Accountancy graduate Phoon Teng Teng discovered a surprising and fulfilling path in public sector finance during her Integrated Work Study Programme at the Accountant-General's Department.

Phoon Teng Teng, a Class of 2020 alumna from SIT’s Accountancy degree programme, once envisioned a conventional start to her career: joining one of the 'Big Four' accounting firms and embarking on the well-trodden path of auditing.

However, during her eight-month Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) at the Accountant-General’s Department (AGD), Teng Teng discovered something unexpected: a fulfilling career in public sector finance that was anything but typical. Revamping government finance systems and engaging directly with statutory boards wasn’t what she had pictured, but it turned out to be exactly where she thrived.

Teng Teng found her passion in public sector finance during her IWSP at AGD. (Photo: Phoon Teng Teng) 

Making an Impact from Day One

During her IWSP stint at AGD, Teng Teng was attached to the Finance Transformation Group, a department that plays a key role in re-engineering existing government finance systems and processes, alongside spearheading new growth initiatives in finance.

“When I joined, the team was implementing a new system for statutory boards. I assisted in data migration onto the new system and supported change management efforts, organising dialogues and workshops to make onboarding as smooth as possible,” Teng Teng said. “It was a unique experience compared to what we learnt in school.”

Despite the leap into a new territory, Teng Teng found that her SIT modules had put her in good stead for the internship. One module had given her hands-on training in one of the industry's biggest enterprise resource software – the one AGD was exploring to improve its processes. “Because of my knowledge of the software, I could be fully involved in discussions,” Teng Teng shared. “My colleagues were surprised we had hands-on training with the system as they did not have the same opportunity during their studies.” 

Teng Teng (1st row, 4th from left) with her Finance Associates mates and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance Mr Lai Chung Han and Deputy Accountant-General, AGD, Ms Lee Mei Chern. (Photo: Phoon Teng Teng)

Teng Teng was also given the opportunity to participate in a business re-engineering process workshop, where she led a workshop discussion with the finance officers of statutory boards. Her task: gather pain points and explore how these boards could be harmonised under a common finance system.

As an intern, she was surprised and grateful to be given that level of responsibility.  “I felt that I wasn't just an intern, but an employee with something valuable to bring to the table," shared Teng Teng.

Embracing Challenges, Finding Purpose

But stepping into the public sector finance world didn't come without challenges. Teng Teng had to navigate unfamiliar systems and grapple with a sea of entirely new acronyms. “It was a steep learning curve, and I had to familiarise myself with the finance systems and processes quickly,” Teng Teng shared. To keep pace, she made it a habit to take detailed notes, which helped reinforce her understanding. It also helped that her colleagues were always supportive and willing to guide her.

Teng Teng participated in SIT's signature Career Nexus event this year as AGD’s brand ambassador. (Photo: Phoon Teng Teng)

Teng Teng also credits her SIT coursework for giving her a strong foundation that helped her learn the ropes quickly. “One of our modules focused on Change Management, so that was one less thing I had to learn from scratch during the internship,” Teng Teng shared. Dr. Harminder C. Rajan, her professor at SIT, also made herself available whenever she had questions.

AGD’s warm and collaborative culture also helped Teng Teng ease into the environment. “At first, I thought the corporate culture would be serious and formal,” Teng Teng enthused. “I was surprised that everyone was so warm and friendly. My supervisor checked in with me regularly to ensure I was adjusting well to the workplace.”

This supportive culture, paired with her strong applied training, has enabled Teng Teng to contribute meaningfully. “SIT students have been a valuable part of AGD’s Finance Transformation Directorate. The programme’s duration and their practical skills allow them to make real contributions. Teng Teng, for instance, supported the Foundation Data Model module during our onboarding of Statutory Boards onto a central financial system. She also led business process reengineering workshops for another central system project,” shared her reporting supervisor, Wong Zi Hao, Director (Innovations & Improvements) and Covering Director (Projects).

From Intern to Changemaker

Now a Finance Associate with AGD, Teng Teng takes on transformative projects such as improving the human resource and payroll system. “I get to create change and improve systems with broad downstream impact,” Teng Teng said. “The diversity of my role makes each day interesting. I’m not stuck in routine, and there’s something different to do every day.”

Teng Teng was heartened that AGD and SIT signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, furthering their partnership and opening the door for more students to explore meaningful careers in public finance.

Her advice to SITizens: “It’s all about having a growth mindset. Stay curious, don't be afraid to ask questions. And when your boss assigns you to a challenging project, take it as an opportunity to stretch yourself and grow beyond your comfort zone.”