What Can You Do with an Accounting or Finance Degree?
If you’re studying Accounting or Finance — or considering it — you’ve probably heard comments like:
“Oh, you’ll just become an accountant.”
Well… not exactly. While traditional roles like accountant or auditor are common, an Accounting or Finance degree opens doors to a variety of exciting career paths, from corporate finance to fintech, business analysis, and even forensic investigations.
Whether you love numbers, enjoy analysing trends, or like solving business puzzles, your degree can take you to more places than you think. In this guide, we’ll explore all the possible career paths, skills employers look for, and actionable steps you can take as a student or fresh graduate in Malaysia.
1. Traditional Accounting Roles
Accounting is the classic route, but it’s far from boring. These roles often offer stability, structured career growth, and excellent learning opportunities.
Accountant
The quintessential path. Accountants manage financial records, prepare reports, and ensure the business’s financial health.
Where you can work: Corporates, SMEs, government agencies, or Big 4 accounting firms.
What you’ll do:
- Prepare and review financial statements
- Handle accounts payable/receivable
- Assist in budgeting and forecasting
Why it’s great for students: It’s structured, teaches financial discipline, and gives you a deep understanding of business operations.
Tip: Start early by volunteering to manage finances for student clubs, societies, or small businesses. These can be solid STAR stories for interviews.
Auditor
Auditors check whether companies follow financial regulations and if their financial statements are accurate. Think of it as being a detective for numbers.
Where you can work: Big 4 firms, auditing agencies, or in-house audit teams in corporates.
Skills gained: Attention to detail, critical thinking, and understanding business compliance.
Pro tip: If you like challenging yourself and asking questions, auditing can give you exposure to multiple industries in Malaysia — from manufacturing to tech startups.
Tax Associate
If numbers + legal compliance excite you, tax is a great path. Tax associates help individuals and companies comply with tax laws and optimise their tax liabilities legally.
Where you can work: Tax advisory firms, corporate finance teams, consulting firms.
Example: Helping an SME reduce tax liabilities while staying compliant with LHDN regulations.
Student tip: Learning Malaysian tax rules can make you stand out for internships or even part-time work at accounting firms.
2. Finance Careers with High Growth Potential
Finance roles often involve strategic decision-making, forecasting, and helping businesses grow. These careers can be fast-paced, rewarding, and sometimes high-paying.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts turn data into insights. They help companies plan budgets, forecast revenues, and make informed business decisions.
Where you can work: Banks, corporates, investment firms, government agencies.
What you’ll do:
- Analyse financial statements
- Perform variance analysis
- Prepare reports for management decisions
Student tip: Start tracking your personal expenses or investment portfolio — simple real-world practice that will sharpen your analytical skills.
Investment Banking Analyst
High pressure, high reward. Investment banking analysts work on mergers, acquisitions, and raising capital for companies.
Where you can work: Investment banks, boutique advisory firms, or corporate finance departments.
Why it’s exciting: Exposure to large-scale business deals, international finance, and strategic decision-making.
Note: These roles require resilience and long hours, so make sure it aligns with your lifestyle and interests.
Treasury Analyst
Treasury analysts manage a company’s cash flow, funding, and financial risk.
Where you can work: Corporates, banks, or government-linked companies (GLCs).
Skills developed: Forecasting, liquidity management, and understanding market dynamics.
Student tip: Take short courses on cash flow management or treasury tools to stand out in applications.
3. Business and Strategy Roles for Accounting/Finance Grads
Accounting and Finance skills are valuable beyond traditional finance teams. Companies increasingly value graduates who can bridge numbers with strategy.
Business Analyst
Business analysts analyse processes, identify problems, and suggest improvements — often using finance knowledge to make recommendations.
Why it works for finance students: You can understand the financial implications of business decisions better than non-finance graduates.
Example: Recommending cost-saving measures for a university club or internship project.
Internal Auditor
Unlike external auditors, internal auditors evaluate internal operations and controls. You’ll identify inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
Good for students who: Like asking tough questions and spotting ways to make processes better.
Compliance & Risk Executive
These roles are crucial in regulated industries like banking, insurance, and fintech. You’ll help companies comply with regulations and mitigate financial risks.
Student tip: Join workshops or webinars on Malaysian regulations (Bank Negara Malaysia guidelines, Securities Commission rules) to show you’re proactive.
Procurement or Cost Analyst
Involves optimising costs and negotiating deals. You’ll help companies spend wisely and manage budgets efficiently.
