Expert Best Accounting Firms in Malaysia for You

We introduce a data-led list to help you select the right partner for your business in Malaysia. Our approach combines global scale with local delivery so you can match sector needs, turnaround expectations, and team access quickly.

We use clear metrics — Deloitte ($33,045,000,000), PwC ($24,335,000,000), Ernst & Young ($24,146,000,000), KPMG ($15,200,000,000) — to show how world-class reach translates into local capability. PwC Malaysia has 3,000+ staff and offers digital assurance and ESG compliance, a useful marker for clients prioritizing sustainability and tech-enabled services.

We summarize audit and non-audit strengths, from statutory audit to digital bookkeeping and ESG assurance, so you can shortlist without wasting time. Our focus is practical: assurance quality, tax depth, industry coverage, and the services that actually move your numbers.

Key Takeaways

• We provide a short, actionable list to match firm scale to your company size.
• Global revenue and local team size highlight likely capability and access.
• Compare audit methodology, advisory depth, and digital tools before choosing.
• Look for partner-led models and regional offices for smoother delivery.
• We guide you on next steps: scope, questions to ask, and value-for-money checks.

Why Malaysia’s accounting market matters right now

Regulation, technology, and investor scrutiny are reshaping how businesses report and govern in Malaysia. We see immediate pressure on governance and reporting for listed and private companies pursuing growth or cross-border activity.

Regulatory landscape and assurance needs

Evolving rules increase the demand for robust audit and assurance services. Boards should insist on clear data trails, automation coverage, and documented internal controls to cut financial reporting risk.

SME growth and digital transformation trends

SMEs are adopting cloud bookkeeping and analytics to scale. That shift speeds year-end close but requires stronger control management and audit readiness across the business lifecycle.

“Digitally enabled audits bring speed and transparency to control remediation.”

How we selected the firms featured in this listicle

Our selection started with measurable signals of audit rigour and client outcomes. We balanced global scale with local delivery so you get a practical shortlist for Malaysia.

Audit quality, advisory breadth, and industry reputation

We rated audit methodology, partner involvement, and analytics use. We checked tool adoption such as EY Canvas and KPMG Clara to confirm digital evidence gathering.

We also reviewed advisory scope—tax, ESG and transaction services—to ensure teams can handle complex assignments.

Local presence, regional offices, and client experience

Local reach matters. We noted PwC Malaysia’s 3,000+ staff and Baker Tilly’s nine offices for fast on-the-ground support.

We evaluated onboarding, reporting clarity, and responsiveness to measure real client experience and reputation.

• International network strength for cross-border work.
• Sector specialisation for relevant review teams.
• IPA revenue benchmarks to infer resource depth.

“We focused on measurable delivery and client outcomes when compiling the list.”

The Big Four in Malaysia: audit, tax, and advisory at scale

When complex reporting or cross-border disclosure matters, you need a partner with depth, process, and digital capability. We summarise how the Big Four operate in Malaysia and where they add the most value.

PWC Malaysia: complex audits, digital assurance, and ESG

PwC Malaysia supports Bursa-listed companies with complex statutory work, ESG compliance, and digital assurance. The office draws on 3,000+ employees to deliver integrated reporting and tax support.

Deloitte Malaysia: risk advisory depth and IPO readiness

Deloitte leverages a global workforce of 457,000 and large revenue scale to provide risk advisory and IPO readiness. Their analytics-led approach accelerates timelines for companies planning public offerings.

EY Malaysia: sector-focused assurance and EY Canvas

EY emphasises sector playbooks for fintech, healthcare, and education. EY Canvas coordinates planning and execution to provide real-time audit evidence across offices.

KPMG Malaysia: Clara-enabled audits and IFRS advisory

KPMG uses Clara to streamline evidence collection and workflow. Its IFRS advisory, risk consulting, and transaction services help you manage new standards and cross-border disclosures.

