Accounting is more than just financial statements.
Did you know that accounting has grown from simple bookkeeping to being applied in system development? In 2018, Jason Sian and Ricky Wijaya created Workspez Cloud Accounting Solution to help accountants and business owners manage their financial accounts via a friendly UI.
The system, now adopted by large enterprise clients such as United Overseas Bank, Maybank, and Astra Ventura, allows accountants to scan and upload business transaction documents for the purpose of their extraction and conversion into digital data, automatically inputting it into existing accounting solutions in the market.
Have our fundamentals changed with the modernisation of accounting?
While technology has become the forefront of development in the business and finance sectors, the fundamentals of accounting remain constant in the field.
What are these fundamentals? Can we learn about accounting online? What are the important online resources to prepare for the ACCA exam?
What are the fundamentals of accounting?
If humans were to use a single way to describe what accounting is, it would be through the Fundamental Accounting Equation. Very simply put, the fundamentals of accounting can be united into one equation:
Assets = Liabilities + Equity
What does the fundamental accounting equation mean?
The equation represents the relationship between the three elements of a balance sheet: assets, liabilities, and shareholders' (or owners') equity. According to the formula, assets have economic value and can be used to benefit a business now or in the future - this can mean fixed assets like buildings, financial assets such as stocks, or intangible assets like patents and trademarks.
Liabilities refer to the debts the business has incurred, such as loans, warranties, mortgages and deferred revenues. Equity is the amount that would remain if the business liquidated all its assets and settled all debts. This remainder, which would be returned to the shareholders, depicts the total value of the business expressed in the local currency.
Why is the equation fundamental to accounting?
This straightforward formula tells us that the total assets of a business are equal to its liabilities plus its shareholders' equity. Hence, the assets of the business increase in the presence of more equity, and vice versa. In addition, more liabilities will decrease equity; with fewer liabilities, this equity increases.
These concepts are fundamental to modern accounting methods - the most popular one being the double-entry bookkeeping system. Now adopted around the globe, the double-entry bookkeeping system is designed to accurately reflect the total assets of a company.
Is there a foundation in accounting?
There is! You might be wondering what the first few steps are to get onto an accounting degree in Malaysia - taking a foundation in accounting is one way to start, although there are also other pre-university courses you can enrol in to kickstart your career in accounting.
To get onto a foundation in accounting, you will need at least 5 credits in relevant subjects from your SPM results or other equivalent qualifications, including Mathematics, Additional Mathematics and English. However, another option is to take A-Levels, such as the GCE A-Level in Accounting - this would also lead you towards taking an accounting degree.
For a more cost-friendly option, you can opt for STPM instead of taking a foundation in accounting. All you need is a compulsory credit in the Malay subject and a pass in Sejarah from your SPM examination. With STPM, you can apply to both public and private universities or colleges that offer an accounting degree in Malaysia.
However, if you'd like to learn just the basic knowledge of accounting for a job related to the fields of accounting and finance, you can spend 2 years studying for an accounting diploma and skip the accounting degree. You will need to pass your SPM or another equivalent with a minimum of 3 credits, including English and Mathematics, to get onto a diploma in accounting.
Learn the fundamentals of accounting
Can I learn about accounting online?
The great news is that you now can! Even if you are taking an accounting degree in Malaysia, having access to online resources can help increase your understanding of the concepts and practical applications of accounting. Here are some important ACCA resources that are available online:
Study Guide
The ACCA Study Guide covers the broad goals and rationale of the syllabus, which will guide you on how syllabus areas are linked, provide detailed content about the subject areas, and the learning outcomes. There is also a list of relevant readings provided in the guide.
Pilot Paper
A paper-based exam, the ACCA Pilot Paper is an indicative exam to represent future exams (think of it like an SPM trial paper). The sample answers are also accompanied by a rationale to help candidates understand questions they are unable to answer correctly.
Examiner's Report
The Examiner's Report is written after every ACCA exam session - the examiner analyses exam statistics to find questions in which candidates had the most difficulty, then, with a representative sample of these questions, explains misunderstandings or clarifies specific areas of knowledge.
Examiner's Approach Interview
Using professional actors, the examiner responds to the interviewer by introducing the paper related to the ACCA qualification and highlighting its links to other papers. The overall concept and main themes of the paper, the main content areas, the structure of the exam, and study tips for the paper are covered.
These ACCA resources are available for free on the study support resources page of the official ACCA Global website. Alongside these, students often find it useful to explore some of the best books to study for ACCA, which complement the official resources and provide additional depth. You can even read books to study accounting and ACCA in 2021, many of which remain relevant and valuable for learners preparing in 2025.
ACCA Online Study Material vs Traditional Resources: What Works Best?
