Accounting Jobs Singapore
Singapore is a small island but with great potential to provide numerous job opportunities for accountants. A majority of jobs available in Singapore are primarily in the service and industry sectors. Even though the media has in the previous years painted a gloomy picture of the job market in Singapore, at present, we are seeing a high demand for accounting and finance talent.
The demand for accountants ranks among the highest in the Singapore workforce. The top five accounting roles currently in demand include financial and planning analyst, finance managers, corporate finance managers, accountants, and regional finance controllers.
Finance analysts are currently in great demand. A financial analyst stands a better chance of landing a high-paying job, especially if he or she holds the right financial analyst certification. Financial analysts play diverse roles including sales or pricing analysts, regional finance managers, learning analysis, asset management analysis, and commercial analysis just to mention a few. Some of the key in-demand skills accountants in Singapore include reporting, budgeting, forecasting, business partnering, financial accounting, business process improvement, and taxation.
Job Description for Accountants in Singapore
Just like everywhere else in the world, accountants in Singapore perform detailed financial calculations for businesses and other organizations in diverse fields. Some of the most common duties that accountants handle in Singapore include administering payroll, producing sales and cash flow reports, maintaining balance sheets, handling the company's billing activities, maintaining inventory, and managing budgets.
The accountant also has the responsibility of filing the company's taxes and reviewing past performance to create income forecast. They also carry out internal audits to ensure that the company is performing as expected. Accountants perform the important role of ensuring that staff members abide by the company's policies.
Common Job Requirements
In Singapore, accountants are expected to master key competency skills such as the ability to create detailed reports illustrating data, presenting the reports to the management, and overseeing the company's financial transactions with a high level of accuracy.
The position requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or a certified public accountant (CPA) certification. Previous experience in an accounting position is an added advantage for anyone looking for accounting jobs in Singapore. It is also important to have a working knowledge with most of the commonly used accounting software such as QuickBooks, Tally ERP, Quicken and many more. Personal traits such as self-motivation, teamwork, and collaboration are also important since the accountant works as a member of a larger team. Accountants are still in great demand in Singapore because every business needs some form of accounting and financial planning services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accounting & Finance Jobs in Singapore
What kind of jobs can I apply for with an accounting qualification in Singapore?
There are so many opportunities for accounting and finance jobs in Singapore. With an accounting qualification, you an consider roles that directly relate to your qualification or allow you to transfer the skills over to a position even if it is not directly related to your certification.
- Chartered Accountant
- External Auditor
- Forensic Accountant
- Stockbroker
- Economist
- Retail Banker
- Tax Advisor
- Arbitrator
- Actuary
- Data Analyst
Can I join the accounting and finance industry in Singapore with no job experience?
Having experience in the nature of a job is always useful before taking up a role but in cases where you have no experience, such as when you are a fresh graduate or a professional looking for a career switch, you may request for a short internship stint to familiarise yourself with the workings of the roles and the demands of the industry. Do note that you will be required to attain specific certifications. You may also discuss with your employer on these and help you carve your career path. Alternatively, build up your network such as on LinkedIn and reach out to practitioners in the industry to learn more about what an accounting career entails and what you need to do to join the field. You may also browse available accounting and finance jobs in Singapore below.
What are some entry-level roles I can apply with an accounting qualification but no work experience?
You can take up roles as a clerk, bookkeeping assistant or admin assistant in an accounts department to get a head start in the industry should you be unable to find suitable role. These roles expose you to the opportunities to develop your skills by working with experienced practitioners themselves, with whom you can share your enthusiasm about your accounting and finance and build yourself up. No job is a small job, and you should always plan small steps towards your desired goal.
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