“Integrated analytics and standardised methodologies help multinational companies coordinate group reporting across countries.”

Choose the Big Four when your company needs comprehensive assurance, tax, and consulting under tight deadlines. Expect defined milestones, partner oversight, and transparent resourcing across the network.

Mid-tier leaders with Malaysian strength

Mid-tier players deliver practical depth and fast access across Malaysia’s commercial regions. We focus on teams that combine partner-led attention with scalable technical tools so you get strong assurance without oversized overhead.

Baker Tilly Malaysia: nationwide accessibility for SMEs

Baker Tilly operates with roughly 900 professionals and nine regional offices. They excel at SME audit work, valuations, and responsive local support.

BDO Malaysia: partner-led assurance and sustainability reporting

BDO follows a partner-led model for statutory audit and provides sustainability reporting, outsourced CFO services, and payroll support for growing companies.

Grant Thornton Malaysia: forensic and ESG-focused audits

Grant Thornton specialises in business risk assessments, climate and ESG audits, and forensic engagements where independence and rigor matter.

Crowe Malaysia & RSM; YYC & Co

Crowe brings 80+ years of practice, digital tools, and internal control reviews for efficient statutory audits.

RSM is a member of RSM International and uses the RSM Luca platform for digital testing, IFRS reviews, and internal audit services.

YYC & Co focuses on statutory audit, tax advisory, and cloud bookkeeping for digital-first SMEs.

• Choose mid-tier firms when you need agility, direct partner access, and cost-effective assurance.
• Look for integrated services—valuation, restructuring, outsourced finance—that support transactions and scale-ups.
• International member networks help align multi-country work at mid-market pricing.

“Mid-market teams often deliver faster coordination and clearer partner oversight during peak periods.”

best accounting firms: what services set them apart

We assess the service lines that most directly affect financial reliability and deal outcomes in Malaysia. This section explains how audit, tax, and advisory services combine to protect value and speed execution.

Audit & assurance: statutory audits and internal controls

Audit and assurance form the foundation for trusted statements. Teams run statutory audits, test internal controls, and apply analytics to key balances.

Digital platforms such as EY Canvas, KPMG Clara, and RSM Luca improve sampling, documentation, and issue tracking for faster, higher-quality work.

Tax services: compliance, planning, and structuring

Tax work covers compliance, planning, and cross-border structuring to protect cash flow and group efficiency. We look for integrated tax teams that liaise with audit to avoid duplicate requests.

Advisory services: transactions, valuation, and risk

Advisory services include M&A due diligence, valuation, post-merger integration, and risk advisory. Good teams embed operational, regulatory, and cyber risk into finance processes.

Deliverables you should expect: planning memos, control deficiency matrices, and post-engagement improvement plans that your teams can act on.

• What digital tools do: faster sampling, clearer evidence trail, and tracked remediation.
• ESG & forensic work: expands assurance to emissions, social metrics, and fraud testing.
• Service range: align tiered capabilities to your transaction pipeline and growth needs.

“Clear scopes, defined milestones, and actionable recommendations speed remediation and support better decisions.”

Top audit firms vs. top accounting firms: what’s the difference?

We often see clients confuse an assurance-led practice with a full-service financial partner. In Malaysia, the distinction shapes scope, independence rules, and delivery timelines.

Audit assurance focus

Top audit firms concentrate on statutory audits, internal control testing, and regulatory reporting. They prioritise independence, rigorous documentation, and audit evidence that stands up to regulators and investors.

Choose this route when you face complex listings, heavy regulator scrutiny, or high-stakes investor due diligence. The work is narrow but deep and aims to reduce reporting risk.

End-to-end financial services

Top accounting firms add tax, transaction advisory, outsourcing, and ESG reporting to assurance. They solve operational finance needs and can run payroll, manage tax structuring, or lead post-merger integration.

This model suits businesses that want one supplier for advisory and day-to-day finance operations. It speeds decision-making and reduces coordination overhead.

