Interview with a straight A student on how he chose to study the Bachelor of Accounting degree
Studying Accounting at a top university in Malaysia
How I Chose to Study the Accounting Degree in Malaysia
I had the opportunity to interview Joon Yee online on his experience in how he chose his course. He is an Accounting graduate from a top university in Malaysia. A bright young man with straight As for his STPM, he has a bright future. Listen to some of what he has to share…
1. Share a little bit about yourself. Like what school, hometown, hobbies, activities you like, sports, etc.
My name is Joon Yee. Currently, I studied my Degree in Accouting. My lovely hometown is Bentong, Pahang, a place famous with so many yummy food such as Shadow’s ClayPot Mee, Pelangi Café, TaoFuFa, ShuShuFen, TomYam, durians and more. J If you want to try, welcome to visit me. My primary school was SJK Khai Mun Pagi whereas secondary school was SMK Ketari. I studied 7 years in SMK Ketari included Form 6 which gave me a lot of sweet & bitter memories. Grab a chance to say Thank to all the teachers in Ketari because they taught me a lot when I was growing up. It’s the best school I can say. For my hobbies, I have a great passion in playing badminton which gives me relief when I feel stressful in my studies. Other than that, I would like to join a short distance running activities. So far I have managed just 10km but I’m going to aim for the 42km full marathon for the next run, hohoho… of course I must practise hard for it. I did participate in the Olympic Day Fun Run organised by McDonald’s. “Positive thinking”, “be happy”, “work hard”, “cheer up you day” are some of my motto that bring me go further, same goes to you right ?
2. Did you take accounting during secondary school? What are your results for SPM and STPM?
Yes, I took accounting when I was form 4. I used to be a pure science student, and the total subjects that I took for my SPM are 12, the accounting subject was my extra paper. I got 7A ,5B in SPM. For STPM, the subjects I took were pengajian am, business, economics and accounts, result with CGPA 4.00, A’s for every subject.
3. What were some courses that you wanted to study? How did you choose accounting?
Other than accounting, I considered psychology, software engineering, and actuarial science. Finally, I chose accounting because I have the confidence to do well in this course and most importantly I was interested in accounting compared to the others. The confidence to do well in the course that you choose is very important.
4. Did you visit any education fairs, colleges, universities, etc?
Yes , I did. When I Form5 & 6, my school invited colleges and universities to give talks and had small edu fairs in the school hall. At that time, we already have the basic knowledge about further studies and got the info from the colleges’ booths. I also visited Sunway, INTI ,Help, and Taylors as well to do some research.
5. Why did you choose accounting?
After the deep consideration, I decide to choose accounting because it gives me wide job opportunities in any field of industries and of course the most important thing as I said above is I really have the great interest to it. But I do not mean that other courses don’t have job opportunities, I have to clarify this. Haha.. J
6. What are the career prospects for accountants?
To the best of my knowledge, I think there are 3 kinds of accountants:
- Financial accountant, to do the financial statement, tax preparation, financial planning, etc. Make sure the financial of the company is stable.
- Auditor, a quite stressful job, I hear from my friends and seniors. You have to make calls and visit the company to ensure and verify the accuracy of the accounts.
- Management accountant, involve in cost and budget management, strategic planning in a organisation, you can be a CEO in this.
To be an accountant, you also can start up your new venture with easier through using the knowledge and experiences that you have.
7. What are some subjects you are taking now at university? Are they difficult? What are your favorite subjects and why?
Some of the subjects I took were Marketing, Organisation Behaviour, Business Management, Ethical and Corporate Social Responsibility, Statistic in Business Management, etc. Overall I think it is not too difficult for me, as long as I have doing well preparation for it. I like every of my subjects, because it help me to learn more and I want to score it as well, so I rate every of my subjects are favourite.. haha J
8. What do you plan to work as after you graduate? Do you plan to take ACCA after you graduate?
I plan to work in an accounting firm, maybe as an auditor, in order to gain more experiences which related to the field of my study. Yes, in order to pursue a higher qualification, I’ll plan to take ACCA or CIMA as well.
9. Would you recommend students to take accounting?
Yes, with the knowledge you have in accounting, you can help solve the problems in a company and develop good practices and help it to advance. Sometimes, I used to recommend my friends to take accounting as their majoring. But they response: “OMG, it’s too hard, I don’t want, I hate this…lalala..” J
10. What would your advise be to students now going for their SPM exams? How do you advise them on choosing the right course?
To all the SPM & STPM scholars, from now on July to Nov, a critical time for you all to do revision and do your preparation well, don’t be too STRESS, you can have some entertainment to RELAX yourself BUT don’t be too OVER relaxed. Study hard for 4 months to get a good result, it’s worth it. No regrets, as it is the stepping stone to success in your life! Remember.
In order to choose the right course, first of all you must know clearly what you want for your future, what kind of things you want to be success, what is your entire plan? When you choosing your course, you can thinking of your interest, ability, or job opportunities, these elements can guide you to choose what you want. After a deep consideration, make your final decision. I can understand that some of the students could be forced by their parents or family members to do the course that they don’t like it, but you can try to discuss and communicate with them and tell what you really want. Parents are worried that you’re not mature yet, so you just tell them confidently with your plan so they will support you. Choose the right for yourself.
