The world’s an oyster for accountants

By Cecilia Anthony Das

Many people declare that they suffer from arithmophobia (fear of numbers) when accounting or any accounting-related discipline is mentioned. This is definitely an exaggeration for most people as their fear for numbers are normally not that severe.

However, regardless of the severity of the phobia that one may suffer, perhaps by continuing to read this article, your perspective may change.

The Robert and Half Finance and Accounting Survey conducted in June 2008 revealed that the demand for qualified accounting professionals had steadily increased but the supply has been on the decreasing trend.

Another research conducted in 2009 by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) revealed that there is a global expectation and demand that accountants will fill complex roles within given organisations to face the challenges of tomorrow’s dynamic times.

Yet another survey conducted by Robert Half International, ‘The 2009 Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations’ (EDGE), ranked accounting amongst the top seven areas of job opportunities in the future.

All these surveys and research point to one direction – more accountants are required globally. Hence, to invest in an accounting education may be a good career move. Some working professionals may think it a little too late to pursue an accounting qualification at their current stage of life, but that is not necessarily true.

Curtin University of Technology’s Master of Accounting programme, which is offered at Curtin Sarawak, is designed specifically to give people who have graduated from various disciplines the opportunity to obtain an accounting qualification and ultimately move up the corporate ladder.

Whether one has just completed undergraduate studies or has been employed for some time, a postgraduate qualification in accounting such as this will definitely give one the edge in advancing one’s career or increasing his or her potential in the job market.

The programme provides a comprehensive understanding and competencies related to accounting methods, practices and concepts. Upon completion of the programme, graduates will possess superior and enhanced diagnostic accounting skills, which will equip them for a professional accounting and financial career.

In addition, it is approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). It also meets the educational requirements for membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICCA) and the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia (CPA Australia).

To be or not to be within this selected group of people who are highly regarded and in demand is entirely in your hands. The opportunity is there for the taking. Should you decide to make that life-changing decision, make Curtin Sarawak your partner for success!

Cecilia is the Postgraduate Coordinator of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business. She can be contacted at +60 85 443939 ext. 3958 or by e-mail to cecilia.das@curtin.edu.my.