Global Accounting Associate

Role: Global Accounting Associate

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Job type: Full time, Permanent (Hybrid)

Why QS?

At QS, we believe that work should empower you. That’s why we foster a flexible working environment that encourages every employee to own their career whilst thriving personally and professionally. Our company values underpin everything we do – we collaborate, respect and support each other.

It’s our mission to empower motivated people around the world to fulfil their potential through higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that change lives.

Our diversity makes us stronger. By sharing our experiences, we learn from one another and achieve more together, driving progress across the sector.

At QS, you’ll be responsible for implementing real change in the international higher education landscape. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that see a positive impact across the business and the wider sector.

We’re confident you’ll feel right at home here. QS was named as one of Newsweek’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces in the UK (October 2023) – recognition of the respect, trust and appreciation that drive our culture every day.

As a Global Accounting Associate, this is what you’ll be doing:

This role is perfect for a motivated and detail-oriented professional with a strong foundation in financial reporting, taxation, compliance, and process improvement.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, embraces flexibility, and has a passion for growth. If you’re excited about learning and developing your skills through a blend of hands-on experience and structured opportunities, this role offers the ideal platform to take your career to the next level.

Role responsibilities

You’ll take ownership of finance operations across our subsidiaries, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance while driving improvements. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing finance functions such as statutory and management reporting, taxation, compliance, and treasury for subsidiaries in Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong.
• Supporting month-end and year-end financial close processes alongside the senior members of the finance team.
• Preparing and reviewing monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Assisting with year-end audits and statutory accounts, ensuring timely and accurate responses to advisors.
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders through clear and effective communication.

Key skills and experience

We’re excited to meet candidates who bring a unique mix of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CPA, MICPA, or equivalent).
• Relevant post-qualification experience, preferably with exposure to external or internal audit and corporate environments. However, candidates with diverse career paths and transferable skills are welcome to apply.
• Strong proficiency in written and spoken English to collaborate effectively across global teams.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, and eager to learn new IT tools and applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels worldwide.
• A proactive problem solver with a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative team player with enthusiasm for learning and self-development, bringing a positive and growth-oriented mindset to the role.
This role offers the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive team, where your unique experiences and perspectives are valued as part of our success

So, who are we and what do we do?

QS is the world leader in higher education services, analytics, insights and intelligence. From consultancy to student mobility, academic partnerships to branding solutions, our services power both institutional and individual success.

We’re behind the world’s most widely read university rankings (Meltwater 2023). Our QS World University Rankings reach hundreds of millions, shaping decisions and guiding futures.

Since launching in 1990, our impact and influence have only grown. Today, we work with more than 2,000 of the world’s leading higher education institutions, over 12,000 employers, and governments seeking change and socioeconomic development through higher education.

Join QS and you’ll join an 800-strong community of problem-solvers, creators, collaborators and change-makers based in 40+ countries and 11 international offices, including Australia, Malaysia, India, Romania, Singapore, France, Germany, the USA and our headquarters in London.

With every talented new hire, business acquisition and bold initiative, we’re strengthening our reach and delivering even greater value to institutions and learners worldwide. Are you ready to shape the future of higher education?

We take investing in our people very seriously.

As standard you will have:

• Competitive base salary
• Access to an annual bonus scheme (for qualifying roles only)
• 20 days annual leave, plus public holidays
• Generous maternity and paternity leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and MiCare health
A vibrant social environment and multicultural and multinational culture

But that’s not all. Outside of these standard benefits we also offer resources to allow professional growth and wellness initiatives to nurture a healthy mindset:

• Free subscription to the Calm App – the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
• A focus on welfare which is led by our global wellness team, with mental health first aiders globally
• Access to a variety of diversity and inclusion initiatives and groups
• Strong recognition and reward programs – including a peer-to-peer recognition platform, quarterly and annual QS Applaud Awards, Connect with your Career annual PD event
• Support for volunteering and study leave
• Free subscription to LinkedIn learning – with over 5000 courses and programmes at your fingertips
• Options to join our outstanding global Mentorship programme
Brand new breakout and relaxing spaces in office

Like what you’ve heard? Great, apply now!

As a candidate, we know the application and interview process can be daunting and so it’s important that you have a great experience with us. Our dedicated Talent Team will work hard to ensure you are fully informed at all stages and you are really excited by this opportunity to do meaningful work in the education space.

Equal opportunities

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is proud to be a fair and equal organisation where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their background or personal attributes. We celebrate our diversity and believe through sharing our experiences we can learn from one another, be stronger together, and enable our business to thrive.