Accounting and finance roles are in demand as sectors from e-commerce to construction continue to grow. But requirements are also changing, with companies looking to digital transformation and automation to transform their operations, not to mention the increasing requirements of meeting international ESG and other standards.
Gain valuable insights into Malaysia’s dynamic job market directly from our experts, all captured in the 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide. This digital report offers analysis of labour market trends, hiring patterns and salary benchmarks across key sectors in Malaysia.
key industry trends shaping the 2025 job market
Our experts dived into the movers and shakers in the market, and how they are influencing hiring activities and skills demand for accounting and finance professionals.
industry experience in-demand as e-commerce expands
E-commerce continues to grow in Malaysia, with predictions that the sector could hit RM1.65 trillion in 2025. The government has provided strong support, including the #SayaDigital campaign which has helped 500,000 small businesses get started with e-commerce and e-payment systems.
The growth of online-only retailers as well as the ongoing adoption of e-commerce by traditional brick and mortar stores has created strong demand for accounting and finance roles.
While Malaysia has a large pool of accounting talent, companies generally prefer candidates with e-commerce experience, ideally in the same sector, since standards can vary and employers ideally want someone who can deliver results from day one.
To attract candidates, companies are using higher compensation as a key strategy, but they are also focusing on career progression opportunities and offering hybrid working arrangements, which are important to candidates.
technical skills and knowledge top priority for construction companies
Malaysia’s budget for 2025 is packed with infrastructure projects, such as the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 2 and the Pan-Borneo Highway. The rise in popularity of data-hungry AI has fuelled already strong demand for data centre construction, with the likes of Microsoft, Google and Amazon all investing in the country. Strong government support for renewable energy means there is a wave of construction projects underway, particularly in solar.
Even the residential property market is picking up, with developers expecting stronger growth in the first half of 2025 than in the second half of 2024.
That creates demand for finance roles within property and construction, particularly for positions like finance managers and project accountants.
Experience in property and construction finance is particularly valued, as companies seek candidates who understand the financial challenges and technical skills unique to the industry, such as long project timelines and large capital outlays.
However, similar to other sectors, there is a shortage of candidates with specific industry experience. With hybrid working less prevalent due to the need to be on-site, companies instead need to compete on compensation and career path development opportunities to attract and retain talent.
software and digital skills in high demand
While we haven’t quite seen the AI revolution that boosters of the technology have been predicting, it’s certainly true that accounting and finance professionals need to sharpen their digital skills.
On January 1 the government brought in the second phase of its e-invoicing rules, requiring taxpayers with annual turnover between RM25 million and RM100 million to provide electronic invoices through the government’s MyInvois system.
Smaller companies will be required to do the same from July.
At the same time, companies are increasingly looking at process automation and other digital solutions to optimise internal efficiency and improve accuracy.
That creates opportunities for accounting and finance candidates with experience in specific software. More generally, it raises expectations that all candidates should have a certain basic level of digital skills and advanced Excel skills.
in-demand skills, jobs and salary expectations in 2025
We expect these roles to be particularly in demand in 2025:
- Financial planning and analysis
- Group consolidation
- Financial reporting
Leadership skills are also increasingly being sought out by hiring managers, so candidates with experience in managing teams or even helping mentor others are particularly in demand.
We expect candidates changing employers to command in the range of 15% to 20% average salary increases, though for those with specialist skills, it could go as high as 30%.
download randstad malaysia’s 2025 job market and salary trends report
Discover the latest talent insights and salary benchmarks for accounting and finance jobs, ranging from audit to corporate finance; financial planning and analysis to investments and more, from our 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary guide.
The report examines key talent expectations as well as key sector trends and salary benchmarks in the following industries:
- accounting and finance
- construction and property
- human resources
- legal
- manufacturing
- sales and marketing
- shared services
- technology
- contracting
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