The Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree programme was launched by the School of Management in 1999. It is recognised under Part I of the First Schedule, Accountants Act 1967. This means that graduates will be recognised as Chartered Accountants by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) after gaining three years of relevant working experience under the MIA's Chartered Accountant’s Relevant Experience (CARE) programme. The programme is also recognised by other Malaysian and international professional accounting bodies.

Consistent with USM’s tagline “We Lead”, this dynamic and competitive programme aims at producing world-class accountants and future business leaders. Many of our alumni have established successful careers domestically and abroad in top accounting firms, international banks, multinational corporations, and as entrepreneurs.

The programme boasts the highest accounting graduate employability rate among all Malaysian public universities for several consecutive years. This attests to the quality of the programme which combines a strong theoretical foundation with praxis. USM is located at Penang island, which is dubbed the Silicon Valley of the East. This vibrant business ecosystem enables students to gain exposure to accounting practices not just in accounting firms, but various industries and global business services companies as well. Students are also encouraged to develop their leadership skills by participating in the activities of various university societies and competitions.

To enter into the programme, the candidate must fulfil the following entry requirements.

The Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) offered by USM spans over a 4-year period. In line with the industry and other stakeholders' expectations, the programme comes with the following academic structure:

Students who have completed their Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) degree enjoy the maximum exemptions from the examination papers of six professional accountancy bodies.

In 2020, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) embarked on a strategic collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), paving the way for the University to be recognised as ICAEW ACA Strategic Credit Partner. We are proud to announce that USM is now ranked among one of the few universities worldwide whose undergraduate accounting programmes have been accorded ICAEW ACA Strategic Credits status.

ICAEW ACA Strategic Credits Partners like USM undergo a stringent qualification process involving the most advanced learning and professional development programme global standard of excellence.

Out of 15 ICAEW papers, USM Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) students only need to complete another three (3) papers upon graduation.

The partnership includes a transfer of knowledge from ICAEW’s Chartered Accountant (ICAEW ACA) qualification, one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes. In addition, ICAEW has been working with USM to train students through structured work experience placements with ICAEW’s Authorised Training Employers. With the ICAEW’s support, USM has organised various activities with its students, including the annual Accounting Professional Avenue (APA), a resume writing workshop, and a USM-ICAEW Student Forum.

USM has engaged numerous industry collaborators for student activities, internship opportunities and job placements. The following are amongst USM’s close industry collaborators:

USM prepares its graduates for promising careers. The following are some examples of early career and career advancement positions that graduates can aspire to: