A new joint ESG programme from KPMG and ACCA aims to equip Singapore's accountants with sustainability skills as employers increasingly demand them.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Two professional organisations have launched a training programme to teach accountants about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. The programme comes in two levels—a free basic course for newcomers and an advanced one for senior leaders—because more Singapore employers now need staff who understand sustainability.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Should all accountants be required to learn ESG skills as part of their professional development?
👍 👎 Vote ↓A new ESG programme in Singapore aims to reshape the accountancy profession for a sustainable future.
On 25 October 2024, KPMG in Singapore and ACCA launched a new ESG programme.
This programme aims to give accountants and non-accountants the ESG knowledge they need for the future.
The programme comes after a report in May 2024 said accountants need more ESG skills.
This report was from the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee (AWRC).
Alex Koh from KPMG in Singapore said, “To redesign the accountancy workforce, we must attract new talent by prioritising adaptability, collaboration and innovation.”
The programme has two main parts:
The demand for ESG skills in Singapore is growing.
In 2024, 47% of employers needed sustainability skills.
This is up from 38% before.
KPMG’s research shows that 56% of finance jobs will need ESG upskilling.
This affects over 50,000 professionals.
Daniel Leung from ACCA Singapore said, “Sustainability is a top priority for businesses, governments, and the public sector. Finance professionals play a crucial role in driving and implementing sustainable practices across a wide range of organisations.”
This programme is similar to other sustainability initiatives in Singapore, showing a growing trend in green business practices.
| Track | Topics | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational | Climate risk, ESG reporting, measurements | New graduates, working adults |
| Advanced | Strategic planning, decision-making | Senior finance leaders |
After finishing the programme, people can get more certificates.
These include the Certificate in Sustainability of Finance (CertSF) and the Professional Diploma in Sustainability (ProDipSust).
This programme is improving on how accountants work.
It’s helping them do more than just handle finance.
Alex Koh said, “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.”
From 2025, companies in Singapore will need to report more about climate issues.
This means accountants need to know about sustainability rules.
This change also brings new job opportunities.
Accountants with ESG skills could become:
The programme is expected to make participants more employable.
It could also lead to a more sustainable business environment in Singapore.
Do you think all accountants should be required to learn ESG skills for their job?
Should all accountants be required to learn ESG skills as part of their professional development?
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