The accounting and finance (A&F) landscape in Southeast Asia is no longer just about balancing the books. It has taken a more developed shift in steering business strategy through digital and regulatory advancements.
As we enter 2026, the profession is witnessing a pivot. With the full national roll-out of e-invoicing set for completion by mid-2026, businesses are forced to embed digitalisation into every part of their operations. For both employers and talent, 2026 is the year where digital agility becomes the ultimate competitive advantage.
Whether you are an employer looking to secure niche talent or a job-seeker looking for a high-value role, understanding these structural shifts is critical to thriving in a talent-scarce market.
how much are accounting and finance professionals earning in 2026?
The shifts towards digitalisation and specialised senior roles have created a demand for niche skills. To attract and retain the best talent in the Accounting and Finance competitive market, employers will need to keep updated with today’s compensation trends. Randstad Salary Guide 2026 provides comprehensive salary benchmarks for in-demand roles, including Finance Transformation, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and Tax Management.
Download the guide to access:
- Detailed salary ranges across all seniority levels in accounting, audit, credit control, compliance, corporate finance, FP&A, investment and more.
- Market-specific compensation data to ensure your offers are competitive.
- Insights into what factors, beyond base pay, are driving talent's compensation expectations in 2026.
why the finance talent landscape is shifting.
The convergence of new tax standards and rapid technological advancement has created an increasingly competitive hiring environment in Malaysia. Two primary pillars are redefining what it means to be an accounting and finance professional in Malaysia:
1. digital transformation and e-invoicing adoption
The mid-2026 e-invoicing mandate is triggering a surge in demand across corporate and shared services hubs. This is not just about adopting a new software but rather, a full "digital makeover" that requires talent capable and skilled enough in driving process optimisation and ensured compliance.
2. the impact of AI and automation on finance roles
Workforce transformation is accelerating, with 81% of employees expecting AI to reshape their roles. Employers are now challenged to design supportive cultures that enable upskilling, as 45% of talent in Malaysia will not accept a job that lacks learning and development (L&D) opportunities.
in-demand accounting and finance roles in 2026
As companies move up the value chain, the demand for specialised, "job-ready" talent is outpacing the current supply.
high-demand finance roles employers are hiring for
- Finance Transformation Managers: Essential for leading the leap into automated financial governance.
- FP&A Managers: Experts in advanced analytics, financial dashboards, and scenario modelling.
- Finance Tax Managers: Specialists in navigating SST and cross-border tax complexities.
bridging the expectation gap: why trust matters more in 2026
While competitive compensation remains a top priority, it no longer sets an employer apart in 2026. Trust and accountability have emerged as defining factors for talent attraction.
what accounting and finance talent wants beyond salary
- Strong Management: Consistently ranked as a top 5 employee value proposition (EVP) factor in Malaysia.
- Support for Development: 57% of Malaysians would consider leaving a role if they felt their manager did not support their professional growth.
- Agile Solutions: 17% of job seekers are now open to contract roles, viewing them as a way to gain diverse project exposure and greater autonomy.
conclusion: building a future-ready accounting and finance workforce
The 2026 outlook for the accounting and finance job market in Malaysia is one of intense competition but massive opportunity. For companies to succeed, they must automate financial governance and invest heavily in transparent role redesign and training. For talent, the path forward is paved with self-directed learning and digital literacy.
At Randstad, we bridge the gap between niche talent and high-growth organisations. Whether you are looking to hire a transformation leader or find your next career leap, our data-backed insights ensure you stay ahead.
ready to navigate the 2026 market? download malaysia’s 2026 accounting and finance salary guide
partner with randstad for accounting and finance talent
Securing the ideal talent or the perfect job role demands more than luck. Randstad offers the definitive recruitment solution, connecting your business with in-demand talent precisely when you need them. Leveraging a vast, pre-screened talent pool and supported by expert, specialised talent consultants, we ensure you find your next employee without delay.
Learn more about our recruitment specialisations and expertise for more dedicated support for your talent acquisition needs.
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