Singapore CA Qualification (Foundation) Awarded by Singapore Accountancy Commision (SAC) | SAA Global Education, Jobscentral Learning

Course introduction

Introduction

Rapid changes in today’s economy brought on by new trends such as technological advancements and globalisation call for accountants with diverse skills to handle these new challenges. Accountants with multi-skills, coming from diverse backgrounds, are in demand to offer strategic insights to drive organisational value and guide business model transformations.

Candidates without an accredited accountancy degree have a pathway to the Singapore Chartered Accountant (CA) Qualification through the Foundation programme. This provides basic technical knowledge and skills for inquiry, abstract logical thinking, critical analysis, appropriate communication, and personal and interpersonal skills required for the accounting profession.

The Singapore CA certification puts professionals in good stead for Director positions and C-Suite roles such as CEOs and CFOs in accountancy, business and finance. It will set you on a path of wide career options in any industry.

Area of Studies

The Singapore CA Qualification (Foundation) covers a set of six core syllabus areas:

The Singapore CA Qualification (Foundation) Modules

Principles of Financial Reporting (PFF)

The Principles of Financial Reporting module provides Candidates with knowledge of the Conceptual Framework and the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) to produce a complete set of financial statements for single entities, including basic notes to the accounts. Candidates will also be able to explain and advise on the application of the SFRS, demonstrating appropriate professional judgment. The Principles of Financial Reporting module provides foundation accounting knowledge for the Advanced Financial Reporting module and the Assurance module.

Advanced Financial Reporting (AFF)

The Advanced Financial Reporting module builds upon the knowledge and skills studied in the Principles of Financial Reporting module. Upon successful completion of this module, Candidates will be able to demonstrate sound knowledge of and apply the Conceptual Framework and the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) to produce a complete set of financial statements for single entities and simple groups, including basic notes to the accounts. Candidates will also be able to explain and advise on the application of the SFRS, including the appropriate treatment and disclosure of hedge accounting, demonstrating appropriate professional judgment.

Accounting for Decision Making (ADF)

The Accounting for Decision Making module develops cost accounting techniques for planning, control, and decision-making. The key focus is on analysis of relevant information for decision-making by management. Upon successful completion of this module, Candidates will have gained practical knowledge through the application of various strategic management accounting tools and techniques.

Assurance (ASF)

Upon completion of the Assurance module, Candidates will understand the nature, purpose, and scope of assurance engagements. Candidates will also be able to demonstrate how an auditor obtains an understanding of the entity, plans and performs audit procedures, collects and documents evidence, and presents reports for statutory audits in accordance with the Singapore Standards on Auditing and Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.

Financial Management (FMF)

Upon completion of the Financial Management (FM) module, Candidates will be equipped with the skills expected from an aspiring finance manager. Starting with the environment and scope of finance, the module will delve into working capital management through active analysis of current assets and current liabilities. The firm’s cost of capital, through debt and equity sources, and other business finance issues will also be explored. Candidates will then be exposed to different investment appraisal techniques and business valuation models to arm them with the knowledge to price financial instruments and businesses. Finally, the module will conclude with key risk-management elements, such as operational, market, reputation, and strategic risk concepts.

Singapore Taxation (TXF)

The Singapore Taxation module equips Candidates with the core knowledge of the underlying principles and major technical areas of taxation through a variety of business and personal scenarios and situations. Upon completion of this module, Candidates should be able to compute tax liabilities, explain the basis of their calculations, apply ethical tax-planning techniques for individuals and companies, and identify the compliance issues for each major tax type.

Entry Requirements

Applicants with any of the following are eligible for the Foundation programme:

Accredited degrees
Other degrees
Undergraduates (with effect from 1 July 2017 onwards)
Local Polytechnic Diploma in Accountancy

Accredited degrees
The following are accredited degrees:

National University of Singapore – Bachelor of Business Administration
University of London International Programmes
1. Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
2. Bachelor of Science in Accounting with Law
3. Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University
1. Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) (including full-time and part-time programmes)

Other degrees
Applicants with other degrees are also eligible provided the degree is recognised by the Singapore Accountancy Commission (SAC). SAC recognises degrees that are comparable to a three-year undergraduate degree using internationally recognised reference sources. Click here for more details.

Undergraduates
From 1 July 2017, undergraduates are also eligible. However, the degree must be recognised by SAC as comparable to a three-year undergraduate degree using internationally recognised reference sources.

Local Polytechnic Diploma in Accountancy
Holders of a local Polytechnic Diploma in accountancy can enrol into SAC-NP Advanced Diploma in Accountancy which shares the same centralised examinations as the Singapore CA Qualification (Foundation).

Module Exemption Guides
For module exemption guide, please refer to https://www.sac.gov.sg/ for more information.
Alternatively, please email to ISCA at [email protected] or contact them at (+65) 6597 5610.