A new programme by KPMG in Singapore and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will offer free in-person classes in areas such as strategic planning and foundational environmental, social and governance (ESG) knowledge.
Launched at ACCA’s Annual Conference 2024 on Oct 25, the learning programme is designed to address the “future skills” needed for the accountancy profession, while equipping non-accountancy graduates with the skills needed to enter the field.
The programme features two tracks. The first track, which focuses on foundational ESG knowledge in areas such as climate risk, reporting and measurement, is offered at no cost to participants.
This track is targeted at new graduates and working professionals, including those eyeing a career shift to climate reporting. According to KPMG and ACCA, the content in this track prepares participants to eventually take on job roles such as climate and impact reporting accountants, as well as sustainability finance consultants.
Eligible participants of this track will also have the chance to take part in industry attachment opportunities with KPMG to apply ESG into business transformation and corporate practice.
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The second track offers advanced content for senior finance leaders, featuring in-person classes on strategic planning, decision-making, reporting and assurance. According to KPMG and ACCA, the content in this track prepares participants to take on job roles such as chief sustainability officer, chief financial officer, and head of ESG audit and assurance.
Participants in both tracks also have the option to pursue the ACCA Certificate in Sustainability for Finance or the ACCA Professional Diploma in Sustainability separately.
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According to KPMG’s research, more than half (56%) of existing financial services job roles — representing more than 50,000 financial services professionals — will require upskilling on sustainability topics as sustainability considerations become increasingly material to companies in various sectors.
Sustainability is a top priority for businesses, governments and the public sector, says Daniel Leung, country manager, ACCA Singapore. “Finance professionals play a crucial role in driving and implementing sustainable practices across a wide range of organisations.”
Alex Koh, partner and head of audit, KPMG in Singapore, says today's accountants are “not just guardians” but “strategic advisers”, guiding businesses through complex challenges. “Trust remains at the core of our profession, particularly in areas like ESG assurance and AI governance. Our collaboration with ACCA to introduce the ESG future skills programme is more than just providing access — it is about building on qualities and fundamentals that accountants already possess and applying these to emerging areas.”
From left: Pulkit Abrol, director, Asia Pacific, ACCA; Chan Yen San, partner and head of professional practice, KPMG in Singapore; Alex Koh, partner and head of audit, KPMG in Singapore; Lee Sze Yeng, managing partner, KPMG in Singapore; Chia-Tern Huey Min, chief executive, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra); Daniel Leung, country manager, ACCA Singapore; Kuldip Gill, assistant chief executive, Acra; Evan Law, assistant chief executive, Acra; Lau Kam Yuen, partner, COO/CFO and head of central services, KPMG in Singapore
Infographics: KPMG in Singapore
