Becoming a chartered accountant in Singapore has incredible benefits!
The CA Singapore qualification has reciprocal agreements with prestigious chartered accountant qualifications in countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand according to the latest reports from the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.
The Singapore chartered accountant qualification is also recognised across the world and can help you obtain a membership in the prestigious Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA).
Before you start your accounting journey, read this article to obtain a clear overview of the wide range of resources and decision-making processes you need for a career in this sector.
What is a Chartered Accountant?
A chartered accountant is a highly skilled finance professional who has undergone rigorous training and examinations to qualify for performing a wide range of financial tasks.
Chartered accountants are accounting, taxation, auditing, investment, business and general management experts. They guide businesses in managing risk, improving financial performance and complying with governmental regulations.
Did you know?
Chartered accountants in Singapore are highly sought-after today, as the government of Singapore has observed a sharp decline in the number of accountants.
In July 2023, Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Singapore, addressed this decline in the number of accountants in Singapore. He made this remark during ACRA’s Merger Commemorative event. An event celebrating the merging of three national accounting bodies in Singapore to strengthen accounting standards and practices. (Source: pmo.gov)
Singapore CA: Eligibility
To fulfil your dreams of becoming a public accountant in Singapore, you must fit the practical and academic requirements below before you enrol on an accounting course in Singapore:
- As a Singapore CA applicant, you must have completed the Singapore Chartered Accountancy, a foundation qualification programme, or
- Possess a degree that is recognised by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) or any other accredited degree from the list of institutions recognised by the SAC
- You must be employed in an accredited training organisation (ATO), to assign yourself an approved mentor and issue a training agreement before enrolment.
Singapore CA: Modules to Study
The Singapore CA qualification module structure imparts cutting-edge technical skills to enable you to meet the needs of the global finance market. Here are the academic topics that will help you navigate your way through the Singapore CA qualification pathway:
- Principles of financial reporting
- Advanced financial reporting
- Accounting for decision-making
- Assurance
- Financial management
- Singapore taxation
For more information on the module structure of both the professional and foundation-level CA Singapore courses, click here.
Singapore CA: How to Apply
From November 2020, final-year Bachelor of Accountancy undergraduates from Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Social Sciences and Singapore Institute of Technology can sign up for the professional programme without a graduate degree.
This factor also applies to undergraduate students from any other discipline who have completed the chartered accountancy foundation programme.
In addition, final-year undergraduates from all the universities mentioned above will not have to pay the one-time application fee.
Applicants who have earned a direct entry degree five years before enrolling into a professional chartered accountancy programme and possess substantial work experience can obtain consideration for direct admission on a case-to-case basis.
Benefits of Becoming a CA in Singapore
The Singapore CA Qualification equips you with the technical expertise and professional skills needed to succeed in Singapore’s dynamic financial sector.
These skills can support long-term career growth and leadership opportunities in accountancy in Singapore. In fact, according to the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), more than 25% of its members hold C-suite, Board of Directors or senior management positions, reflecting the qualification’s strong potential for career progression.
Through this qualification, you’ll develop the technical and professional skills needed for accounting jobs in Singapore and beyond.
| Technical Skills | Professional Skills |
| Financial reporting | Analytical thinking |
| Auditing | Communication |
| Taxation | Problem-solving |
| Financial management | Ethical judgement |
| Risk management | Stakeholder management |
| Data and digital literacy | Decision-making |
How to Become a Chartered Accountant in Singapore?
You can enrol in the CA Singapore qualification programme from the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) if you have one of the following:
- Accountancy degree
- Non-accountancy degree
- Any undergraduate degree
- Local polytechnic diplomas
Once you have decided to enrol into ISCA’s CA Singapore qualification, you can follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Narrowing Down your Entry Point
You will need an accredited degree in accounting or any related field or even a diploma from a local polytechnic.
If you have a degree in other non-accounting fields, you can still apply for admission.
However, to ensure you are on the same page as the other accounting students, the CA qualification in Singapore may place you into the foundation programme before proceeding to the core accounting subjects within ISCA’s chartered accountant course in Singapore.