• Conflict management: Firms manage independence by segregating audit teams or declining certain advisory services on the same client where regulations prevent combined roles.
• Cost & timeline: Assurance-only work is typically faster and narrower. Bundled services take longer but can lower overall program cost by avoiding duplicate work.
• Decision lens: Assess audit intensity, your internal bandwidth, and operating complexity to choose the right partner.

“Choose based on audit intensity, internal capacity, and whether you need one integrated partner or independent assurance.”

Global networks that support Malaysian clients

Global networks give Malaysian clients reliable local delivery with coordinated global oversight. We explain how shared governance, clear methods, and centralized tools reduce surprises when you consolidate across borders.

Big Four reach and resources across countries

Deloitte brings bench strength with 457,000 employees worldwide, offering sector playbooks and specialist centres that speed multi-entity reporting.

Ernst Young (often referenced as Ernst Young) is headquartered in London and aligns local audit teams with global methodology to keep group audits consistent.

International mid-tier networks

Mid-tier networks provide wide coverage with mid-market agility. BDO operates in 150+ countries. Grant Thornton covers 130+ countries. RSM is the sixth largest network. Crowe has 200+ member firms worldwide.

• How networks help: shared methods, consistent sampling, and escalation paths keep audits on schedule across countries.
• Practical value of local offices: local inventory counts, regulator liaison, and tax alignment for intercompany flows.
• Data protection: global standards and secure tooling safeguard sensitive information across the network.

When scoping multi-country engagements, we recommend defined materiality thresholds, clear component auditor oversight, and a unified group reporting calendar. These controls, plus shared tooling, maintain quality across the world and keep your consolidation timeline predictable.

Reputation, revenue, and scale: putting rankings in context

We examine how headline revenue and global reach translate into outcomes for Malaysian companies. Revenue ranks give a quick signal of scale, but we focus on how that scale turns into sector specialists, shared service hubs, and tooling that matter locally.

How global revenue signals capabilities (IPA Top lists)

The IPA Top 100 shows Deloitte ($33.045B), PwC ($24.335B), Ernst Young ($24.146B) and KPMG ($15.2B) leading the list. These numbers reflect investment capacity, specialist centers, and the ability to fund technology and quality programs year over year.

• Scale equals resources: higher revenue often funds global data analytics, audit automation, and training.
• Mid-tier credibility: Grant Thornton, Baker Tilly, BDO, Crowe and RSM report meaningful revenue and focused sector teams.
• Headquarters influence: methods and innovation pipelines—Ernst Young is headquartered London—affect how practices evolve across countries.

Translating global strength to local client outcomes

Revenue alone does not guarantee the right match. We recommend probing for team CVs, recent comparable engagements, and the number of employees committed in Malaysia.

“Ask for evidence of local delivery: team experience, case studies, and the in-country employees you will rely on.”

Balance reputation with practical checks: sector track record, partner access, and the firm’s delivery model in Malaysia. That approach protects outcomes more effectively than ranking alone.

Matching firm strengths to your business needs

Selecting the right advisor starts with mapping service depth to your company’s stage. We align partner strengths to your priorities so you get practical delivery without excess scope.

SMEs, family businesses, and growth-stage companies

SMEs and family businesses need hands-on partner time and regional access. We recommend teams that offer pragmatic audit recommendations, scalable tax support, and outsourced CFO services.

Baker Tilly has broad local reach—about 9 offices and ~900 professionals—so it suits growth-stage needs where fast site coverage matters.

Listed companies, regulated sectors, and cross-border operations

Listed and regulated companies demand deep experience with group reporting, KAMs, and regulator engagement. Big Four teams are well suited for IPO readiness and complex disclosures.

For cross-border work, use networked member firms to keep methods consistent and controls aligned across entities.

