Description

The name of "chartered accountant" refers to a position that is found in Great Britain, Canada, India, Asia and Australia. Its equivalent in the United States is a certified accountant. There is little difference between the positions other than the name.

Charted accountants handle all financial reports that a business produces. They review these reports and tabulate the company's finances so the company knows exactly how much money they are spending and in which departments. They also tabulate how much the company is making and relate it to the cost of running each department. With the results that chartered accountants find, management may make decisions on how to change their spending to improve production and revenue. A chartered accountant may also handle the taxes for the company they work for. Depending on the size of the business that employs them, chartered accountants may work with a team of accountants or on their own. They may report to a senior chartered accountant or a director of accounting or finances. Their work hours are normal business hours on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tools they work with are financial and statistical software, reports, computers, telephones, pens and paper, calculators, and other typical office supplies.

Required for this position is a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business. Accountants must also complete an additional two-year accounting program to become chartered. In some countries the accountant must also work with a mentor during their two year post-graduate program.

Chartered accountants are necessary for analyzing and compiling financial reports for businesses. Without their work, a company might not know exactly how much money they are spending in different areas and how they might improve their spending and overall revenue.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Chartered Accountant with 6-9 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

  • Conducting financial audits, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and preparing comprehensive audit reports for clients.
  • Providing expert financial advice and recommendations to clients, assisting in strategic decision-making and financial planning.
  • Managing financial statements and budgets, analyzing financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as legal, tax, and advisory departments, to support clients in complex financial matters, including mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Chartered Accountant job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Extensive knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and budgeting.
  • Strong analytical skills to analyze and interpret complex financial data, identify trends and patterns, and provide valuable insights and recommendations.
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and adherence to accounting standards.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, explaining complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Essential Skills For Chartered Accountant

1

Accounting Terminology

2

Financial Management

3

Financial Aid Management

4

Financial Modeling

5

Financial Analysis

6

Auditing

Career Prospects

The role of a Chartered Accountant with 6-9 years of experience in Singapore is pivotal in ensuring accurate financial management. For individuals seeking alternative job roles in the finance industry, the following options are worth considering:

  • Senior Accountant: This position entails increased responsibilities such as financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
  • Treasury Manager: A role dedicated to managing an organization's cash and liquidity requirements, including forecasting, risk management, and investment activities.
  • Procurement Manager: Responsible for overseeing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and managing purchasing processes.
  • Financial Analyst: This role involves monitoring financial performance, developing forecasts, and offering insights to support strategic decision-making.

How to Learn

According to recent research, the role of Chartered Accountant in Singapore is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for Chartered Accountants has steadily increased. This trend is projected to continue, with a substantial rise in job opportunities for individuals pursuing this profession. The steady growth in Singapore's economy, coupled with the increasing complexity of financial regulations and reporting standards, contributes to the high demand for Chartered Accountants. Overall, the future holds promising prospects for Chartered Accountants, with a strong market presence and numerous employment opportunities in Singapore.