Starting 1st September 2025, a professional classification certificate will be required for anyone working in accounting, finance, or auditing roles. Therefore, for those seeking finance work permits, this certification is crucial as the Ministry of Labour has introduced this measure to ensure all professionals in the field meet national competency standards.
Consequently, this regulation affects both existing and future employees in these sectors. To comply, all individuals must obtain the certificate through the Sector Skills Unit for Accounting, Finance, and Auditing. Otherwise, the Ministry will not issue or renew any finance work permit tied to relevant job titles.
In light of this, companies must take immediate steps to comply with the upcoming regulation. Specifically, human resource departments should confirm that all relevant employees are certified before the deadline. If not, finance work permits will be denied after 1st September 2025.
This policy covers a wide range of positions. The full list of job roles requiring a professional classification certificate includes:
- Accounts Technician
- Assistant Internal Auditor
- Assistant External Auditor
- Internal Auditor
- External Auditor
- Cost Accountant
- Credit Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Accounts Manager
- Tax Manager
- Financial Controller
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- External Audit Manager
- Internal Audit Manager
- Senior Internal Audit Manager
- Senior External Audit Manager
- Head of Internal Audit Department
- External Audit Partner
- Chief Audit Executive (CAE)
These occupations will not be eligible for finance work permits unless the certificate is submitted. Additionally, this also applies to all permit renewals.
Therefore, officials urge businesses to act quickly. Indeed, early certification will help avoid disruptions in staffing and operations. To that end, companies should coordinate with the Sector Skills Unit as soon as possible to schedule assessments and secure approval.
In summary, the Ministry of Labour’s move signals a firm shift toward regulated competency. Clearly, the professional classification certificate represents a new baseline for qualifications in the finance field, particularly crucial for obtaining a finance work permit. Ultimately, organizations that prepare now will ensure smooth compliance and continued workforce stability beyond the September deadline.
