
The Enforcement Division (ED) oversees the general compliance in the disclosure of corporate and financial information of businesses, raising of stakeholders’ competence with targeted training and creating awareness of relevant rules through public education. ED's aim is to achieve voluntary compliance through its initiatives and programmes. However, ED will not hesitate to take swift and just enforcement action against recalcitrants, where necessary. The division comprises three units to carry out its various functions – the Summons & Warrants Processing Unit, the Strategic Enforcement Unit and the Enforcement Policies and Strategy Unit.
The Summons & Warrants Processing Unit manages cases identified for prosecution, including warrant cases, and administers these cases for mention in Courts or for execution by the Warrant Enforcement Unit of the Police Force. The Strategic Enforcement Unit (SEU) undertakes focused and targeted enforcement based on the strategic plans and directions endorsed by ACRA, such as the active enforcement of non-filing of annual returns / declarations by businesses. In addition, SEU officers consider applications and legal representations made by the various businesses and individuals that ACRA regulates. The Enforcement Policies and Strategy Unit undertakes strategic studies and reviews on enforcement and develops appropriate policies and initiatives for implementation.
Finance Division
The Finance Division (FD) takes charge of all aspects of ACRA’s budgetary decisions and accounting processes. Exercising financial prudence, the FD ensures optimal allocation of monetary resources to meet ACRA’s operational needs and organisational objectives.
Financial Reporting Regulations Department
High quality audit and corporate financial reporting are vital elements of a trusted business environment and pillars of an international financial centre. The Financial Reporting Regulations Department (FRRD) seeks to achieve this strategic outcome for ACRA and Singapore through regulatory roles in the areas of corporate financial reporting, auditor oversight, and policy review and formulation.
In addition, the FRRD supports the Public Accountants Oversight Committee (PAOC) in the registration and regulation of public accountants and public accounting entities, and regulates the public accountancy profession in Singapore.
Governance Surveillance Division
The Governance Surveillance Division (GSD) oversees compliance and governance matters of registered business entities and investigates into alleged breaches of the various laws under ACRA's purview. GSD comprises the Public Education and Policy Unit and the Regulatory Compliance Unit.
The Public Education and Policy Unit looks into public education, awareness and outreach activities relating to regulatory compliance and good governance. Its officers also provide secretariat support to the Corporate Governance Council. The Regulatory Compliance Unit handles all forms of complaints including governance related matters and breaches under the legislation administered by ACRA.
Human Resource Division
The Human Resource Division (HRD) works towards building ACRA’s reputation as a choice employer. The HRD designs ACRA’s HR structure to realise the organisation’s full potential. The HRD’s goals are aligned with ACRA’s mission and strategic outcomes, and it focuses on every HR function, from recruiting officers to developing and retaining talent.
Information Resource Division
As custodians and managers of business information, the Information Resource Division (IRD) protects the integrity and preservation of data. The IRD also provides value-added services to meet the changing demands of the business community. Being a trusted depository of records on registered business entities and public accountants in Singapore, the IRD facilitates business development through the provision of timely, accurate and consistent information. The division constantly reviews information needs and provides value-added information to meet the changing demands of the business community. It has established strategic alliances with information service providers to meet the information needs of the fast-growing marketplace.
Information Technology Strategy Division
The Information Technology Strategy Division (ITSD) capitalises on the latest IT solutions and works closely with all divisions to facilitate ACRA’s operations and service deliverables to the business community. The ITSD also advises ACRA regarding new IT initiatives in alignment with ACRA’s strategic directions and Singapore’s e-Government strategies.
Legal Services Division
The Legal Services Division (LSD) advances ACRA’s mission and strategic goals by providing legal services regarding ACRA’s policies and operational matters. The division comprises two units – the General Counsel’s Unit (GCU) and the Legal Policy and Reform Unit (LPRU). The units oversee two major areas of work.
The GCU deals with the provision of sound and timely legal advice and services. This includes the interpretation of laws, drafting and vetting legal documents, and liaising with external parties and lawyers regarding legal matters affecting ACRA. The unit also provides guidance for enforcement officers in their investigations, as well as ACRA officers in disciplinary matters under the Accountants Act. In addition, the GCU represents ACRA in both criminal and civil proceedings.
The second area of work, which is undertaken by the LPRU, involves reviewing business laws and formulating legal policies to meet evolving business needs, as well as educating the business community about such reforms. The unit actively monitors and studies legal developments in Singapore and leading jurisdictions to further enhance Singapore’s corporate regulatory framework, and improve the Republic’s international competitiveness. The LPRU also served as the secretariat for the ACRA Board as well as one Board committee.
Management Services Division
The Management Services Division (MSD) provides support architecture to the organisation, managing ACRA’s records, tangible assets and facilities, thereby creating favourable situations for ACRA to execute its strategic outcomes and activities. It also administers the Electronic Registry System (ERS), an automated workflow and document management system that aims to shorten turnaround time and improve ACRA’s responsiveness to customers’ written communication.