How to become Chartered Accountant in Malaysia ? Requirements & Salary
In Malaysia, accountants and auditors are highly sought-after professionals with stable career development and excellent salary potential. Whether it's corporate financial analysis, tax planning, internal governance, or risk control, accounting/auditing roles are indispensable. Here's a detailed guide to the path and analysis.
1. Educational Requirements 🎓
First, you need to have one of the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting (local or overseas), or
- Accounting-related diploma/advanced diploma (such as MQA-recognized accounting courses)
Malaysian universities include: University of Malaya, Multimedia University (MMU), Taylor's, INTI, UCSI, etc.
The knowledge system of accounting/auditing involves:
- Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Cost Accounting
- Auditing & Compliance Control (Audit & Assurance)
- Taxation Laws & Practice
- Business Law & Corporate Governance
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Business Ethics & Professional Standards
These courses aim to train you to become a professional proficient in financial statement analysis, auditing procedures, and tax planning.
2. Professional Qualifications ✍️
After completing an accounting degree, you also need to obtain professional qualifications to enhance competitiveness and perform core business operations.
| Qualification Type | Description |
|---|---|
| MIA (Malaysia Institute of Accountants) | Statutory registration body. Must register through this institution to obtain accountant qualification. |
| ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) | British professional body, widely recognized by Malaysian employers. |
| MICPA (Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants) | Malaysian professional body, highly regarded locally. |
| International Qualifications | ICAS (Scotland), ICAEW (England & Wales), CIMA (Management Accounting), CPA Australia, etc. |
These international qualifications usually require passing a series of exams and accumulating relevant work experience to obtain full qualification.
3. Registration Process & Practical Experience
- Complete bachelor's degree or international qualification exams recognized by MIA or MICPA.
- Submit relevant certificates and transcripts to MIA for professional membership registration.
- If qualified, you can use professional titles such as "CA (Chartered Accountant)".
- Most qualification bodies (such as MICPA, ACCA) require 3+ years of professional work experience before applying to MIA.
- Work types can include: audit firm auditing, corporate accounting, tax consulting, management accounting, etc.
4. Career Pathways & Advancement 🚀
Once you obtain qualifications, your career development direction is very broad:
| Career Path | Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| 📌 Audit & Accounting Firms | Auditor / Senior Auditor: Provide financial and regulatory review for listed and private companies. Partner / Consultant: Provide tax advice, corporate restructuring, risk management consulting. |
| 📌 Corporate Internal Positions | Accounting Manager / Finance Manager / CFO: Responsible for budgeting, cost analysis, internal control. Internal Audit / Risk Management: Ensure company internal control systems and operational compliance. |
| 📌 Professional Consulting & Education | Tax Consultant / Business Consultant: Serve SMEs and multinational clients. Academic Research / University Lecturer: Participate in accounting and auditing teaching and research work. |
5. Salary & Market Demand 📊
| Position Level | Monthly Salary Range (RM) |
|---|---|
| Junior Auditor / Accountant | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Senior Auditor / Finance Manager | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Senior Management or Professional Consultant | 15,000 – 20,000+ |
Especially accountants who obtain MICPA/ACCA qualifications and have practical experience in audit firms or listed companies can qualify for higher-paying positions.
6. Industry Trends & Innovation Opportunities
With the rise of FinTech and data technology, accounting/auditing work is also undergoing transformation:
- Big Data Auditing: Can use AI and data analysis tools to automatically identify abnormal transactions.
- Blockchain & Electronic Ledgers: Change traditional audit verification methods and improve transparency.
- Green Accounting & ESG Reporting: Provide data support for corporate social responsibility and environmental governance reporting.
Accountants who know how to use technological tools will have stronger professional competitiveness and upward mobility.
7. Practical Tips & Preparation Steps
- Early Planning: Ensure the chosen university is recognized by MIA/MICPA.
- Professional Exams: Consider taking ACCA or MICPA course exams during junior/senior year.
- Internship Opportunities: Apply for internships at Big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY) or corporations during senior year summer.
- Professional Membership: Apply for formal membership with MIA after accumulating exam passes and work experience.
- Continuous Learning: Further studies for master's degree (such as corporate finance, audit management, forensic accounting, etc.), participate in CFA, CISA certifications.
8. Summary
| Aspect | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree in Accounting + Professional qualifications (ACCA/MICPA) |
| Experience | 3+ years professional work experience required |
| Registration | MIA registration for professional practice |
| Career Growth | From junior auditor to partner/CFO level |
| Salary Potential | RM 2,500 - 20,000+ monthly depending on experience and qualifications |
Jul 17,2025