Welcome Address by Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min, ACRA Chief Executive at the Launch of the Accountancy Education and Career Guidance (ECG) Playbook

Distinguished guests,

Friends from the media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome and Introduction

I wish everyone a good afternoon and a warm welcome to ACRA, to join the launch of the Accountancy Education and Career Guidance (ECG) Playbook. 

2 On behalf of the Implementation Committee for Accountancy Workforce Development (ICAWD), I would like to thank our invited guests from the schools and IHLs for your commitment in nurturing future talent, the support you give to students in making informed choices in education and career pathways, and for your interest in accountancy as one of the possible pathways.   

Introducing the Playbook

3 A question to all our guests: What comes to mind when you think about accountancy? 

4 There may be different images in your minds, some may reflect reality, but there may be just as many misconceptions.   The fact is that the accountancy profession offers many opportunities and diverse pathways, thanks to the formal training and professional development available.  Accountants know the pulse of a business; they are at the heart of a business. Accountants are therefore well-placed to advise or endorse the financial health of a business, and to engage in forward-planning for the strategic future of the business.  In assuring the financial health of businesses, the role of accountants is critical in ensuring integrity in capital markets, and in giving confidence to our business eco-system.  There are also new developments that have opened up more opportunities for the profession, for example, in sustainability reporting and assurance. 

5 ACRA developed the ECG Playbook, under the auspices of the Implementation Committee for Accountancy Workforce Development (ICAWD), which is co-chaired by ACRA and ISCA, and represented by many leading representatives from key stakeholder groups. This playbook is designed to give students, educators and career counsellors a better picture of what accountancy offers as a career choice.

• First, the Playbook gives information and insights about the diverse career pathways in accountancy — from well-established roles in audit and tax to fast growing fields such as sustainability reporting and assurance, financial forensics, and IT audits.
• Second, it aims to dispel myths and provide up-to-date information on industry trends, job prospects and career progression – reflecting the growth potential and opportunities for accounting professionals. 
• Third, the Playbook hopes to inspire career choices, through anecdotes from professionals who have built rewarding careers in accountancy. These anecdotes illustrate how accountants are central to businesses, how accountants safeguard public interest and give confidence to capital markets, while offering rewarding and fulfilling careers to those who choose the profession. 

More Initiatives to Build Accountancy Talent Pipeline

6 This ECG playbook is one of the many initiatives driven by a public-private sector partnership under the Implementation Committee. To build a robust pipeline of accountancy talent for the future, we are driving 3 key thrusts: ensuring good careers, creating quality pathways and strengthening professional capabilities.

7 The launch of the ECG Playbook at today’s event marks the beginning of what we hope to be a sustained engagement with the schools and IHLs. We are working with stakeholders to introduce learning journeys to potential employers for students, and to enhance internship experiences.

8 ACRA and ISCA, along with our implementation committee, will continue to work with you in helping students navigate their journey to discover their aspirations, and to appreciate the breadth of possibilities that accountancy can offer.  

Closing

9 Before I close, let me share with you that we have planned an exclusive session this afternoon; for you to hear from a very distinguished panel about their career choices in accountancy and the impact they have made as a result.  The panel members will share from their own personal experiences and offer insights about what the future holds for those who choose accountancy. My sincere thanks to our moderator, Associate Professor Susan See-Tho from NUS Business School, and our panellists, Mr Teo Ser Luck (President, ISCA), Mr Lim Him Chuan (Country Head, DBS Singapore), and Ms Belinda Teo (Assurance Partner, Ernst & Young LLP), for their special appearance today.

10 I hope you will enjoy today’s session and gain fresh perspectives that will enrich your work with the students.

11  And with that, it’s now my pleasure and privilege to announce the official launch of Singapore’s First Accountancy ECG Playbook!