Auditing & time management top skills for Malaysia finance in 2025
New analysis from Intuit QuickBooks Malaysia highlights a shift in the most sought-after skills for finance professionals in Malaysia, with compliance no longer topping the list of requirements for 2025.
The review of live job listings on Indeed Malaysia, conducted by Intuit QuickBooks Malaysia, reveals that employers are prioritising capabilities such as auditing, time management, and communication over traditional compliance skills. This change reflects the rapidly evolving landscape of finance roles in the country.
Key skills in demand
According to the data, auditing is the most requested skill, appearing in 73.8% of finance job advertisements. Time management follows, required in 64.9% of postings, with financial reporting at 51.6%, communication at 50.8%, and compliance at 49.3%.
"As Malaysia's finance landscape transforms, staying ahead with the right skills is essential for both professionals and businesses. This data clearly highlights the evolving skill set that finance professionals in Malaysia need to thrive in 2025. From strong auditing capabilities to effective time management and communication, these skills reflect the increasing complexity and strategic nature of finance roles," said a spokesperson from Intuit QuickBooks Malaysia.
The analysis also demonstrates the importance of proficiency with finance software in job requirements. Microsoft Excel is the most commonly mentioned application, appearing in over 35% of relevant job descriptions. Microsoft Dynamics is required in 31% of listings, Microsoft Teams in 23%, and SAP in 16%.
Salary trends and geography
Salary analysis shows a clear upward progression for senior roles within the sector. Finance Managers receive an average monthly salary of RM9,189. Chief Financial Officers command the highest average monthly salary at RM20,833, reflecting the increasing value placed on experience and responsibility in leadership positions.
The average monthly salaries for the key finance roles are as follows: Chief Financial Officer at RM20,833, Financial Controller at RM13,500, Finance Manager at RM9,189, Accountant at RM4,342, Accounts Executive at RM3,220, and Audit Associate at RM2,868.
Geographically, finance roles are concentrated in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, with 2,073 and 1,895 vacancies, respectively. Kuala Lumpur offers the highest average salary among the major hiring regions, at RM4,648 per month, compared with RM4,288 in Selangor and RM3,977 in Johor. In Terengganu, the average monthly figure is RM10,000, although this is based on a very small number of listings, which may reflect high-level or specialist roles rather than general sector trends.
Qualifications and professional requirements
Formal professional qualifications remain significant for candidates. The analysis found that 27% of finance job advertisements require the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is required in 15% of listings, Chartered Financial Analyst at 2.2%, and Master of Business Administration at 2%.
These findings suggest employers are focusing on a combination of technical, managerial, and interpersonal competencies.
The data indicates the increasing complexity of finance roles in Malaysia and underscores the strategic responsibilities expected from future finance professionals, as well as the growing importance of technology and communication skills alongside traditional accounting knowledge.
