DISCOVER YOUR CAREER OPTIONS
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS Discover the different industries you can join in the job market and explore the various opportunities within.
Accountancy and Financial Management
W
ith accountancy and financial management qualifications, one can find work opportunities in a range of organisations, varying from the ‘Big Four’ to smaller accountancy firms, as well as in corporations and the public sector. Being in the accountancy industry gives you a good perspective of how businesses and organisations are run, opening doors to start your own company in the future. In recent years, businesses have started to use technology such as cloud accounting softwares and applications to increase efficiency for accounting and financial management. Accounting professionals are encouraged to upskilll constantly, picking up data analysis and mastering digital accounting. Accounting firms often offer a diversity of services, such as consulting, assurance, risk assessment, corporate recovery, tax, and forensic accounting, aside from the customary accounting and auditing services. Employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates with good analytical skills, attention to detail, and an ability to convey financial data clearly. Graduate accountants often join firms as trainees and will be required to take professional qualifications to enhance themselves. It is mandatory to go through the Singapore Qualification Programme (Singapore QP) in order to practise as a chartered accountant here.
Job areas include:
• Financial consulting
Skills required: • Numerical skills • Commercial awareness • Strategic planning skills • Analytical skills • Decision-making skills • Good communication skills
Job areas include: • Business/Commercial banking • Consumer/Personal banking • Corporate finance • Foreign exchange trading • Marketing and communication
• Auditing
• Tax consulting
S
pecialising in different areas of banking and finance (e.g. asset management, hedge funds, private banking and equity, risk management, venture capital, corporate restructuring), employers such as retail banks and investment firms, offer a diverse range of roles for graduate hires. The competition is tough for the banking and finance sector in Singapore, as a regional and global hub for investment and finance. Improve your opportunities of securing a job in this sector by seeking out internships during your university days to gain relevant work experience and build your knowledge and networks. Employers appreciate candidates who excel in problemsolving and have excellent organisational and team management skills. You should also make it a point to read financial business news regularly to update yourself on any changes in the industry. While numerical and business degrees are preferred by employers, it is not a necessary requirement.
• Investment banking
• Assurance management
• Risk assessment
Banking and Finance
Job hunting tips: Get licensed, stay on top of your game in terms of accounting skills and network extensively in this professional circle.
• Operations and technology • Private banking • Private equity • Risk management • Treasury
Job hunting tips: Score an internship and ace it! Networking is crucial in banking and investment. Research potential employers and send in your applications early.
• Wealth management
Skills required • Numerical and analysis skills • Resilience, ability to work under pressue • Excellent communication skills • Strong understanding of financial markets • Decision-making skills
28 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020
www.sim.edu.sg
