Corporate Visit to RSM Chio Lim Stone Forest

AISS recently held a corporate visit to RSM Chio Lim Stone Forest on 9 September 2010. RSM is the largest non-Big 4 accountancy firm in Singapore.

When we arrived, we were ushered into one of RSM’s many meeting rooms, each named in honour of a company RSM has helped to list on the SGX-ST. The visit commenced with a welcome talk and presentation from Mr Ng Thiam Soon, Audit partner of RSM.

After the presentation we were invited on a tour of the office – RSM occupies 2 floors of offices in Wilkie Edge, with an outdoor garden on the 3^rd floor. At the end of the tour, we gathered for refreshments and mingled with some of RSM’s audit staff who were present to share their experiences.

By the end of the afternoon, many students left with a better idea of audit and life in a large accountancy firm.

So where were you? Do join us in the future!

Communication and Interpersonal Skills Workshop

AISS organised a Communications and Interpersonal Skills workshop on 2^nd September 2010. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Rhys Johnson, ACCA’s Director of Education for the Asia-Pacific Region.

Rhys started the session by analysing the importance of possessing effective communication skills in today’s work environment.

“Communication can only be effective when the right message is sent through the proper channels. The message should make an accurate first impression count by carrying the right question which the receiver can easily interpret, understand and respond to with an appropriate answer. Communication does not just involving speaking but active listening also plays an equally important role. Finally, using the correct body language such as voice, breathing, sitting position, Legs, Hands/arms etc will aid in precise delivery of the message.”

For the second part of the workshop, Rhys focused on the efficient use of interpersonal skills to excel in an organisation. “Such skills could be achieved or improved by:

1. Increasing self-awareness through the use of the Johari Window Model. An essential part of improving interpersonal skills is the need to understand oneself and others better.

The Johari Window model is a simple and useful tool for illustrating and improving self-awareness, and mutual understanding between individuals; and

2. Knowing how people communicate by understanding the psychology of human behaviour namely the three ego states which are within every human all the time. When we act, speak or make gestures that are influenced by our parents’ behaviour, we are acting from our ‘Parent’.

The ’Child’ within us influences emotions and spontaneous behaviour.

The ‘Adult’ state collects and organises information, predicts the consequences of various actions and makes decisions.”

Rhys concluded the workshop by advising participants to carefully consider the above mentioned aspects when engaging with others and to achieve the desired results.

If you missed this workshop, look out for publicity for the upcoming Rhys Johnson workshops on Analysis of Financial Statements and Gaining professional marks, or email us at aiss.exco@gmail.com for more details.

12th ACCA Student Orientation Day

The ACCA Student Orientation Day was held on 28 August 2010 at the DBS Auditorium. The turn-up rate was good as the auditorium was filled with about 500 students.

At the commencement of the orientation, the HR Executive Director of KPMG LLP, Mr. Stephen Tjoa, presented the Nurture Scholarship Award 2010. During the orientation, we had a guest speaker sharing with students the benefits of being an ACCA graduate. Last but not least, the Manager of the Educational Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Tee, also gave an overview of the ACCA course milestone towards becoming a member of the ACCA. Mr Justin Ang, Representative from ICPAS Examination & Student Registry, had briefed on the overview of administrative guidelines on both ACCA and CAT qualifications and elaborated on available resources.

We, the members of the ACCA/ICPAS Student Society Committee (AISS), were also present to welcome the new students. Our Vice-President, Mr. Sarang Mandke, gave a presentation to publicise upcoming events. We emphasised that the events organised can benefit students in their professional development as well as provide a good bonding session among fellow students.

We were pleased to receive an overwhelming number of sign-ups for our upcoming events and activities groups. We will continue to do our best to make your studies an enjoyable one, so do join us for some all-rounded activities!

Badminton - Aug 6th

On the 6^th of August 2010, the AISS held a badminton session on 2 courts from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tampines CC. We became acquainted with one another then paired off to play a doubles game. As everyone was an ACCA student, we had something in common to talk about between games. It was nice to let go of our books and stretch out to play once in a while, and it's always a pleasure to make new, sporting friends.

We will be organising another Snooker session and badminton session soon, so come join an activity group and experience the fun!

1st AISS Run (Aug 08, 2010)

It started with great weather, our ACCA students and AISS committee members. We all joined in the warm-up and prepared ourselves for the run.

Then came the starting line and off we go - 4.8km (1 round of the scenic Bedok Reservoir)

Some of us ran at our own pace while others ran with friends, and of course we all made new friends along the running route. There are at least two things we share in common: firstly, to complete the run; and secondly, to complete the ACCA course.

All of us agreed that it was a smooth and enjoyable run.

What’s next? Refreshments, collection of our exclusive AISS runners pack and not forgetting a good cool down as well.

A great run and new friends - a truly wonderful experience.

Why don’t you join us at the next AISS run?

