If you’ve ever looked at an accounting and finance course and thought, “I’m not sure I’m cut out for this”, here’s the thing—a career in accounting and finance isn’t reserved for maths geniuses or people who “always knew” they wanted to be accountants.
Because right now, there are ways to build the accounting skills you need, even if you’re a total beginner.
And in Singapore, where accounting (a major contributor to the country’s economy) remains one of the most in-demand and resilient career paths, there’s never been a better time to start.
Starting Your Accounting Journey Without Prior Experience
Most accounting qualifications, particularly a diploma in accounting and finance, are designed for complete beginners. You’re not expected to walk in knowing what a trial balance or a chart of accounts is—that’s literally what a diploma course teaches you.
What actually matters at the start is a lot simpler than people assume:
- A willingness to work through structured, logical steps
- Comfort with basic arithmetic (not advanced maths)
- Attention to detail and a habit of double-checking your work
- Curiosity about how businesses actually make and manage money
What Do You Learn in a Diploma in Accounting & Finance?
At LSBF Singapore Campus, the Diploma in Accounting and Finance teaches the basics of how a business actually works. The programme covers a mix of technical and analytical subjects designed to mirror what you’ll actually use on the job:
- Cost Accounting – understanding how businesses cost their products and services
- Principles of Accounting and Finance – the foundation of financial record-keeping and reporting
- Principles of Banking and Finance – how the financial system connects to everyday business
- Principles of Economics – the bigger picture behind business decisions
- Principles of Management – how organisations are run and structured
- Statistics and Quantitative Methods for Business – turning numbers into insights
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Analysis for Business Decisions – because modern accounting isn’t just ledgers anymore
- International Business Management – understanding how businesses operate globally
Notice the last one about AI and data analysis. Today’s accounting graduates aren’t just expected to know debits and credits. They’re expected to be comfortable with the digital tools reshaping the profession.
Turning Accounting Knowledge into Practical Skills
Knowing accounting concepts and being job-ready aren’t automatically the same thing.
Employers consistently say the same thing about entry-level candidates: technical knowledge is common, but candidates who can actually apply it, use the right software, and communicate their thinking clearly stand out.
This is where the collaboration between LSBF Singapore Campus and Deloitte makes a real difference. The Deloitte-backed diploma in accounting and finance integrates classes taught by Deloitte professionals, giving you industry insights straight from a Big Four firm, including:
- Case studies drawn from real industry scenarios
- Exposure to how accounting software and digital tools are used in daily workflows
- Opportunities to explain and present your reasoning, not just calculate the right answer
- Guidance from lecturers and professionals with real industry experience, not only academic backgrounds
This way, you will build your accounting skills for the modern finance workplace even if you don’t have prior knowledge or experience in this field.
Why Study Accounting and Finance in Singapore?
These three reasons explain why accounting is a good career choice in Singapore, which is now among the top five financial hubs:
- High Job Availability: Around 120,000 people work in accountancy-related roles, with 1,500+ new opportunities identified in 2024.
- Competitive Earning Potential: Median starting salaries for accounting associates reached S$4,200/month in 2024, up 10% from 2022.
- Crisis-Resilient Demand: Businesses in Singapore need accurate, compliant financial reporting, which means accounting professionals are always in demand, regardless of economic cycles
(Source: Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Singapore (ACRA))
How to Progress from a Diploma to a Long-Term Finance Career
- Build Your Foundation: Complete a Diploma in Accounting & Finance to develop core skills and earn an industry-recognised qualification.
- Progress to a Degree: Move on to a Higher Diploma and then a Bachelor’s Degree top-up, which you can complete in as little as 16 months.
- Entry-level accounting careers: Apply what you’ve learned and start building real-world experience.
- Pursue Professional Certification: Progress to global qualifications such as ACCA Singapore, with potential exemptions based on your academic background, and work towards senior finance roles.
- Specialisation and Seniority: Over time, many accountants move into management accounting, finance business partnering, or leadership roles
What Careers Can You Pursue After a Diploma in Accounting & Finance?
Typical entry-level accounting and finance career options include:
| Category | Career Options | What You’ll Do |
| Entry-Level Accounting Jobs | Junior Accountant, Accounts Assistant, Accounts Payable/Receivable Officer, Payroll Administrator | Manage ledgers, invoices, payments, payroll and basic financial records |
| Tax & Audit Support Roles | Tax Assistant, Audit Assistant, Billing Clerk | Support tax filing, audit checks, financial documentation and billing |
| Banking & Finance Support Roles | Finance Assistant, Retail Banking Clerk, Credit Control Assistant | Assist with budgets, customer accounts, credit monitoring and financial transactions |
The entry-level salary for accounting careers in Singapore is estimated around S$4,000. With higher qualifications and work experience, your salary gradually increases. And you can work in any industry you love, be it technology, healthcare, or non-profits.
Start Your Accounting & Finance Journey with LSBF Singapore
If you are ready to transform zero confidence into a thriving career in business, the Diploma in Accounting and Finance at LSBF Singapore Campus is designed for you.
- Dual Certification Advantage: Graduate with a Diploma awarded by LSBF Singapore Campus, along with a Certificate of Attendance issued by Deloitte, giving your resume more visibility and value.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Choose between 8-month full-time or part-time study options delivered via blended learning (face-to-face classes combined with live broadcasts) to suit your schedule.
- Proven Track Record: Learn from expert faculty in a supportive environment where 42% of the 2024 cohort earned distinctions and 75% of graduates reported positive career outcomes.
- Future-Proof Curriculum: Master core accounting alongside cutting-edge modules in AI and data analysis for business decision-making
Take the first step toward securing your future in finance today. Explore the LSBF Diploma in Accounting and Finance or connect with our education consultant to evaluate your to learn more about the programme.
FAQs on Accounting and Finance
Is accounting difficult for students who are not good at maths?
No. Accounting is primarily based on basic maths, logic, and following standard rules. Modern accounting relies heavily on software tools to handle calculations; what matters most is your ability to analyse data and follow structured processes.
How long does it take to build a foundation in accounting?
You can build a strong, job-ready foundation in as little as 8 months through a focused program like the Diploma in Accounting and Finance at LSBF Singapore Campus, available in both full-time and part-time study modes.
What software and digital tools are commonly used in accounting careers?
Accountants routinely use spreadsheet tools like Microsoft Excel, cloud accounting systems (such as SAP or QuickBooks), and modern AI/data analytics tools to generate reports and evaluate performance.
Is a Higher Diploma progression available after a Diploma?
Yes! Graduates of the Diploma in Accounting and Finance can seamlessly progress to a Higher Diploma in Accounting and Finance, unlocking a fast-track route toward a UK Bachelor’s degree at LSBF Singapore Campus.
Can diploma graduates in finance and accounting progress towards ACCA?
Yes. Diploma graduates can progress to higher-level qualifications and pursue professional certifications like ACCA Singapore.
