Build Your Accounting Career with a Higher Diploma | TMC Academy Singapore

Accounting has always been crucial to business success, but the profession is evolving at an unprecedented rate. In Singapore and across the APEC region, businesses are adapting to significant changes that are transforming the daily work of accountants. Digitalisation has revolutionised compliance tasks. Many firms now utilise cloud platforms like Xero or QuickBooks, which automate bank reconciliations and payroll. This transformation reduces manual processing from hours to just minutes.

Regulation is also becoming stricter. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has implemented mandatory sustainability reporting for listed companies. This requires finance teams to incorporate environmental and social data alongside financial statements. Consequently, new skills in data analysis and assurance are essential. Lastly, the demand for advisory services is growing. Small and medium-sized enterprises in Singapore often turn to accountants not just to prepare financial reports, but also to advise on digital transformation, cash flow management, or cross-border tax planning as they expand into ASEAN markets.

The Higher Diploma in Business (Accounting Specialisation) at TMC Academy directly addresses this need. In just 14 months, students earn a recognised qualification that prepares them for employment across various sectors and offers an academic pathway to a UK degree.

This article examines why the programme is effective, how accounting is evolving in Singapore and the region, the career paths graduates can pursue, and what distinguishes TMC Academy’s approach.

Why Choose a Higher Diploma in Business with Accounting Specialisation

The appeal of this programme lies in its ability to link business knowledge with accounting skills. But the key question for prospective students is: why should you opt for a Higher Diploma in Business with Accounting?)

Why Should You Study a Higher Diploma in Business with Accounting?

The strength of this qualification lies in its ability to strike a balance between breadth and depth. Students study various business disciplines while also developing technical skills in accounting. This mirrors the modern profession: accountants are no longer just back-office clerks, but strategic contributors to decision-making.

What You Can Do with a Higher Diploma in Business Accounting

From the viewpoint of someone planning their future, the value of this programme becomes clear when you consider the advantages it provides.

Balanced Learning

Core modules in management, economics, finance, and business law are complemented by three accounting-focused subjects. Students graduate with both business fluency and technical accounting skills.

Academic Progression

Completing the diploma provides a pathway to higher qualifications. Graduates are eligible to apply for relevant degree programmes at other universities.

Career Relevance

The curriculum prepares students for employment in various sectors, including finance, manufacturing, service, and government.

Flexible Study

At 14 months long, with options for both full-time and part-time modes, the programme is open to school leavers and working adults alike. For adults already in full-time employment, the ability to study part-time while completing the diploma within a relatively short timeframe makes it a desirable option. It allows learners to upskill, pivot careers, or add recognised qualifications without stepping away from their current roles.

“The modules are practical and match what employers want. I can apply what I learn at work straight away.”

In short, this diploma offers a quicker, more cost-effective, and strategically planned path into accounting and business careers.

Accounting Careers in Singapore: Trends and Opportunities

For students considering a career in accounting, it is essential to understand the shifts shaping demand for new skills. The following trends show where the profession is heading in Singapore and across the wider APEC region.

How the Accounting Profession is Evolving in Singapore

Digitalisation and Automation: Cloud platforms, robotics, and analytics tools are taking over repetitive tasks. Accountants now dedicate more time to analysing data and offering insights.

Advisory Growth: Firms are increasingly generating revenue from consultancy services in areas like governance, risk, and business transformation.

Sustainability and ESG Reporting: Companies are preparing non-financial reports alongside financial statements. This requires professionals who understand frameworks for climate risk and corporate responsibility.

Regional Focus: In APEC, accounting firms emphasise innovation, workflow standardisation, and cross-border compliance to support growth.

Talent Demand: Despite automation, the need for skilled professionals in Singapore remains high. The workforce is growing by approximately 2–3% annually.

This environment makes accounting qualifications more valuable than ever. Employers seek individuals who combine technical expertise with digital literacy, strong communication skills, and a sense of ethical awareness.

What is Changing in the Accounting Profession Today?

Singapore has positioned accounting as a growth sector. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Singapore Accountancy Commission actively drive its development. The aim is to make Singapore a global accounting hub, supported by the adoption of technology and skills upgrading.

Your Career Path with a Higher Diploma in Business and Accounting

The diploma opens up many career options. Many graduates start in entry-level roles, gaining practical experience before advancing into more analytical or strategic positions. With further study or professional accreditation, they can move into senior leadership roles.