• Match service bundles: SME audit + tax; growth adds valuation and transaction advisory.
• Check resource fit: confirm the employees assigned and escalation plans for peak periods.
• Calibrate advisory intensity to your finance maturity and onsite vs. remote cadence.
• Ask for Malaysia-based references in your sector to validate delivery and culture.

“Focus scope on material risks and key processes to avoid over-auditing while protecting compliance.”

Service deep dives for Malaysian companies

This section explores targeted interventions—risk, ESG, and digital—to strengthen finance functions. We focus on practical deliveries and clear timelines you can action.

Risk management and internal audit

We break down risk programs that align with Malaysian board oversight. Teams run risk assessments, test controls, and produce a phased internal audit schedule to cut disruption.

Practical point: request experienced employees on revenue recognition, inventory, and provisions to avoid rework.

ESG and sustainability assurance

Grant Thornton leads on business risk assessments and ESG audits. BDO supports sustainability reporting and baselining GHG data.

We outline limited vs. reasonable assurance scopes and map ESG criteria to stakeholder reporting needs.

Digital tools: analytics, cloud accounting, and reporting

EY Canvas, KPMG Clara, and RSM Luca speed evidence collection and transparency. YYC emphasises cloud accounting and digital bookkeeping to improve audit readiness.

• Phased internal audit across the year to cover high‑risk areas first.
• Deliverables: risk registers, control test matrices, ESG mappings, and analytics dashboards.
• Consulting roadmaps to close gaps and embed lasting process change.

Shortlist builder: a practical way to compare firms

Start by narrowing candidates with a clear checklist that ties sector experience to delivery timelines. We help you move from headline reputation to verifiable commitments so selection is defensible to boards and audit committees.

Sector expertise, team access, and turnaround times

Verify sector case studies and the specific experience of the engagement team. Ask for recent engagements in your industry and sample deliverables.

Confirm partner hours, senior manager continuity, and responsiveness expectations. These items reduce surprise scope creep during fieldwork.

Map offices near your plants or branches to cut travel time for inventory observations and site visits.

Fees, scope, and value-added advisory

Price both the bundled services (audit, tax, advisory) and unbundled options. This reveals where independence constraints or cost savings lie.

Quantify value-added items—process improvements, analytics dashboards, and ESG readiness—so fees reflect outcomes, not just compliance.

• Provide a document request pack and sample population expectations to test feasibility.
• Request staffing plans showing employees by grade and backup coverage for peak periods.
• Run independence checks, conflict assessments, and defined escalation paths before engagement letters are signed.
• Use a simple scoring template to compare proposals and justify selection to stakeholders.

“A concise, evidence-led shortlist removes ambiguity and protects timelines.”

Beyond the Big Four: cost-effective options without compromise

Cost-effective audit options can still meet rigorous standards when scoped intelligently. We show how mid-tier choices deliver reliable assurance and practical improvements at a lower price point.

Consider Baker Tilly for regional coverage and partner access. With around 900 employees and nine offices, they suit expanding SMEs that need fast site work and clear senior oversight.

Choose Grant Thornton where investigative depth matters. They excel at forensic and ESG-heavy audits that need specialised testing and independence.

• Crowe: robust statutory audits and targeted risk reviews.
• RSM: technology-enabled audit execution via RSM Luca for efficient sampling and documentation.
• YYC: SME-focused statutory audits paired with digital bookkeeping to speed month-end closes.

To keep costs down, align testing to materiality, prioritise key processes, and confirm data availability before fieldwork. Negotiate service-level expectations—response times, progress reporting, and escalation—so outcomes are protected.

“Mid-tier teams often deliver a broader range of practical improvements to finance processes during the audit.”

Choose mid-tier when you have clear audit needs, defined timelines, and a preference for senior team time over headline names. That approach gives you value without compromise.

Conclusion

Align firm capability to your risks and timeline. Match the list to your audit exposure, sector needs, and cross-border scope so you pick a partner that fits.

