Best Accounting Degree Courses Offered by Top Ranked Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
Accounting
A List of the Best Accounting Degree Courses Offered by Top Ranked Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
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Accounting is a science that is used to analyze and manipulate financial data for companies of all sizes as well as the public. While that may sound simple but accountants do so much more. Accounting in Malaysia is an excellent choice for students looking to find a rewarding, challenging and, of course, well paid profession.
Accounting is arguably the most important aspect of any business or company. The accountant makes sure that the finances of a company are correct, and balances the company’s books. Accountants can find stolen money or money that has gone missing within the company; they can advise on business funds for potential growth; most importantly, they have a firsthand look into the future of a company. To study accounting at a top private university in Malaysia is to set yourself on a strong career path.
With so many universities and colleges in Malaysia offering the accounting degree course, students after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, A-Levels or STPM need to choose the best university that would equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the competitive workforce.
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Why Choose to Study at a Top Accounting Private University in Malaysia
Kar Jun, Accounting graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Choosing the best university or college that fits you for the accounting and finance course, you should look at the course content to see if it meets your career goals, ranking of the partner university if you want to work overseas, an English-speaking environment, campus facilities, lecturers’ experience, reputation of the university, student culture at the university, location, fees and internships.
If you want to work for the Big 4 Accounting Firms – KPMG, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, you will need to achieve great results and be able to communicate well in the English language. Other top accounting firms in Malaysia that you can work for are BDO, Grant Thornton, Baker Tilly MonteiroHeng, DFK International and Halim & Lee.
There are many jobs out there for accounting graduates but there is much competition because many students are taking this course. Therefore, students must choose the best university for the accounting course so that you can gain the edge when they go out to look for work.
Top Accounting Private Universities in Malaysia
Chew Ling, Accounting & Finance at Taylor’s University
With so many universities and colleges in Malaysia offering the accounting degree course, students after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, A-Levels or STPM need to choose the best university that would equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the competitive workforce.
Students interested in taking the accounting degree at top private universities in Malaysia can consider the list below. Each private university has its own strengths and uniqueness that would fit you and equip you to be successful in your future career as an accountant in Malaysia.
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
- Monash University
- Taylor’s University
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- University of Wollongong UOW) Malaysia KDU University College
- UCSI University
- HELP University
- First City University College
- KDU University of Wollongong UOW) Malaysia KDU Penang
- HELP Academy
- UCSI College
What is the Education Pathway to Study Accounting at a Private University in Malaysia?
With at least 5 credits in SPM, IGCSE or O-Levels, students can go into the Foundation in Business or Foundation in Arts for a year and then continue into the Accountancy degree for 3 years. Other Pre-University courses such as the A-Levels, SACE International, etc. are accepted into the Accounting degree.
The other way is to go for the Diploma in Business or Diploma in Accounting for 2 years and then enter into the Accounting Degree in Year 2 to finish that in another 2 years. You will need at least 3 credits in your SPM, IGCSE or O-Levels to join the diploma.
What are the Entry Requirements to Study Accounting at a Private University in Malaysia?
Gary Ng , Accounting Graduate from KDU University College
Students who have completed a Pre-University Programme may enter the Accounting degree with the requirements as listed below:
- 2 Principal Passes with a minimum Grade C+ (GP 2.33) at STPM level and with a Credit Pass at SPM including Mathematics and a Pass in English at SPM
- 2 Passes with Grade C & Above at ‘A’ Levels and with a Credit Pass at ‘O’ Levels / GCSE including Mathematics and a Pass in English
- Foundation or equivalent with CGPA of 2.5 and Credit in Mathematics at SPM/O-Level and a Pass in English
- 5 Grade B’s in UEC including Mathematics
- Canadian Pre-University (CPU) with minimum average of 50%
- Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) with minimum average of 60%
- South Australian Matriculation Certificate (SAM) with minimum of 60%
- International Baccalaureate with minimum 24 marks
- Victorian Certificate of Education with minimum average of 50%
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma with minimum average of 50%
Note: The entry requirements stated are for reference purposes and each university in Malaysia have their own entry requirements and may differ. Please contact us at 01111408838 for the specific entry requirements.
What Type of Students Should Study Accounting in Malaysia?
Wei En, Accounting at Taylor’s University
Students who like maths or accounting subjects. A strong interest in money and finances. Generally, the person is very organised, neat, and likes things to be in order. They are introverts, shy, quiet, and able to focus and concentrate to get work done well.
They are perfectionists and makes sure that anything done, is fully completed on time.
It is also normal for science stream students to go into accounting courses but you should be good in modern maths or add maths. It can be difficult at first because you are learning a lot of ideas, rules, and procedures that are specific to accounting and that are new to you.
