ISCA and AGD Sign MOU to Advance Professional Development of Public Service Officers in Finance Roles

Singapore, 9 October 2024 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)  and the Accountant-General's Department (AGD) have signed a Memorandum of  Understanding (MOU) to develop a talent pipeline of chartered accountants within the  public sector and to advance the professional development of nearly 4,000 finance  and internal audit officers in the public service. 

Under the agreement, the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ)  programme will be promoted as one of the pathways to students and working adults  who are keen to pursue a career in finance in the public sector and in-service public  sector finance officers who have not acquired the Chartered Accountants of  Singapore title. Upon successful completion, candidates will be eligible to apply for  full membership with ISCA and earn the title of Singapore Chartered Accountant.

In addition, ISCA will work with AGD to curate and promote training programmes and  initiatives for the public sector finance and internal audit community, as well as  exchange viewpoints and collaborate on events and conferences. Through this  collaboration, public officers can access a broader range of courses to support their  development under the public sector Finance and Internal Audit Competency  Frameworks, and be equipped with emerging skillsets like sustainability reporting,  sustainability assurance and data analytics. For instance, the collaboration will see a  first batch of 50 officers across the public sector finance community to be  professionally certified in sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance within  the next six months; and will continue to grow this talent pool to support the  Singapore Green Plan 2030.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA and Mr. Ow Fook  Chuen, Accountant-General and Chief of Government Finance of AGD. It was  witnessed by Ms. Fann Kor, CEO of ISCA and Ms. Esther Wee, Deputy Accountant General and Deputy Chief of Government Finance of AGD.

ISCA President Mr. Teo Ser Luck commented: “We are delighted to partner with AGD  to develop a talent pipeline of chartered accountants in the public service. As the  national accountancy body of Singapore, we are committed to enhance the  professional competencies and development of the profession including public  service officers, empowering them to contribute to the broader goals of excellence in  public finance.”

Mr. Ow Fook Chuen, Accountant-General and Chief of Government Finance, said:  “This collaboration significantly enhances the continuing professional training and development opportunities for our public service finance and internal audit officers at  all levels. It aligns with AGD’s commitment to fostering professional excellence and  strengthening functional leadership in the finance and internal audit domains of the  public service. This will empower our finance and internal audit community to better  support our agencies in meeting the needs of their stakeholders and delivering better  services.” 

Issued by: 

Accountant-General's Department and Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants Singapore 

9 October 2024