The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster international collaboration and support the accountancy profession and businesses in Singapore and the Philippines.
Singapore is one of the Philippines’ top sources of foreign direct investment inflows and a major trading partner. With more than 1 million business enterprises and 1,430 accounting firms in the Philippines, ISCA and PICPA will work together to train and strengthen the professional development of accountants to support businesses.
Under the agreement, PICPA will partner ISCA in developing accountancy talents and providing upskilling opportunities for accountancy professionals in the Philippines. Aspiring Chartered Accountants who would like to know more about the internationally recognized Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification and other ISCA programs such as the ISCA Professional Business Accountant Program, the ISCA Financial Forensic Accounting Qualification, the ISCA Sustainability Professional Certifications and the recently launched Board of Directors Masterclass Program can reach out to PICPA to find out more.
Through these programs, which are developed in Singapore and aligned with international standards, accountancy professionals will be equipped with relevant skills and competencies to meet business demands. This professional development collaboration between PICPA and ISCA will strengthen the capabilities of accountancy professionals, reinforce and support the capacities of businesses and the expansion plans of professional services firms.
ISCA and PICPA will also be exploring collaboration through joint-membership pathways, joint events, and conferences, aimed at promoting the attractiveness of the accountancy profession.
Atty. Randy Blanza, CPA, national president of PICPA, said in a statement, “It’s an exciting time for the practice of accountancy in the Philippines. This agreement will open more opportunities to Filipino CPAs to practice their profession in international markets, including Singapore and other international territories.”
For her part, Gladeys Jill A. Santos, ISCA Philippines Chapter Chairperson said, “We are very pleased to be able to mark another milestone in ISCA’s efforts to develop the accountancy profession across the region. This agreement will bring the SCAQ and other ISCA programs further, not only opening doors for accountants in the Philippines to gain internationally recognized credentials, but also growing and strengthening the accounting profession and businesses in both countries.”
ISCA is the national accountancy body of Singapore with over 35,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries.
PICPA is the accredited integrated professional organization (AIPO) of CPAs by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and has been awarded five times as PRC most outstanding APO from among other professional organizations.