Studying accountancy is not like reading a novel or even like studying history, psychology, or economics. This is a technical subject, it is logical, and it requires reasoning.
Accountancy students should try to be able to say, “I understand why they do that.” If you can understand “WHY” in accounting, there is very
little to memorize.
Even though you understand “why they do that” in accountancy, you must be able to do it yourself. Accountancy is a practical “do-it-yourself” course.
Does the Accounting course require a lot of Math?
Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University
Not a lot of math is needed to study accounting. A working knowledge of arithmetic and a small amount of basic algebra will allow a student to successfully complete any introductory accounting courses, which are described below.
The reason for this is that although accounting information consists of numerical data, the math tools used to record the numerical data are very simple, really just addition and subtraction.
The reason that you need to know a little more math than this (see below) is that doing accounting requires first analyzing transactions before recording them. It is the initial analysis of transactions to determine correct amounts to record that requires the basic math skills that you see below. Only at very advanced professional levels would you need more math than this.
The subject of “accounting” consists of three key elements: accounting theory (underlying concepts), principles (rules) for how to apply the concepts, and the specific procedures that implement the rules. The type of introductory class that you take will determine which of these elements receives the most emphasis.
For example, bookkeeping classes emphasize procedures, particularly for recording and organizing financial data. Accounting principles classes or basic accounting classes usually provide a more balanced content that includes all three elements.
These classes provide a less specialized, broader understanding and the opportunity for some study of financial statements and the use of accounting information. Introductory financial accounting concentrates more on theory and principles and the preparation and use of financial statements.
What you will study in an Accounting degree in Malaysia?
Hui Ying, Diploma in Accounting Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Some common subjects found in most Bachelor Accounting Degree are as follows:
- Management
- Introductory Accounting
- Statistics
- Microeconomics
- Marketing
- Management Accounting
- Business Communication
- Macroeconomics
- Cost Accounting
- Business Law
- Accounting Information Systems
- Financial Management
- Financial Accounting
- Business Research Methods
- Management Accounting
- Taxation
- Company Law
- Management Ethics
- Auditing
- International Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Management
- Accounting Theory and Practice
- Financial Statement Analysis
A Great Job Outlook For Accounting in Malaysia
Han Siang, Diploma in Accounting at UCSI College
Students asking about the accounting course will find that there are many opportunities in this field. Career outlook for accounting graduates in Malaysia is good. It is also important to note that in fact, many economists and researchers show that the demand for accountants is very good currently and in the future.
Presently, Malaysia has about 7.5 million Accountants. The country requires another 60,000 Accountants to fulfill Vision 2020. The Financial sector stands as one of the largest sectors in Malaysia with more than 300,000 people employed. This sector is made up by professionals in the Accounting, Banking, Economics, Finance, Insurance and Statistics and Taxation sub-sectors.
An important industry for the country, it contributes up to 11 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The role of the financial sector is envisioned to continue growing to be a key driver and catalyst of Malaysia’s economic progression.
Accountants can work in many different areas; while most accountants work in auditing or tax, others can work in niches like management, consulting, financial analysis and financial planning and forensic accounting.
A career in Accounting can give you high salaries if you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. Therefore, you should choose a reputable top university in Malaysia to study the Accounting degree.
Jobs directly related to your accounting degree include:
- Chartered accountant
- Chartered certified accountant
- Chartered management accountant
- Chartered public finance accountant
- Company secretary
- External auditor
- Forensic accountant
- Stockbroker
- Corporate Treasurer
- Internal Auditor
- Tax Advisor
- Tax Inspector
- Credit Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Controller
- Investment Fund Manager
- Risk Management Manager
Jobs where your accounting degree would be useful include:
- Actuary
- Arbitrator
- Business development manager
- Data analyst
- Economist
- Licensed conveyancer
- Management consultant
- Mortgage adviser
- Purchasing manager
- Retail banker
- Tax adviser
What are the Types of Accounting related jobs in Malaysia?
Julian Hum, Graduated in Accounting from Asia Pacific University (APU).
Accounting jobs can be categorized into the following four major areas:
- Audit.
- Audit involves checking accounting ledgers and financial statements to verify its accuracy and detect fraud and inconsistency. Public listed firms are required by law to do yearly to verify its financial reports in order to safeguard publics’ money. Budget Analysis. Budget analysts are responsible for developing and managing an organizations financial plans.
- Financial Accounting.
- Financial accountants prepare financial statements based on general ledgers and participate in important financial decisions involving mergers & acquisitions, benefits/ERISA planning and long-term financial projections.
- Management Accounting.
- Management accountants work in companies and participate in decisions about capital budgeting and line of business analysis. Major functions include cost analysis, analysis of new contracts and participation in efforts to control expenses efficiently.
- Tax Accounting.