Entry Routes to Become a CA in Singapore
1. Direct Entry Degree
Recognised accounting degree in Singapore from approved universities typically allow direct entry into the Professional Programme (4 papers + 1 capstone module), with eligible module exemptions for modules such as Taxation or Financial Reporting.
2. Accredited Degree or Other Degrees
If you hold an accredited degree or a degree recognised by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), you can enter the Singapore CA Foundation Programme (6 papers).
And you may be eligible for exemptions from selected foundation modules, depending on your qualification.
For example, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Accounting & Finance offered at LSBF Singapore Campus, awarded by the University of Greenwich, is recognised by ACRA, making graduates potentially eligible for Foundation Programme module exemptions.
You can check the list of recognised universities to confirm your eligibility.
3. Non-Accountancy Degrees
If your degree isn’t directly related to accounting, don’t worry! You can complete the Singapore CA Foundation programme, a preparatory course equipping you with the necessary accounting fundamentals.
4. Polytechnic Diploma Holders
Holders of a recognised polytechnic diploma can either apply directly to the Foundation Programme or enrol in an Advanced Diploma in Accountancy in the recognised polytechnic university before progressing to the Singapore CA Qualification.
For non-accountancy diploma holders, ISCA offers the SCAQ Polytechnic Pathway Programme (PPP), which sponsors fees and guides students through the Foundation Programme
5. Professional Qualifications
ISCA has various mutual recognition arrangements and pathways for members from professional accounting bodies such as ACCA, CA ANZ, ICAEW, ICAS, CPA Australia, and HKICPA. So, depending on your existing qualifications, you may be eligible for exemptions.
6. Gain Practical Work Experience
You’ll need to clock at least three years of relevant work experience in an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) under the supervision of a qualified CA in Singapore, while enrolled in the professional programme. This allows you to apply what you learn in the real world and gain valuable mentorship
You can take the capstone exam after completing 2 years of practical experience.
Note: Your entry route and module exemptions depend on your academic and professional qualifications. Check the latest eligibility requirements on the ISCA website before applying.
Step 2: Completing the Chartered Accountancy Qualification Foundation Programme
This programme provides the essential knowledge and skills for a successful career in chartered accountancy.
Step 3: Qualifying for the Professional Programme
This may involve meeting academic requirements such as a bachelor’s degree in accountancy or business administration from a selected local university and practical requirements including work experience under supervision.
Step 4: Completing the Professional Programme
This programme consists of five modules and comes with a capstone project towards the end of the course. The course modules will cover various topics like financial reporting, assurance, business value, governance, risk management, taxation and ethics.
Step 5: Passing the Final Examinations
Upon successful completion of the programme requirements, you’ll need to pass the final exams to become a chartered accountant in Singapore.
Differences Between CA and ACCA
In a decision of ACCA vs CA Singapore course, the winning choice has a lot to do with your ambitions and career requirements.
Should I choose the CA programme or the ACCA programme is a common question for aspiring accounting professionals. Both are prestigious qualifications, but they cater to different career paths.
Here are a few differences that can help you decide on what suits you best in a decision regarding ACCA vs CA Singapore course.
| Feature | CA Singapore (SCAQ) | ACCA |
| Recognition | Recognised in Singapore, with reciprocal agreements that can support professional recognition in selected countries. | Recognised in over 180 countries, making it suitable for international careers. |
| What you’ll study | Blends global accounting and business knowledge, IFRS with Singapore’s regulatory and taxation framework. | Covers international accounting standards, finance, taxation and business management. |
| Course structure | Includes a Foundation Programme (if required), Professional Programme and a final Capstone Module. | Divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional and Ethics and Professional Skills Module |
| Exams Format | Computer-based; MCQs in Foundation Programme, case-based/integrative scenarios in Professional Programme. | Computer-based; MCQs at Applied Knowledge level, case-based at Strategic Professional level. |
| Exam Frequency | 2 exam sessions per year (June and December). | 4 quarterly exam sessions per year (plus on-demand foundation tests). |
| Practical experience | Requires a minimum of 3 years of practical experience with an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) under an approved mentor. | Requires 3 years of relevant work experience through the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). |
So, which one is right for you?