AISS Badminton Activity - 2nd July 2010

AISS kick started the Month of July with our very first badminton Activity on the second this month.

Anyone would probably comment on how boring playing badminton would be- Running around trying to hit a flying shuttlecock that most of us would probably miss 9 out of 10 times. That saying was true until our group of five members realize the joy of playing doubles in badminton was not just to smack it. Actually it’s the teamwork, coordination and the constant improvement after playing for an hour that gives us the great satisfaction!!!

Although learning the badminton rules, serving technique, footwork and the proper way to grip your racquet are important in order to start a game, but frankly speaking we had great quality of fun without those rules. We hopped in the court with never ending warm up excuses to defend for our lousy skills. Can you imagine that free style playing can be absolutely enjoyable too? I could.

Join our up-coming badminton game and embark a wonderful night of exercising in your sports attire, tracking shoes while holding onto your long forgotten badminton rackets. I’ll assure it’ll be smashing fun!!!

Check out our photos at: http://aisssg.weebly.com/badminton-group.html

Effective Job Application Workshop - 1 July 2010

AISS organised a career’s workshop titled: “Effective Job Application” for all ACCA students. This workshop was arranged to help students address the various elements of the job application involving a very well written resume, delivering a professional performance during interview and finally, securing the job that you they have applied for. The special guest of honour for this workshop was Mr. Josh Goh, Asst Director – Corporate Services. The GMP Group

Josh began with his analysis of the current situation of the job market in Singapore and gave very helpful tips of how spot the appropriate opportunity at the right time and applying for it. Josh then explained the structure, contents and writing style of a cover letter and the different methods of writing a resume and what aspects do employers look at when reading an applicant’s cover letter and resume. Furthermore Josh also elaborated on how to prepare for an interview, how an applicant must behave during an interview and the procedure of keeping a follow-up after the interview.

Josh concluded his presentation with a summary of the entire process making a successful application i.e. spotting the opportunity, researching the role and responsibilities offered, designing the cover letter and resume according to the role’s requirements and finally performing successfully at the interview to get the job. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the event and the invitation to seek further assistance from Josh and The GMP Group should they require.

To view the video on how to write the perfect cover letter, please visit: http://aisssg.weebly.com/helpful-tips-on-job-application.html

June 2010 (Exam seating and Venues)

Two main exam centres will be used for the June 2010 exams, and this is indicated on your exam docket (under "Hall" column) as "01" or "02".
"01" refers to Republic Polytechnic, and "02" refers to three venues – either ACJC, SIM or St Francis Methodist School.
For each paper you take, you are assigned a seat number (“Desk” column).

Photos of the two plans have been uploaded on the AISS Website:http://aisssg.weebly.com/index.html.

Seating plans will also be displayed at the exam venues.

We take this opportunity to wish everyone all the best for the exams!

Children's Wishing Well

AISS recently made a donation to Children’s Wishing Well, an initiative by Student Advisory Centre. On behalf of AISS, Executive Committee attended the first Disbursement Ceremony, held on 31 March 2010 at the Jurong Regional Library.

After an introduction by the MC, the Chairman of the Wishing Well Central Committee, Mr Nhan, gave a speech on Wishing Well and how the online donation portal works. Ms Siân Ng, President of AISS, then presented Mr Nhan with the donation on behalf of AISS. The Children’s Wishing Well recipients were then invited onto the stage to receive donations based on their ‘wishes’.

For more information on Children’s Wishing Well and how you can make a difference, please visit http://www.wishingwell.org.sg/.

ACCA & CAT Student Focus Group

ACCA Singapore is looking for passionate students to join the first ever ACCA Student Focus Group (SFG)!

• This is a voluntary group of students who would be invited to participate in discussion sessions (scheduled to be held in April, August and October this year).

Benefits to the Students:

· An opportunity to share their concerns, provide feedback and comment on a whole range of issues – from matters relating to administration, processes; to exam, the syllabus and work experience matters.

· Active participants would be given special rates to attend AISS-organised events, and would also be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for their involvement.

· Participants will be able to network with fellow ACCA Students and will also have the chance to enhance their communication skills to be shown to prospective employers.


If you wish to be a part of this pioneer programme, download the attached form via our NEW website: http://aisssg.weebly.com/april.html , fill it out and email it to: aiss.exco@gmail.com

We look forward to meeting you in the group!

Further Information on the PER session - Held on Saturday, 27th Feb, 2010

Thank you to those for attending the PER session last Saturday. We hoped you enjoyed the programme!

Please find below links pertaining to the PER, which we hope you will find useful:

TDM Guidance Videos – http://tdm.junction-18.com/

PER Guide for Trainees – http://www.accaglobal.com/pubs/students/acca/per/support/0904.pdf

Challenge Question Guide – http://www.accaglobal.com/pubs/students/acca/per/support/PERchallengequestions.pdf

1st Practical Experience Requirement (PER) Session 2010

Gaining relevant work experience is essential to you gaining membership to the professional accounting bodies. AISS is proud to bring to you another round of the info session, call the PER Info Session, to help address the need to complete the mandatory annual returns, how to meet the PER requirements or simply in understanding the use of the Trainee Development Matrix (TDM).