For Malaysian students preparing for their ACCA exams, the choice between online study material and traditional resources is increasingly important. With accountancy being one of the most sought-after career paths, students are looking for the most effective way to access complete and reliable information.
Both approaches have their strengths, and the best decision often depends on your study habits, budget, and the level of support you need. By comparing these methods side by side, students can better plan their revision time and choose the resources that will help them perform with confidence.
Discussion
Online study material has become popular due to its accessibility, flexibility, and range of features. Students can access live classes, PDF notes, mock tests, and subscription-based platforms that provide continuous support. This method is particularly useful for adult learners balancing work and study, as it allows them to progress unit by unit at their own pace. In Malaysia, where the price of professional courses can be a barrier, online resources are often more affordable compared with traditional study packages.
Traditional resources, such as printed textbooks, classroom courses, and hard copy revision guides, still carry strong value. Many students believe that reading from a physical unit of study material helps them retain details more effectively.
Moreover, live in-person teaching in Malaysia provides direct interaction with accountants, lecturers, and peers, which builds confidence in applied knowledge. However, traditional resources may lack flexibility and may demand more time to attend scheduled classes, which can be difficult for students with work commitments.
Below is a balanced comparison that outlines the main features, pros, and cons of each approach.
ACCA Online Study Material
- Online resources provide immediate access to information, often through subscription platforms that allow students to download PDF notes and practise CBE questions.
- Students can engage in live classes, join support forums, and attempt mock exams online, which gives them applied practice and performance tracking in real time.
- Online platforms allow students to manage their revision time flexibly, making it easier for adults and working accountants to balance study with their careers.
- Many online study providers in Malaysia offer affordable packages with clear price details, making it easier for students to access advanced revision material at lower costs.
- With online access, students can buy complete courses instantly and begin studying without waiting for shipping or class registration delays.
Traditional Resources
- Traditional resources rely on physical books and classroom sessions, which give students complete study units but often require buying them at a higher price.
- Students benefit from face-to-face interaction with lecturers, detailed explanations during class, and peer discussions that build applied skills in a structured manner.
- Classroom-based courses demand fixed time commitments, which may limit flexibility but encourage discipline and steady progression through each course unit.
- Traditional methods often involve higher costs for printed books, revision classes, and mock exams, which may not be financially accessible to every student.
- In traditional learning, students must wait for classes to start or for books to arrive, which can slow down their preparation for exams.
For Malaysian students, both online study material and traditional resources play a significant role in ACCA preparation. Online options stand out for flexibility, lower price, and advanced features such as live classes, PDF downloads, and strategic mock exams. On the other hand, traditional resources offer structured units, real-time lecturer support, and in-person engagement that many students find valuable.
Ultimately, the best approach may be a combination of both—using online tools for revision, access, and performance support, while relying on classroom teaching or printed books for applied learning. Alongside these methods, following practical study tips for ACCA students to succeed in the accounting course can make preparation more efficient and help ensure every student is better equipped for exams and future opportunities in the world of accountancy.
Best Platforms Offering ACCA Online Books Free to Students in Malaysia
For Malaysian students preparing for ACCA, study resources can be a major concern, especially when balancing affordability and quality. Fortunately, several credible platforms provide genuinely free books, notes, and exam support to help students prepare effectively. These resources are recognised globally and trusted by students who want guidance that is both accessible and reliable. The following list highlights some of the best platforms that offer free ACCA materials, along with flexible learning opportunities.
Platforms and Their Highlights
ACCA Study Hub (Official)
This official ACCA platform delivers complete online study content across all exam levels. It includes interactive units, practice quizzes, and revision flashcards that are kept fully up to date with the syllabus. Accessible via your myACCA account, it ensures that Malaysian students are working with material that reflects the latest exam standards.
ACCA Technical Articles & Past Papers (Official)
ACCA’s website hosts technical articles, examiner reports, and past exam papers that can be accessed free of charge. These resources provide insight into how examiners assess answers and the level of detail expected in professional reporting. For Malaysian students, this is especially useful when practising written responses and time management under exam conditions.
Superprof
Superprof is a global tutoring platform connecting students with more than 29 million teachers across 50 countries. In Malaysia, students can use the platform to find private tutors specialising in ACCA and accountancy subjects. Every tutor on Superprof offers the first class free, which allows students to try lessons before committing. The platform is also known for being highly transparent about its pricing, making private support both affordable and flexible for ACCA candidates.
Each platform brings unique strengths to ACCA preparation in Malaysia. The ACCA Study Hub ensures syllabus accuracy, and ACCA’s resources guide students with real examiner insight. Superprof offers the added advantage of personalised one-to-one tuition for ACCA in Malaysia at affordable rates, with the first class free. By combining these free study materials with tailored support, Malaysian students can strengthen their preparation and progress confidently towards their ACCA goals.