ACCA or CA in Singapore?
If you crave a global career in finance, ACCA might be your golden ticket. However, if your heart lies in the intricacies of your local accounting landscape, then the CA qualification in Singapore could be the perfect fit.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your career aspirations and where you see yourself working.
Chartered Accountant Salaries in Singapore
Chartered Accountants in Singapore can expect their earning potential to increase as they gain experience, build specialised expertise and take on greater leadership responsibilities.
Accounting Salary in Singapore after getting CA Singapore, by Experience Level:
| Role / Experience Level | Annual Gross Salary |
| Entry-level / Associate (0–2 years) | SGD 51,300–60,900 |
| Mid-level / Manager (5–12 years) | SGD 139,200–176,400 |
| Senior Director / Partner (12–25 years) | SGD 352,800–604,000+ (depending on specialisation) |
| C-suite (CFO / Partner) | SGD 428,400–560,000+ |
(Source: ISCA, RobertHalf)
Note: Salaries vary depending on experience, qualifications, employer, industry and company size.
What are the Career Opportunities after the Singapore CA Qualification?
Whether you’re pursuing a traditional accounting career path in Singapore or exploring emerging specialisations, the Singapore CA qualification opens doors to diverse accounting jobs. You could even become an eco-warrior, helping organisations drive sustainable finance and ESG reporting.
Some of the career opportunities include:
- Financial Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Tax Advisor
- Auditor
- Corporate Finance Professional
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Specialist
- Treasury Professional
- Risk and Compliance Specialist
- Internal Auditor
- Business Valuation Specialist
- Financial Forensics Specialist
- Sustainability Reporting and Sustainable Finance Professional
- Digital Finance Professional
- Company Liquidator
With experience, many Chartered Accountants also progress into leadership positions such as Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Finance Director, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and even Chief Executive Officer (CEO), making the qualification a strong foundation for long-term career growth.
Chartered accountancy programmes taught in Singapore are popular around the world. This is because of the diverse student base, a curriculum structure that has a strong international outlook and an educational infrastructure that provides deep cross-border knowledge.
Singapore CA courses are tailored for business leaders who aspire to possess a Singaporean chartered accountant qualification and wish to develop relevant industry skills for future business leaders.
The London School of Business and Finance in Singapore (LSBF) has a wide range of professional CA programmes to choose from.
Apply to a professional or foundational level CA qualification preparatory programme at LSBF in Singapore today to enhance your career prospects and gain lifelong benefits.
This article was written by Rebecca Paulraj and edited by Olly Cox
FAQs
Can an ACCA member become a CA in Singapore?
Yes. ACCA members can become a Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] through an ACCA to CA Singapore conversion pathway offered by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA). The specific requirements and process depend on your membership status and professional experience.
What does a chartered accountant do?
CAs are financial experts. They handle a variety of tasks, from auditing company finances to preparing tax returns, ensuring financial compliance and offering financial advice. They can work in public accounting firms or corporations or even start their own practice.
Why build a career in chartered accountancy?
It’s a stable and rewarding field with strong job prospects. CAs are highly sought-after for their expertise and the qualification opens doors to diverse career paths within finance. Also, CAs often attract competitive salaries and enjoy good job security.
Which stream is best for the chartered accountancy course?
There isn’t a single ‘best’ stream, but a strong foundation in commerce or business studies with accounting is valuable. Mathematics and statistics skills are also beneficial.
Should I pursue my CA course after the 12th or graduation?
This depends on your programme options. Some countries offer a foundation programme after the 12th to prepare for the CA Singapore course. However, a bachelor’s in accounting allows you to potentially skip this step and jump straight into the professional programme.
Is a CA a government job?
Not necessarily. CAs can work in a variety of settings, from private companies and multinational corporations to public accounting firms. The beauty lies in the flexibility!
