AAT collaborates with Malaysian employers

The best solutions come from combining knowledge and expertise. AAT hosted its first AAT Malaysia Employer’s Afternoon at Sime Darby Convention Centre (SDCC) on 12 January 2023. More than 20 employers attended the networking event.

Malaysian employers can be a part of AAT growing community by being AAT Accredited Employer. The AAT Employer Scheme is a badge of excellence and recognises employers who support their finance staff with AAT training and membership. As members, employers can use the AAT Employer Scheme logo in recognition of their commitment to staff training. The employer will also be listed in the AAT Employers Directory and provides a channel to attract new talent.  Other benefits include access to AAT resources, podcasts, webinars etc. The membership is free and renewable every three (3) years.

Building relationships with local organisations to develop finance skills and provide tailored training solutions to support local talent and economic development is one of AAT’s priorities as AAT expands its presence in Malaysia and regionally.

AAT is the leading professional body for Accounting Technicians and awards 90% of the vocational awards for accounting. AAT qualifications are recognised all over the world, and are generally considered prerequisites for several accountancy positions.

School leavers and working professionals can pursue AAT bookkeeping and accounting qualifications at AAT Approved Training Providers. In Malaysia, students can apply for scholarships, grants and subsidies offered through HRDC, Yayasan Peneraju and other agencies.

The Employer’s event held at SDCC is one of AAT initiatives to bridge AAT students and graduates to employers in the industry. Addressing the issues of skills mismatch and lack of relevant work experience among graduates, AAT works closely with employers in staff learning and development. Some of the methods include classroom training, in-house training, and work based learning or apprenticeship scheme.

Finding work experience can sometimes be difficult. With more and more graduates in business and finance trying to find work within the field, it is becoming far more competitive. Most will come out of university expecting a role within management accounting, project accounting, whatever it may be. Many are not skilled in handling the more transactional finance pieces of purchase ledger and credit control.  AAT candidates have an edge in that they understand fundamental and core finance in a way many graduates have not had exposure to.

Employers post pandemic era is also looking for qualified accounting technicians to handle the numerous financial tasks. The number of Accounting Technicians is relatively low. The industry needs fewer senior, highly qualified accountants and a larger number of Accounting Technicians. However, based on a research by IFAC (International Federation of Accountants), the accountants are being supported by simply unqualified personnel undertaking accounting related tasks.

SPM leavers can consider taking up AAT to accelerate their studies to achieve their Chartered Accountancy, or enter the work force job-ready with skills that employers want, or even use AAT to further their studies in the universities. 

Working adults have options to study AAT on a part-time basis, and upgrade themselves with an international accounting qualification and gain professional recognition as either an AATQB (AAT Qualified Bookkeeper) or MAAT (Qualified Accounting Technician or full member of the AAT).

Depending on your qualification and experience, learners can choose to study:

1. AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
2. AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
3. AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
4. AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
5. AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting

Human resource managers might want to train staff in short courses in finance, e.g. Finance for Non-finance Managers, Managing Cash: Keeping your business healthy, Budgeting, Understanding and Processing Financial Documents, Understanding Accounting Systems & Control, etc. AAT Essentials are courses providing short, sharp skills training in key areas of business finance. They deliver practical skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

These courses are the perfect opportunity to work with new or existing employers. They're aimed at managers and business owners without a finance background, as well as non-finance staff looking for a better understanding of key financial processes. AAT course fees are HRDC claimable.

For inquiries relating to AAT qualifications and/or courses or employers who want to be part of AAT Accredited Employer, you may contact Ms Pak Mei Yoke, the AAT Representative in Malaysia at +6012-3707660 or at [email protected]