Hot demand for accountancy and finance professionals

The growth plans of local employers and the regional expansion of local banks are generating high levels of demand for accountancy and finance professionals in Malaysia.

According to Chris Mead, regional director of Hays in Malaysia and Singapore, employers are beginning to implement their 2014 growth plans, which is creating exciting opportunities for top finance professionals.

"Adding to vacancy activity is the regional expansion of local banks. Most are tapping into the growing Islamic banking markets in the Middle East. Some institutions are also decentralising their operations and incorporating specific functions, such as in credit and risk, in other countries that they operate in," he said.

"A final factor adding to Malaysia's busy accountancy and finance jobs market is GST implementation and Basel requirements, which are causing banks and insurers to tighten controls, improve back-end compliance and keep a closer look at risk ratings and capital requirements."

However, the active jobs market in this industry also means it will be more challenging for employers to secure top talent.

"Candidates are aware of the demand for their skills, and with turnover rising as they act to improve their prospects, the year ahead will see candidates able to secure good positions and employers competing for top talent," said Mead.

According to Hays, the accountancy & finance skills most in demand are: financial controllers, commercial finance managers, senior financial shared service centre professionals, CFOs, credit risk professionals, head of compliance, senior corporate credit approvers and analysts, and Islamic product development managers.