Maximising Your Results with Regular ACCA Online Test Practice
Preparing for ACCA exams requires more than just reading textbooks or reviewing notes. Success comes from practising under real conditions, and this is where regular online test practice plays a vital role. For Malaysian students, online platforms make it easier to simulate exam settings, improve speed, and refine accuracy. By making test practice a routine, you can build both confidence and performance.
Building Exam Familiarity
One of the most effective ways to reduce exam stress is by becoming familiar with the question formats and timing. ACCA online tests often mirror the structure of the official computer-based exams, giving you direct insight into what to expect. By attempting these tests frequently, students in Malaysia learn to manage time effectively and avoid last-minute surprises. Familiarity not only boosts confidence but also strengthens exam technique.
Improving Speed and Accuracy
Timing is a common challenge for many students, especially when dealing with applied questions or complex scenarios. Regular online test practice helps you sharpen your ability to interpret questions quickly and answer with precision. As you attempt more tests, your accuracy improves because you become skilled at identifying patterns and common question types. Over time, this translates into stronger performance during the actual exam.
Tracking Progress and Identifying Gaps
Practising regularly also allows you to monitor your progress and highlight areas needing more revision. Many online platforms provide feedback reports showing your strengths and weaknesses across different subjects. Malaysian students can use these insights to focus study time on weaker areas while reinforcing stronger topics. This targeted approach ensures balanced preparation and prevents knowledge gaps from affecting exam performance.
Developing Exam Strategy
Online tests encourage students to develop strategies that go beyond simply knowing the syllabus. For instance, you can practise prioritising easier questions to secure marks quickly before moving on to more advanced ones. Regular testing also trains you to allocate time efficiently across sections, preventing you from spending too long on a single unit. With practice, these strategies become second nature and improve your overall results.
Building Confidence for Success
Confidence plays a vital role in exam outcomes, and regular test practice helps build it steadily. By experiencing success in practice tests, Malaysian students develop a positive mindset before entering the exam hall. Confidence reduces anxiety and allows you to perform at your true potential. The more you practise under timed conditions, the more prepared and assured you will feel, ultimately boosting your readiness not just for exams but also for shaping a strong career in the ACCA and accounting in the future.
Regular online test practice is one of the most valuable tools for maximising your ACCA results. It builds familiarity with the exam, sharpens speed and accuracy, highlights areas for improvement, and helps develop effective strategies. Most importantly, it builds the confidence needed to perform well on the day. For Malaysian students, incorporating consistent online practice into study routines is not just an option but a key step towards exam success.
Online accounting degree in Malaysia
Can I take accounting classes online?
Yes! Some universities and colleges are now offering fully online courses to students who want to study for an accounting degree in Malaysia. Let's take a look at some tertiary institutions in Malaysia that are offering online accounting courses at the bachelor's level.
Open University Malaysia
OUM offers a Bachelor of Accounting with Honours, which is accompanied by accreditation from CPA Australia. The programme structure covers five main areas, including accounting and finance, organisational and business knowledge, IT, and communication skills.
The course can be completed in a duration of 5 years. If you are a Malaysian resident, the total cost of studying for an online degree in OUM's Bachelor of Accounting amounts to RM30,016 in tuition fees.
UOW Malaysia KDU
UOW Malaysia KDU's Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) programme has been designed in collaboration with the ACCA, making this online course a sensible choice for those who want to earn a globally recognised professional accounting qualification.
Graduates who have completed the programme will be granted exemptions (not having to sit for certain papers) in qualifying for the ACCA, CIMA and CPA Australia. However, this 3-year course will cost you a total of RM69,330 in tuition fees.
Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)
Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak offers an online course for a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, which is professionally accredited through CPA Australia, CIMA, ACCA and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
Students who have successfully graduated are therefore eligible to apply for membership with these professional bodies. For Malaysian students, the annual tuition fee sits at RM25,680 (RM77,040 for a total of 3 years), whereas the annual tuition fee for international students is RM32,520 (RM97,560 for 3 years).
How to study an accounting degree in Malaysia?
Would you like to get a head start on your accounting degree? Look no further because Superprof is bringing you the best accounting tutors to help you succeed in your studies!
Did you know that Superprof has over 18,000 accounting tutors? Our qualified and experienced tutors are ready to help you learn the accounting concepts and their practical applications - you just need to visit our private tutors' page to check out our catalogue of accounting tutors.
Perhaps you'd like to learn online instead of traditional face-to-face learning. That's no problem at all! You can choose to learn with an accounting tutor in your area or via webcam - the choice is entirely yours. What's more, you get to choose your preferred tutor - learn about the Superprof accounting tutors by visiting their profiles.
When you are ready to book a lesson with a Superprof tutor, remember that you'll have to sign up with Superprof - after that, feel free to schedule a class with your tutor. Get in touch with your accounting tutor for free and make learning accounting easy!
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