Career Advice In Singapore

Job Scope
You carry out a systematic and independent review of a company's accounting records and financial statements. You can be in External Auditing or Internal Auditing.

External Auditing
There are three aspects of external audit work - statutory audit, management of audit activities and consultancy. As an External Auditor, you visit your clients' offices and conduct an examination of the clients' financial accounts inaccordance with Singapore Standards of Auditing.

Among your duties in conducting statutory audit under the Companies Act, you may be required to:

• Understand clients' businesses
• Interview the clients' staff regarding financial and financial-related matters
• Check the clients' accounting books, records and financial statements
• Analyse financial records to ensure that they comply with established standards
• Review clients' accounting systems and recommend improvements to these practices
• Give an audit report on whether the client's accounts present true and fair view of the company's financial position

You may be involved in non-statutory audit which includes your have to:

• Conduct due diligence review for mergers and acquisitions and take-overs and assist in management buy-outs
• Work with lawyers in providing forensic accounting and fraud investigation services

Internal Auditing
There are four aspects of internal audit work - audit of sub-systems, operational audit and management audit, internal audit participation in projects, and management of audit activities.

As an internal auditor, you are responsible for checking your company's accounting system. Your duties include have to:

• Review and assess the strengths and weaknesses of your company's internal control system
• Assist External Auditors in statutory audit
• Report breaches to senior management and recommends improvements to your company's procedures

Personal Qualities

• Qualities listed for an Accountant apply
• Inquiring mind that detects and questions possible irregularities

Entry Requirements

• Requirements listed for an Accountant apply
• Knowledge of computerised accounting systems is an advantage

Career Opportunities

You can specialise as an information Technology Auditor or Computer Audit Specialist, Certified Fraud Examiner and Business Valuation Specialist. You can also move into commerce and the Industry as ab Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Controller and Finance Director.