SMU’s School of Accountancy signs MOU with Deloitte to collaborate on Audit Analytics programmes

[​Featured Photo: Cheng Qiang, Dean of School of Accountancy and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Accounting and Philip Yuen, Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Singapore signed an MOU in January 2018 to collaborate on audit analytic programmes]

Accountancy undergraduates have much to look forward to in terms of picking up new knowledge and skills in the discipline of data analytics, a much sought after expertise in the accounting industry.

Singapore Management University’s (SMU) School of Accountancy (SoA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Deloitte Singapore on 12 January 2018 to collaborate on various audit analytics projects and programmes.

Professor Cheng Qiang, Dean of SoA, said, “The use of data analytics will be more important in the future, thus the school is working with industry partners to help students grasp technology and understand its application in the accounting domain. We will be launching a Second Major in Accounting Data and Analytics for our undergraduates in August 2018 to meet industry needs. We are very happy to have Deloitte as our partner in this journey, as well as a mentor and potential employer for our students.”

Mr Philip Yuen, CEO of Deloitte Singapore, said, "Deloitte is excited to embark on this first-of-kind partnership with SMU. We believe in the importance of grooming the next generation of accounting professionals and with this programme we will be able to enhance their audit analytics capabilities so that they can be more productive and efficient and value-add to their clients. The skillsets and experience they gain will put them in good stead when they join the profession, placing them at the forefront of the industry.”

Under the partnership, Deloitte will teach the Audit Analytics module under the Second Major in Accounting Data & Analytics (Bachelor of Accountancy); offer priority internship placements, including overseas opportunities for students in the Second Major; sponsor a book prize(s) for the top performing audit analytics student; and offer priority job placements.