Mr Tim Hird, Director of Robert Half International Pte Ltd will also be conducting a special session on “Resume Writing Skill”. Mr Hird would share with you the technique of preparing a winning resume, and also shed some light on what employers generally look for in an applicant.

The schedule of the PER Info Session cum Resume Writing Skills Workshop is as follows:

Date	27 February 2010 (Saturday)
Time	2:00pm to 5:00pm (registration from 1:30pm)
Venue	DBS Auditorium (6 Shenton Way DBS Tower 1 Level 3)
Fee	S$10.00 (AISS is also raising fund for charity with the proceeds from this event)

Refreshment is sponsored by Old Chang Kee (http://www.oldchangkee.com/).

You may purchase tickets from the following venues:

ICPAS Library (Next to the lift lobby)

20 Aljunied Road, #01-03 CPA House Singapore 389805

Operating Hours:
Mondays - Fridays: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Saturdays: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed
(Closed for lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm)

ACCA Singapore Office

435 Orchard Road, #15-04/05 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877

Operating Hours:
Mondays - Thursdays: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Fridays: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Closed on Weekends and Public Holidays

You may also SMS the AISS exco at 82644551 to arrange for the purchase of the ticket. Please indicate your name, student ID number and the number of tickets required in your SMS.

We look forward to your participation!

Organised by

AISS

Be an e-Filing Volunteer - Registration is Opened Now

Dear ACCA and CAT students

We would like to invite you to once again participate in the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore’s (IRAS’) Volunteer e-Filing Service (VES) 2010.

VES is a community service that helps to bring greater convenience of e-Filing of Income Tax to the doorstep of taxpayers and also to help the less IT-savvy taxpayers e-File.

VES is a good opportunity to foster the spirit of volunteerism amongst the students from many institutions, and you can gain new experiences while helping taxpayers to e-File during the tax-filing period.

VES will be available at 23 CitizenConnect centres between 27 Mar to 18 Apr 2010 (every Sat and Sun, 2pm-6pm). The role of the volunteers is to guide taxpayers in navigating the e-Filing website, help complete the filing and assist the managers at the VES centres. The volunteers will not be made liable for the declarations made by the taxpayers. IRAS will also conduct a 2-hour e-Filing training to prepare the volunteers for the service. The training will either be conducted at the ACCA Singapore office or at IRAS’ office building - Revenue House.

This year, a Facebook account has also been set up to keep volunteers informed of the various volunteering sessions they can sign up for, as well as provide timely updates on matters relating to tax filing.

In appreciation of your effort and time, IRAS would issue you with a certificate of appreciation. You would also stand a chance to be nominated for the Outstanding e-Filing Volunteer Awards or the Commendation Awards. You will also be invited to the Appreciation Ceremony to be held tentatively in June 2010.

We hope you would be able to support the VES and would encourage your participation in this community service.

You can find out more information on VES and register as a volunteer on the IRAS website at

www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/ves2010.aspx

ACCA Singapore

1st Practical Experience Requirement (PER) Session 2010

Gaining relevant work experience is essential to you gaining membership to the professional accounting bodies. AISS is proud to bring to you another round of the info session, call the PER Info Session, to help address the need to complete the mandatory annual returns, how to meet the PER requirements or simply in understanding the use of the Trainee Development Matrix (TDM).

A special session on “CV Writing Skill” would also be conducted to help you prepare a winning resume.

We would like to invite you to attend the upcoming PER Info Session cum CV Writing Skills Workshop, scheduled as follows:

Date: 27 February 2010 (Saturday)

Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm (registration from 1:30pm)

Venue: DBS Auditorium (6 Shenton Way DBS Tower 1 Level 3)

Fee: S$10.00 (AISS is also raising fund for charity with the proceeds from this event)

Refreshment is sponsored by Old Chang Kee (http://www.oldchangkee.com/).

You may purchase tickets from the following venues:

ICPAS Library (Next to the lift lobby)

20 Aljunied Road, #01-03 CPA House Singapore 389805

Operating Hours:

Mondays - Fridays: 10:00am – 7:00pm

Saturdays: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

(Closed for lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm)

ACCA Singapore Office

435 Orchard Road, #15-04/05 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877

Operating Hours:

Mondays - Thursdays: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Fridays: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Closed on Weekends and Public Holidays

You may also SMS the AISS exco at 82644551 to arrange for the purchase of the ticket. Please indicate your name, student ID number and the number of tickets required in your SMS.

We look forward to your participation!

Organised by

AISS 2010

Awesome AISS BBQ Beach Party...

Click on photo to enlarge. Got photos to share? Pls email us at 2009aiss@gmail.com!