WHEN Agnes Koh was unsure of what to do after her O-level examinations in 2006, she asked both her private tutor and her school teacher for advice.

They both said the same thing – build on your strengths in accounting.

And Agnes took their advice to heart. She eventually decided to enrol in the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) programme offered by the Singapore Accountancy Academy (SAA).

The 19-year-old recently completed the programme.

The SAA is the official training body of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS).

The duration of the course is flexible as students have the option of choosing the number of modules they want to take at each examination sitting.

MostCAT candidates usually take about one year to complete the programme. But students can take as long as they need.

Before enrolling in SAA, Agnes had considered pursuing a fashion-related course at a polytechnic, but was hesitant about it.

She then decided to work part-time as a retail assistant to gain some insight into the industry.

Then Agnes' two teachers suggested that she build on her strong accounting background instead.

Her principles of accounts teacher at Manjusri Secondary School recommended that she continue studying accounting, especially since she had scored a distinction in the subject for the O Levels.

Her tutor, who studied at SAA, recommended the institution as it focused mainly on accounting qualifications.

Agnes enrolled in the CAT programme in 2007 and graduated last month.

"It's been a good decision," she said.

But understanding the theoretical and practical elements of accounting did come with its share of difficulties.

"I found it hard to cope at first, but I had good teachers who helped me out along the way," she recalled.

Her lecturers utilised role-playing to explain the different scenarios to Agnes and her classmates so they could better grasp the concepts.

She said: "The role-playing made it easier to absorb what was taught, especially when the concept was difficult. It was fun and interesting, so we remembered the concepts better."

The caring teaching staff at SAA also played a key role in her learning journey. Said Agnes: "I think there is a misconception that in private schools, the teachers don't bother about the students.

"That's not the case here. The lecturers make the effort to help when you need clarification or mentoring in any area."

"I knew that I could approach them whenever I needed assistance."

Now that she has completed the CAT programme, Agnes is looking forward to pursuing the ACCA/ICPAS Joint Professional Examination Scheme, which is a collaborative effort by ICPAS and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Commonly known as the ACCA, it will give Agnes a good foundation when she goes on to pursue her certification to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

The ACCA programme usually takes two to three years to complete.

As a CAT course graduate, she will be exempted from three modules when she embarks on the new programme this month.

In the long run, Agnes hopes to obtain the Certified Public Accountant Singapore (CPA Singapore) designation.

"Hopefully, I can pursue a career in this field in the future," she said.