AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), the UK’s leading professional body for Accounting Technicians, announced today that their courses continue to experience high demand in Malaysia, even in light of recent advancements in artificial intelligence technology. AAT’s courses offer accessible and relevant financial qualifications to equip individuals of all ages with essential accounting skills necessary for the business world.
Despite the rise of impactful artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT and OpenAI in the accounting industry, the demand for AAT courses remains strong in Malaysia. While entry-level accountants were initially considered highly susceptible to task automation by AI technologies due to their structured nature, a recent study indicates that accountants equipped with strong financial and accounting skills are not threatened by aggressive AI adoption in the accounting domain.
AAT courses offer essential accounting skills and relevant financial qualifications accessible to individuals of all ages. While AI tools can help to automate tedious tasks performed by accountants, AAT’s courses take a comprehensive approach to accounting education, preparing individuals for diverse roles in the industry.
“We recognise Malaysia as a thriving hub for accountants to cultivate their skills and expertise. We are fully committed to harnessing this potential by offering courses that are uniquely equipped and certified, ensuring the continued relevance of our students in an increasingly AI-driven landscape,” said Mei Yoke Pak, the representative for AAT in Malaysia.
AAT programmes in accounting and finance offer a dynamic blend of hands-on experience and comprehensive training. These programmes serve as an exceptional opportunity for aspiring professionals to cultivate the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the ever-evolving field of accounting and finance.
Mei Yoke Pak shared, “Our comprehensive programmes empower individuals to adapt to emerging technologies while maintaining the essential human touch in accounting. By nurturing a generation of accountants with advanced skills and industry certifications, we are confident that Malaysia will remain at the forefront of the accounting profession, poised for sustained growth and success.”
One notable example of the effectiveness of AAT’s programme is Khairul Hafidz, a business owner of Fidz Smart Holdings Sdn Bhd, who enrolled 30 new hires from his business into the AAT Level 2 Foundation in Bookkeeping course. This initiative gave employees a clearer understanding of business finances and operations, particularly in purchasing, payments, and credit control.
How AAT addresses the demand for skilled accountants in Malaysia
The demand for qualified accountants is projected to remain robust and potentially increase in the coming years, irrespective of fluctuations in business and economic growth. Overseas firms continue to actively recruit professional accounting graduates, particularly those who have received extensive training and qualifications from reputable organisations.
The demand for accountants is prevalent worldwide, even in affluent nations such as Singapore, China, and Dubai. Skilled accountants are now assuming a more significant role in offering financial advice, assessing clients’ financial positions, and placing greater emphasis on analytics.
Mei Yoke Pak also highlighted, “Accounting is often misunderstood as merely a desk-bound job surrounded by stacks of files and documents. However, the reality is quite different. Skilled accountants are highly sought after, with abundant opportunities available within the industry, including the ability to explore work prospects in different countries.”
AAT has over 124,000 members and students that belong to an inclusive community of accountancy professionals around the world. In Malaysia alone, a number of 1,600 students have signed up for AAT courses and they are open to choose from a range of accounting, bookkeeping and business skills qualifications to suit their experience and career goals.
Sharing his personal experience, Johan Daniel, an AAT student, expressed, “Since completing my course with AAT, I have had the privilege of connecting with remarkable individuals and receiving unwavering support from fellow students and tutors. This support greatly contributed to rebuilding my confidence. Moreover, achieving a remarkable score of 100% in my ‘Management Accounting: Costing’ course enabled me to secure a position in a prominent accounting and administration company that specialises in developing software and web applications for government bodies and privately listed companies. I am now actively involved in stakeholder meetings and excited to progress further in my career.”
Source: AAT