You might also be interested in:
- Best Universities in Malaysia for Top Accounting & Finance Courses
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- Best Accounting Degree Courses with Exemptions from Top Professional Bodies in Malaysia
- Best Accounting Degree Courses Offered by Top Ranked Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
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- Best Recommended Education Pathway to Become a Chartered Accountant in Malaysia
- Studying ACCA Professional Papers vs Accounting Degree in Malaysia
How to Become a Chartered Accountant in Malaysia
Hui Ying, Diploma in Accounting Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Are you interested to become a Professional Chartered Accountant in Malaysia? In order to become a qualified accountant in Malaysia, students must obtain a recognised degree or a professional accountancy qualification (Eg. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA Australia), etc) and then also get 3 years of approved experience approved by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).
The articled training lasts three years, and a CA student can take the CA Final exam after completing the articled training or during the final six months of articled training.
These financial professionals work in various accounting environments, including government, private companies, and private practice. Learn what’s the requirements for students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels and the education pathway.
All Accountants have to abide by a strict code of ethics and maintain high professional standards. It is a legal requirement to be a registered chartered accountant in Malaysia that you are a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), the regulatory body for accountants in the country. Membership in MIA is open to all members of the ACCA, CIMA, CPA Australia, ICAA, ICAEW or MICPA. All practising accountants must register with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).
Becoming a Professional Chartered Accountant in Malaysia
To be a registered chartered accountant in Malaysia, you must be a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), which is the regulatory body for accountants in Malaysia. Members of ACCA, CIMA, CPA Australia, ICAA, ICAEW and MICPA are eligible for MIA membership.
How Long Does It Take Complete an Accounting Degree In Malaysia?
After SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, you will take a Pre-University programme first which will last 1 year to 18 months depending on which type of course. Then, you will enter into the Accounting degree programme for 3 years.
You can also take a Diploma in Accounting course for 2 years and then enter into Year 2 of the Accounting degree programme.
It will take a total of about 4 to 5 years to complete an Accounting degree in Malaysia.
How Long Does it Take to Become A Chartered Accountant in Malaysia?
It will take from three to seven years for someone to become a chartered accountant in Malaysia, depending on where they are in their accounting career. You will need 3 years working experience after completing a degree to join MIA in order to become a Chartered Accountant. Therefore, it will take about 7 to 8 years to become a Chartered Accountant after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels.
Professional Recognition for Accountants in Malaysia
Haw Chieh, Accounting Graduate
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), UK
Upon completion of the BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance degree, students are eligible for exemption from a maximum of 9 papers. - Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Australia
Upon completion of the BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance degree, students are exempted from the Foundation Level and they can proceed with the Professional pathway (6 subjects). - Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Upon completion of the BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance with 3 years relevant working experience plus completion of Professional qualification (ACCA or CPA), students are eligible to apply for membership of the MIA.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant in Malaysia through ACCA Membership
Chew Ling, Accounting & Finance at Taylor’s University
ACCA affiliates, with a minimum of 3 years of relevant supervised practical experience (which may be pre-, during or post-examination / studies), are required to submit their Practical Experience Requirement (PER) to ACCA to demonstrate sufficient competency to merit membership.
The standard of competence required consists of a range of technical, management and personal skills which are essential for all aspiring members.
Upon approval, ACCA graduates may add the prestigious designatory initials ACCA to their names. They may also apply for membership to the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and use the designatory initials ‘Chartered Accountant (Malaysia)’.
Suggested accounting pathway for students in Malaysia with weak English
Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
However, as we all know, the standard of English in Malaysia has dropped a lot. Some students thinking of going for accounting go into CAT and then the ACCA not realising that both are external papers and marked by the UK examiners.
Therefore, although these students may be capable in their knowledge but their weakness in the English language to write properly during the exams will lead them to fail these papers. Furthermore, the final 5 papers of the ACCA are not easy and if you attempt these papers while you are too young, can be challenging.
I would suggest that students go into an accounting degree programme first where the degree is exempted from the 9 papers of the ACCA. Upon graduation, you find a job and then take the final 5 papers of the ACCA to become a professional accountant.
After SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, with 5 credits, students can go into the Foundation in Business for a year and then continue into the degree for 3 years. The other way is to go for the Diploma in Business or Diploma in Accounting for 2 years and then enter into the Degree in Year 2 to finish that in another 2 years. You will need at least 3 credits in your SPM to join the diploma.
After your degree, you can find a job and then take the final papers of the ACCA part time.
During your university studies, you have about 3-4 years to improve your English language skills. In choosing the university or college for the degree, you should go for a university where the students speak English mostly. Research by Star newspaper has shown that graduates with good command of the English language tend to get a higher salary (25%) and faster promotion.
A lot of students like the easy way out and choose colleges and universities that are cheap and lacking in quality and facilities thinking that as long as they just get the qualification, they are alright. They forget that if the quality of the university is low, the student’s quality will also be low when they graduate. You won’t have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the working world. Not being able to speak English well, you won’t be able to become a manager in a Multi National Company.
The management will not ask you to give a presentation if you cannot speak well and furthermore how are you going to be able to write a report? When you become an auditor, you will need to communicate with your client in English as well as your report.