- Tax accountants prepare corporate and personal income tax statements and formulate tax strategies involving issues such as financial choice, how to best treat a merger or acquisition, deferral of taxes, when to expense items and the like.
Where can Accounting graduates work in Malaysia?
Insurance – Prudential Assurance Malaysia, Sun Life Assurance, Hong Leong Assurance, Prudential BSN Takaful, Zurich Insurance Malaysia, AIA, Etiqa, ING, MCIS Zurich, AXA AFFIN Life, Manulife, Tokio Marine Life, Uni.Asia Life Assurance, Great Eastern, AM Life, AIG, Berjaya Sompo, MSIG, Kurnia, Lonpac, Danajamin, Pacific Insurance, Pacific & Orient Assurance, RHB Insurance, Tune Insurance, UniAsia General, Overseas Assurance Corporation, Progressive, QBE, MAA, etc
Financial & Investment Institutions – Bank Negara, Bursa Malaysia, Securities Commission Malaysia, AFFIN Investment, ECM Libra, HwangDBS, Hong Leong Investment, Kenanga Investment Bank, KAF Investment Bank, CIMB Investment
Bank, AMInvestment Bank, Alliance Investment Bank, OSK Investment, MIDF Amanah Investment, Public Investment Bank, RHB Investment Bank, CIMB Investment, etc
Banks – Public, AmBank, Citibank, Hong Leong, HSBC, Maybank, RHB, CIMB, AFFIN,
Alliance, Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank Berhad, Mizuho Bank (Malaysia), OCBC, Standard Chartered, UOB, The Royal Bank of Scotland, The Bank of Nova Scotia, etc.
Islamic Banks -Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation, Alkhair International Islamic Bank, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Affin Islamic Bank, Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation, Alliance Islamic Bank, AmIslamic Bank, Bank Islam Malaysia, Bank Muamalat Malaysia, CIMB Islamic Bank, HSBC
Amanah Malaysia, Hong Leong Islamic Bank, Kuwait Finance House, Maybank Islamic, OCBC Al-Amin Bank, Public Islamic Bank, RHB Islamic Bank, Standard Chartered Saadiq, etc
Accounting & Auditing firms – Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte,
KPMG, Baker Tilly Monteiro Heng, Moore Stephens AC, Steven Chin & Co, BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM, Mazars, Crowe Horwarth International, DFK International, Halim & Lee, Begbies Traynor, etc
Companies – Every company large or small needs at least one accountant therefore the jobs are plenty. Graduates can work in industries like property, FMCG, retail, fashion, construction, trading, hotel, travel, restaurants, Food & Beverage, SMEs, entertainment, automotive, education, and more.
Good Command of English for Accountants in Malaysia
From the list below, you can see that the companies that accounting graduates would work at are Multi-National Companies (MNCs) and Government Linked Companies (GNC) therefore requiring a good command of the English language to communicate to the clients, customers, management and overseas partners.
What are the ACCA Exemptions for Accounting Degrees in Malaysia?
Jun Sern, Business Graduate from KDU University College
Upon completion of the accountancy degree programme, graduates will have 9 paper exemptions from the total of 14 ACCA papers.
I would recommend students who are weak in the English language to go for the accounting degree course first and then only pursue the ACCA. The ACCA is exam-based and marked in the UK.
Generally, an Accountancy degree from a private university in Malaysia can gain exemptions until the final 5 papers of the ACCA. A maximum of nine papers at the Fundamentals level of the ACCA Qualification can be awarded.
Depending on any existing qualifications you may hold, exemptions can be awarded across:
- The Foundation level qualifications and
- the nine Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills exams of the ACCA Qualification.
No exemptions are awarded:
- for the Strategic Professional exams of the the ACCA Qualification or
- on the basis of work experience or
- for any of the exams or modules examined within their post-professional qualifications
Should you have a relevant degree from an ACCA-accredited institution in Malaysia, you may be granted exemptions of up to all 9 Papers at the Fundamentals Level. No exemptions are awarded at the Professional Level.
You will be entitled to exemptions from the ‘Knowledge’ papers of the ACCA Fundamentals level, namely, Accountant in Business, Management Accounting and Financial Accounting. Such graduates will also be entitled to exemptions from the remaining 5 ACCA Fundamentals level ‘Skills’ papers provided they have taken and passed certain specified modules.
ACCA PROFESSIONAL LEVEL (Final 5 papers)
Essentials Module
- P1 Governance, Risk and Ethics
- P2 Corporate Reporting
- P3 Business Analysis
Options Module (any 2 papers)
- P4 Advanced Financial Management
- P5 Advanced Performance Management
- P6 Advanced Taxation
- P7 Advanced Audit & Assurance
Professional Recognition for Accountants in Malaysia
- 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.
Suggested accounting pathway for students in Malaysia with weak English
Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University
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.
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.
