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