<h1>Is Accounting And Finance Your Ideal Career? Insights for the Malaysian Job Market</h1><p><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">The financial industry is constantly evolving—and with it comes an unprecedented demand for skilled accounting and finance professionals. As companies across Malaysia compete for top young talent, opportunities for fresh graduates and junior executives have never been more promising. According to </span><a href="https://www.theasianbanker.com/finance-malaysia-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);"><strong>The Asian Banker</strong></span></a><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">, Malaysia's financial sector is poised for continuous growth in 2025, unlocking even more pathways for those looking to make their mark. If you're considering a career in this dynamic field, this guide is your go-to resource. We'll delve into the most sought-after roles, day-to-day responsibilities, potential career trajectories, necessary qualifications, and earning potential within Malaysia's accounting and finance industry.</span></p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/account_finance_jobs_malaysia_1_7613ed5156.jpg" alt="accounting finance jobs in malaysia"></figure><h2>What does a typical day in Accounting and Finance look like?</h2><p>The daily activities of accounting or finance professionals can differ widely depending on their specific titles. Nonetheless, there are commonalities that are characteristic of these professions.</p><p>Accountants are primarily responsible for reviewing financial transactions, generating income forecasts, administering payroll, filing company taxes, managing company budgets, creating cash flow reports, preparing balance sheets, and ensuring that financial statements are accurate and compliant with company policies and relevant laws.<strong> </strong>Accountants should also be able to prepare detailed quarterly/monthly reports illustrating financial data to the rest of the company.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/account_finance_jobs_malaysia_2_c8429be5a6.jpg" alt="accounting finance jobs in malaysia"></figure><p>In contrast, financial analysts focus on studying marketplace trends, demographics, and microeconomics factors to help companies make informed investment decisions. A critical part of their role is identifying how and where a company has invested its resources and evaluating the potential effectiveness of these financial strategies. In case of potential financial risks or economic downturns, analysts offer advice and solutions on protecting a company's wealth supporting high-level decision-making when required.</p><p>These roles demand a strong attention to detail, numerical proficiency, and the ability to convey complex financial concepts clearly to stakeholders who may not have a financial background.</p><h2>What does the career path of an Accountant/Financial Analyst look like in Malaysia?</h2><p>Accountants are often stereotyped as math geeks<span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">—while they do need solid math skills, the role involves much more than just number crunching!</span></p><p>There are several different accounting fields and just as many career paths. You should expect to start as a junior accountant. With experience, you can progress to senior accountant and finance manager roles, and eventually become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). &nbsp;Those with an interest in auditing can further specialise, advancing to senior auditor or audit partner positions.</p><p>Financial analysts often dive straight into the role of a junior analyst. As you gain up to 2 to 3 years of experience, you can move up to the role of a senior financial analyst, senior credit analyst, or a finance manager. Depending on your interests and qualifications, opportunities also exist in investment banking, corporate finance, or even venture capital.</p><p>Both career paths offer significant potential for growth, with many professionals advancing into leadership roles, making them appealing choices especially for those aspiring to climb the corporate ladder.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/account_finance_jobs_malaysia_3_d44a2ea667.jpg" alt="accounting finance jobs in malaysia"></figure><h2>Do you need qualifications to be in Accounting and Finance?</h2><p>While a bachelor's degree in accounting is usually the minimum requirement to enter these fields, especially for entry-level accountants, additional qualifications as a certified public accountant (CPA) can significantly enhance your career prospects as well. It is good to have accounting basics such as Prinsip Perakaunan, Ekonomi Asas, or Finance. However, without any of the above qualifications, you can still pursue a career in this field with the <a href="https://www.superprof.com.my/blog/accountant-qualification-malaysia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>ACCA Foundations in Accountancy</strong></a><span style="color:rgb(0,40,60);">—</span><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">designed for those without an accounting background to learn the nooks and crannies of accounting.</span></p><p>For accountants, certifications like <strong>ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)</strong>, <strong>CPA (Certified Public Accountant)</strong>, or <strong>CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)</strong> are highly valued and often required for senior roles. These certifications not only validate your expertise but also open doors to international opportunities. <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/professionals/011516/accountant-career-path-qualifications.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Public accounting firms would want new hires to have passed the CPA exam, or at the very least, be eligible to take it</a>.</p><p>Financial analysts may benefit from pursuing a <strong>CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) </strong>designation, which is highly regarded in the finance industry. This certification demonstrates a deep understanding of investment analysis and portfolio management, making it a valuable asset for those looking to specialise in these areas.</p><p>In addition to formal qualifications, practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions is crucial. Having a good mix of educational and real life experience will equip you with the skills needed to grow your career.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/account_finance_jobs_malaysia_4_4907768d7e.jpg" alt="accounting finance jobs in malaysia"></figure><h2>How much does a person in Accounting and Finance make in Malaysia?</h2><p>When it comes to salary growth for a career in accounting and finance, you can expect it to increase reasonably with the level of experience.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_431a872e56.png"></figure><p><i>Source: </i><a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/MY/Job=Accountant/Salary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Payscale</i></a></p><p>A new accountant will typically make RM38,000 with experience between 1 to 4 years. The salaries increase significantly to RM60,000 for those who have worked between 5 to 9 years. Accountants can look forward to earning as much as RM72,000 annually with 10 to 19 years of work experience under their belts.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_8d65db8361.png"></figure><p><i>Source: </i><a href="https://www.payscale.com/research/MY/Job=Financial_Analyst/Salary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><i>Payscale</i></a></p><p>A new financial analyst with less than 1 year experience will typically make RM37,000 a year, and RM47,000 with experience between 1 to 4 years. The salaries increase significantly to RM66,000 for those who have worked between 5 to 9 years. Financial analysts can look forward to earning as much as RM80,000 annually with 10 to 19 years of work experience under their belts.</p><h2>FAQ</h2><h3>1. What are the most important skills for Accountants and Financial Analysts?</h3><p>Key skills include attention to detail, good communication skills, analytical skills, organisation skills, and a passion for numbers.</p><h3>2. What qualifications do I need for a career in Accounting?</h3><p>To become a qualified accountant, you will need to obtain a recognised degree or a professional accountancy qualification<span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">; and 3 years of approved experience.</span></p><h3>3. What makes Accounting a good career choice?</h3><p>Better employability, flexible career options, advancement opportunities, attractive salaries.</p><hr><h3>Remember, a successful career in this field requires not just technical skills, but also a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.</h3><h3>Discover exciting accounting and finance jobs in Malaysia and turn your career aspirations into reality on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs-in-accounting-finance?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=hiredly_career_advice_blog&amp;utm_campaign=career_advice&amp;utm_content=jobseeker_article&amp;utm_term=accounting_and_finance" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>.</h3>

Get the scoop on what it takes to succeed in Malaysia's financial scene!