Student tip: Participate in events like budgeting competitions or case challenges — these are great resume boosters.
4. Accounting/Finance + Technology = Emerging Careers
With digitalisation, tech-savvy finance grads are in high demand. From fintech to data analytics, your career options are expanding.
Data Analyst (Finance Focus)
Collect, clean, and analyse financial data to guide business decisions.
Tools to learn: Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python (optional)
Student tip: Start with free datasets from Kaggle or even university finance data to practice analysis.
FinTech Roles
FinTech is booming in Malaysia: digital payments, mobile banking, online lending, and regulatory technology.
Roles you can try:
- Finance operations (FinOps)
- Product analyst
- Compliance & risk analyst
Student tip: Attend fintech events or hackathons; many companies offer internship opportunities for students.
ERP/Financial Systems Consultant
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems like SAP, Oracle, and Xero are widely used in corporates. Consultants help implement these systems, combining finance knowledge with IT.
Why it’s exciting: You learn both finance processes and tech systems — highly valued in corporates.
5. Specialised & Unique Careers
Accounting/Finance isn’t just numbers. There are some niche but fascinating roles you can explore.
Forensic Accountant
Investigate financial crimes like fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. Think of it as being a detective with a calculator.
Good for students who: Like problem-solving, puzzles, and investigative work.
Corporate Strategy
Work with leadership to plan long-term business growth. Understanding finance gives you an edge in making strategic decisions.
Example: Analysing whether a company should expand to new markets based on financial feasibility.
Wealth Management / Financial Planning
Advise individuals on investments, insurance, and financial goals.
Student tip: Learn basic investment principles and personal finance to start experimenting with small portfolios.
6. Skills Employers Look For in Malaysia
No matter which path you choose, employers value these skills:
- Excel & data analysis: Pivot tables, XLOOKUP, Power BI, SQL
- Communication: Explaining numbers in simple terms
- Financial reporting: Understanding statements, budgets, forecasts
- Problem-solving & critical thinking
- Tech-savvy: Familiarity with accounting systems, ERP, or fintech tools
- Adaptability: Many finance roles now involve automation, digital tools, or cross-functional projects
Pro tip: Build these skills while still a student — internships, club projects, or even personal projects count.
7. How Students Can Gain Relevant Experience
Internships
Apply for roles in corporates, accounting firms, banks, or fintechs. Even 2–3 months of experience can give you practical skills and STAR stories for interviews.
Student Projects
Manage budgeting for student clubs, plan fundraising events, or analyse costs for community projects.
Short Courses / Certifications
- ACCA or CPA for accounting focus
- CFA for finance-heavy roles
- FP&A certification for financial planning
Attend Events & Workshops
Mock interviews, budgeting competitions, and FinTech hackathons are great ways to gain experience and network.
Freelance / Part-Time Opportunities
Bookkeeping for small businesses, assisting startups with finance tracking, or tutoring younger students in accounting principles.
8. Choosing the Right Path for You
Here’s a quick guide:
| Interest / Strength | Possible Roles |
|---|---|
| Structured, process-focused | Accountant, Auditor, Tax Associate |
| Data & forecasting | Financial Analyst, Treasury Analyst |
| Fast-paced, big-picture | Investment Banking, Corporate Strategy |
| Process improvement & business | Business Analyst, Internal Auditor |
| Tech-savvy & innovative | FinTech, Data Analyst, ERP Consultant |
| Investigative / problem-solving | Forensic Accountant, Compliance |
Student tip: Explore multiple roles early to find your fit. Even short internships can reveal what you truly enjoy.
9. Final Thoughts
An Accounting or Finance degree doesn’t limit you. Whether you choose traditional accounting, finance, tech-linked roles, or niche careers like forensic accounting, the key is:
- Start exploring early — internships, student projects, part-time roles
- Build transferable skills — Excel, communication, problem-solving
- Collect strong STAR stories — real experiences to showcase in interviews
- Stay curious & adaptable — finance is evolving with technology
With the right preparation, your Accounting/Finance degree can be a launchpad to diverse, exciting, and well-paying careers in Malaysia and beyond.
So don’t just stick to the classic “accountant” path — explore, experiment, and find the career that makes you excited to work every day.
Feeling inspired? Sign up on Kabel to find your internship or jobs. Explore various opportunities that will help you kickstart your career in accounting and finance roles. Kabel finds you jobs that fit your background, values, and culture fit. Kabel also helps you craft your STAR stories beyond what’s on paper. Try it today!