Early Career Roles

• Accounts assistant

• Bookkeeper

• Payroll officer

• Accounts payable/receivable clerk

• Junior finance officer in SMEs or service firms

  
  

Mid-Level Roles

• Management accountant

• Financial analyst

• Tax associate or analyst

• Cost accountant

• Budgeting and forecasting specialist

  
  

Senior Career Pathways

• Finance manager or controller

• Internal auditor

• Advisory or consulting specialist in areas such as risk or sustainability

• Chief Financial Officer or other executive roles (with further qualifications and experience)

  
  

The diploma also develops transferable skills—such as communication, ICT, and problem-solving—that support careers beyond traditional accounting. This includes operations management, project coordination, or business consultancy.

Why Study at TMC Academy in Singapore

TMC Academy has developed the Higher Diploma in Business (Accounting Specialisation) to closely meet the needs of the profession in Singapore and beyond. Several features distinguish the programme.

How TMC Academy Prepares Students for Accounting Careers

Students complete 12 modules, including three specialising in accounting. The remaining modules cover essential business disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded education. This integrated approach means graduates are prepared not just to handle numbers but also to grasp the business strategies behind them.

Flexible Study Options

The programme can be finished in only 14 months. Full-time and part-time study options suit different learner needs, while monthly intakes make it easier to begin without long delays.

Institutional Strength

With over 40 years of history, TMC Academy has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality education. Small class sizes and experienced staff ensure students get personalised attention and guidance. Industry advisory boards help develop the curriculum to match real-world needs.

Singapore’s Accountancy Sector: A Future-Proof Career Move

As Singapore cements its reputation as a global accounting hub, TMC’s graduates benefit from pursuing a qualification that aligns with the skills employers require—digital literacy, ethical awareness, and strong communication, alongside accounting expertise.

TMC’s combination of local recognition and international academic options makes this diploma a wise choice for both Singaporean and international students.

The accounting profession is undergoing rapid change, driven by technological advancements, regulatory updates, and evolving business needs. Singapore and the APEC region are leading these shifts, with a high demand for professionals who can blend technical skills with broad business knowledge.

The Higher Diploma in Business (Accounting Specialisation) at TMC Academy is tailored for this specific environment. It offers a solid academic base, clear career pathways, and practical employability within just over a year of study.

Whether you're a school leaver starting higher education, a mid-career professional shifting to finance, or an international student pursuing a recognised qualification in Singapore, this programme is a logical and strategic choice.

Key Takeaways

• The Higher Diploma balances broad business knowledge with a specialisation in accounting.

• Accounting in Singapore and APEC is shaped by digitalisation, advisory growth, and ESG reporting.

• Graduates can pursue careers from accounts assistant through to finance manager or CFO.

• TMC Academy offers flexible study, clear degree pathways, and industry-aligned teaching.

  
  

👉 Explore the Higher Diploma in Business (Accounting Specialisation)) at TMC Academy and take the first step towards a career in a future-ready profession.

FAQs

1. What is the duration of the Higher Diploma in Business (Accounting Specialisation) at TMC Academy?

The programme can be completed in 14 months, with both full-time and part-time study modes available. This flexible structure caters to both recent school leavers and working professionals.

2. Is the Higher Diploma recognised in Singapore and internationally?

Yes, the Higher Diploma is locally recognised and offers a clear academic progression pathway. It is suitable for both Singaporean and international students looking to build a future-ready career in business and accounting.

3. What career options are available after completing the Diploma?

Graduates can begin in entry-level roles, such as accounts assistant or junior finance officer, and progress to mid-level or senior roles, like financial analyst, management accountant, or even CFO, with further education or accreditation.

4. How does this Higher Diploma differ from a General Business Diploma?

Unlike general Business Diplomas, this program includes three specialised accounting modules alongside core business subjects. This blend ensures graduates are equipped with both strategic business insights and technical accounting skills, making them highly employable in today’s market.

5. Why is TMC Academy a good choice for this course?

TMC Academy combines over 40 years of educational experience and small class sizes, industry-relevant curriculum, and monthly intakes. The Diploma aligns closely with Singapore’s strategy to become a global accountancy hub, ensuring graduates gain skills that employers actively seek.