Industry guides
Accounting & Audit Internships in Singapore
Accounting internships in Singapore are dominated by the Big 4 but mid-tier firms offer equally strong training. This guide covers Big 4 recruitment timelines, ISCA pathways, and salaries of SGD 1,000–2,000/month for audit and tax interns.
Accounting & Audit Internships in Singapore
Accounting and audit internships in Singapore are among the most structured in any industry. The Big 4 (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) run year-round intern programmes with clear pathways to full-time employment. Mid-tier firms offer smaller cohorts and sometimes broader exposure. For students pursuing the CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification, the right internship is the foundation of your career.
Big 4 vs Mid-Tier vs Small Firms
| Category | Firms | Training Quality | Salary | Work Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big 4 | Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC | Structured, standardised | SGD 1,400–2,000 | High during busy season |
| Mid-Tier | BDO, Baker Tilly, RSM, Nexia TS | Broader exposure, less structured | SGD 1,000–1,500 | Moderate |
| Small / Boutique | Independent firms | High responsibility, less training | SGD 800–1,200 | Variable |
Big 4 Internship Programmes
Deloitte Singapore
- Programme: Deloitte Internship Programme
- Divisions: Audit & Assurance, Tax, Advisory, Risk Advisory, Financial Advisory
- Duration: 8–12 weeks
- Intake: January–February and July–August
- Application opens: October (for Jan intake), April (for July intake)
- Monthly allowance: SGD 1,500–2,000
EY Singapore
- Programme: EY Intern
- Divisions: Audit, Tax, Strategy & Transactions, Consulting
- Duration: 10–12 weeks
- Intake: January and July
- Application opens: September–October (for Jan)
- Monthly allowance: SGD 1,500–2,000
KPMG Singapore
- Programme: KPMG Internship
- Divisions: Audit, Tax, Advisory
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Intake: January and June
- Monthly allowance: SGD 1,400–1,900
PwC Singapore
- Programme: PwC Vacation Internship
- Divisions: Assurance, Tax, Advisory
- Duration: 8–12 weeks
- Application opens: September (for Jan intake)
- Monthly allowance: SGD 1,500–2,000
Mid-Tier Firms
| Firm | Strengths | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| BDO Singapore | Audit, advisory; strong SME client base | SGD 1,100–1,500 |
| Baker Tilly TFW | Audit, tax, advisory | SGD 1,000–1,400 |
| RSM Singapore | Audit, risk, tax | SGD 1,000–1,400 |
| Nexia TS | Audit, corporate advisory | SGD 900–1,300 |
| KPMG-aligned local firms | Audit | SGD 900–1,300 |
Accounting Disciplines
External Audit
What you do: Verify financial statements for accuracy, test internal controls, communicate with client finance teams. Learning: Deep understanding of financial accounting standards (FRS, IFRS), business processes, financial risk.
Tax
What you do: Prepare corporate income tax computations, GST returns, withholding tax filings, advise on tax planning. Learning: IRAS requirements, transfer pricing, international tax concepts.
Advisory / Deals
What you do: Financial due diligence, business valuation, transaction support. Learning: Valuation methodologies (DCF, comparables), deal process, financial modelling.
Risk Advisory
What you do: Internal audit, process review, internal controls assessment. Learning: Risk frameworks (COSO), process mapping, regulatory compliance.
Qualifications Pathway
Most Singapore accounting students pursue either:
| Qualification | Awarding Body | Local Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| CA Singapore (ISCA) | ICPAS / ISCA | Highest local recognition |
| ACCA | ACCA Global | Internationally recognised; widely held in SG |
| CPA Australia | CPA Australia | Recognised; popular for those with AUS connections |
Your Big 4 internship counts toward the practical experience requirement for CA Singapore. Ensure your internship supervisor signs off on the experience log in the ISCA mentorship programme portal.
Busy Season Impact on Internships
Busy season (January–March for December year-end companies) is the most intense period for audit interns:
- You may work 60–70 hours/week during peak filing periods
- Travel to client sites (sometimes outside Singapore)
- Exposure is highest — clients, partners, and senior managers are all on-site
If you want the most substantive audit experience, time your internship for January–March, not July (slower season).
Salary Benchmarks
| Firm Type | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Big 4 | SGD 1,400–2,000 |
| Mid-tier (BDO, RSM, Baker Tilly) | SGD 1,000–1,500 |
| Small / boutique | SGD 800–1,200 |
Application Tips
- Apply to Big 4 in September/October for January intake — applications close 3–4 months before start
- List your ACCA/CA progression on your resume — even studying ACCA Foundation papers signals commitment
- Mid-tier firms are strategically useful for students who want broader exposure before a Big 4 full-time role
- Audit skills transfer widely — ex-Big 4 audit interns are sought by investment banks (for their analytical rigour), CFO offices, and consulting firms
- Partner with your university's accounting society — Big 4 Singapore offices run campus events through these societies; attending builds relationships with recruiters
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