Prioritise practical fit over brand alone. Look for teams with digital tools (EY Canvas, KPMG Clara), partner time, and clear deliverables that reduce reporting risk and speed close.

Big Four scale, global revenue and methods suit complex companies and multi-country work. Mid-tier options offer senior attention, cost efficiency, and strong assurance for many Malaysian companies.

Request staffing by grade, local offices coverage, and a scoped fee. Shortlist two to three firms, run structured interviews on key risks and ESG, and set measurable success criteria: clean close, fewer adjustments, and actionable controls.

Contact us to refine your shortlist and scope an engagement that meets your reporting goals this year.

FAQ

What criteria did we use to select the firms featured in the list?

We evaluated audit quality, advisory breadth, and industry reputation, along with local presence across Malaysia, client feedback, staff expertise, and recent revenue trends. We also considered regulatory compliance, assurance methodology, and the range of services such as tax, risk, and digital consulting.

How do audit firms differ from accounting firms in practice?

Audit firms focus on assurance services, statutory audits, and internal control testing. Accounting firms provide end-to-end financial services including bookkeeping, tax compliance, management accounting, and advisory work such as valuations and transaction support.

Which global networks support Malaysian clients most effectively?

The Big Four — PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG — provide broad international resources and cross-border capabilities. Mid-tier networks such as BDO, RSM, Grant Thornton, and Crowe also offer strong global links with partner-led service and regional coverage.

How should an SME choose between a Big Four firm and a mid-tier firm like Baker Tilly or BDO?

SMEs should weigh cost versus specialization. Big Four firms deliver deep sector expertise and global reach, while mid-tier firms often provide more accessible partner contact, competitive fees, and tailored SME advisory services like digital bookkeeping and grant support.

What services set leading firms apart in Malaysia?

Leading firms differentiate through advanced audit and assurance methodologies, comprehensive tax planning, transactional advisory, risk management, ESG assurance, and cloud-based financial reporting tools that streamline compliance and provide real-time insights.

Are ESG and sustainability assurance widely available in Malaysia?

Yes. Many firms now offer ESG reporting, assurance engagements, and sustainability advisory to help clients meet regulatory expectations, investor demands, and reporting frameworks such as TCFD-aligned disclosures.

How do firms support IPO readiness and regulatory filings?

Firms provide IPO readiness services including financial statement restatements, internal control remediation, IFRS advisory, statutory audit readiness, and coordination with regulators and sponsors to meet listing requirements.

What role do digital tools and analytics play in modern audits?

Digital tools—data analytics, cloud accounting platforms, and automated testing—improve audit efficiency, uncover transaction anomalies, and enhance reporting. Firms such as KPMG (Clara) and RSM (Luca) integrate these tools into assurance workflows.

Can firms handle cross-border tax and transfer pricing issues for Malaysian companies?

Yes. Firms with international networks advise on cross-border structuring, transfer pricing documentation, withholding tax, and multinational tax compliance to reduce risk and optimize effective tax positions.

How do we recommend building a shortlist to compare firms?

Compare sector expertise, partner access, turnaround times, fee structures, and value-added advisory. Request proposals, assess references, and prioritize firms that align with your growth stage—SME, listed company, or regulated sector.

What should listed companies prioritize when selecting an audit partner?

Prioritize audit quality, independence, IFRS and regulatory expertise, experience with complex transactions, and strong technical resources for areas such as financial instruments, revenue recognition, and internal control testing.

How do reputation and global revenue rankings matter when choosing a firm?

Global revenue and rankings indicate scale and resource depth, but local client outcomes depend on partner continuity, industry knowledge, and the firm’s presence in Malaysia. Use rankings as one factor alongside client references and service fit.

Are cost-effective options available without compromising service quality?

Yes. Many reputable mid-tier and local firms deliver high-quality assurance and advisory services at competitive fees. They often offer closer partner involvement and practical solutions tailored to Malaysian SMEs and family businesses.