Business is one of the most popular fields of study worldwide. Among business majors, Accounting, Finance, and Management are the three most commonly chosen. However, their core focus, future development, course difficulty, and career fields are very different.
This article will help you understand the definitions, course content, suitable candidates, career prospects, and recommended universities for these three majors, so you can clarify your thinking and choose the most suitable academic and career path.
1. What is Accounting?
Accounting is an essential foundation of business operations, responsible for recording, organizing, and analyzing a company's financial information, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and providing key data for business decisions.
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Financial Reporting Standards
- Accounting Information Systems
- Business Law & Ethics
- Emphasis on accuracy and compliance
- Familiarity with international accounting standards (e.g., IFRS)
- Developing skills in financial statement analysis, tax, audit, and budgeting
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Finance Executive
- Cost / Management Accountant
- To become a chartered accountant, consider certifications like ACCA, CPA, CIMA, MICPA, etc.
2. What is Finance?
Finance focuses on the operation of money—including capital markets, investment decisions, banking systems, financial instruments, and risk management. It is a decision-oriented business science, emphasizing how to use funds to create maximum value.
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Analysis
- Financial Markets & Institutions
- Risk Management
- Portfolio Management
- Derivatives & Futures
- International Finance
- Emphasis on data analysis, forecasting, and financial logic
- Learning how to manage funds, asset allocation, and investment risk
- Meeting industry needs in banking, stock market, fintech, etc.
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Advisor
- Corporate Banking Officer
- Stockbroker / Wealth Management Advisor
- Risk Assessor / Credit Analyst
- Financial Planner
- For high-end finance roles (e.g., investment banking, securities analysis), consider CFA certification.
3. What is Management?
Management is the study of how to efficiently integrate human, financial, and material resources to achieve organizational goals. Management majors are trained as business "coordinators," focusing on organizational structure, leadership, business strategy, and operations management.
- Principles of Management
- Organizational Behaviour
- Strategic Management
- Human Resource Management
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Marketing Fundamentals
- Leadership & Business Communication
- Enhancing leadership and business thinking
- Developing problem-solving and team coordination skills
- Learning how to formulate business strategies and allocate resources
- Management Trainee
- Project / Operations Manager
- Corporate Executive / Business Consultant
- HR Manager / Team Leader
- Business Development Manager
- Management is suitable for students interested in big-picture thinking, coordination, and communication.
4. Comparison Table
| Aspect | Accounting | Finance | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Financial reporting, tax, audit | Investment, fund operation, risk management | Organization management, strategic thinking, leadership |
| Math Intensity | High (actuarial, reporting) | Medium-high (statistics, forecasting models) | Medium (practical communication) |
| Practical Skills | Tax filing, audit, accounting software | Financial analysis, data interpretation, financial modeling | Team management, business negotiation |
| Certifications | ACCA, CPA, CIMA, etc. | CFA, FRM, CFP, etc. | PMP, HR certifications, etc. |
| Employment Fields | Accounting firms, tax bureau, corporate finance | Banks, investment institutions, insurance companies | Corporate management, HR, admin, retail chain management |
| Entry Salary | Stable but moderate | Higher starting salary but competitive | Varies greatly, depends on position and company |
5. Who is Suitable for Which?
| If you… | Recommended Major |
|---|---|
| Like numbers, rules, clear logic | Accounting |
| Are interested in stocks, economic trends, investment | Finance |
| Are good at communication and leadership | Management |
| Pay attention to detail and compliance | Accounting |
| Like forecasting, analyzing charts, and making decisions | Finance |
| Want to start a business or manage a company | Management |
6. Course Difficulty & Learning Style
- Focuses on logic and bookkeeping rules
- Emphasizes accuracy and compliance
- Extensive use of accounting standards and regulations
- Focuses on analysis and judgment
- Includes data processing and market simulation
- Requires some math and statistics ability
- Focuses on practical cases and team projects
- Emphasizes communication, HR, organizational behavior
- Mainly creative thinking and leadership skills
7. Recommended Universities & Courses (Malaysia/China/International)
- Malaysia: Monash University Malaysia Bachelor of Accounting / Finance / Business Management; Sunway University business courses in collaboration with Lancaster University; Taylor’s University offers various business double majors; University of Malaya (UM) accounting and finance highly recognized by employers; Asia Pacific University (APU) strong in fintech, business management, entrepreneurship
- China: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics top in finance and accounting; University of International Business and Economics bilingual courses in finance and international management; Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management top management courses; Sun Yat-sen University School of Management strong in management research
- International: University of Melbourne / UNSW (Australia) world-class in finance & accounting; London School of Economics (LSE) finance and management powerhouse; University of Toronto / UBC (Canada) strong in accounting and business studies; University of Manchester / Warwick Business School (UK) strong in management and finance
8. FAQ
- Q1: Which is better for employment, Finance or Accounting?
Both are in high demand. Finance is more investment and market-oriented, requiring financial sensitivity; Accounting is more stable and consistently needed. - Q2: Is Management too "broad"?
Management is a generalist major, suitable for those with a clear industry direction (e.g., HR, operations, entrepreneurship). Combine with internships or electives to strengthen your focus. - Q3: Do you have to take ACCA for Accounting?
Not required, but for chartered accountant status or better job prospects, consider ACCA, CPA, etc. - Q4: Is Finance math very difficult?
Finance requires some math and statistics, but not as complex as actuarial science. More about logic and market analysis.
9. Conclusion
Although Accounting, Finance, and Management are all business majors, the skills and career paths they develop are very different:
If you value professionalism and love rules and numbers, choose Accounting.
If you love markets and are good at analysis and investment, choose Finance.
If you want to improve leadership and manage teams or companies, choose Management.
Remember, there is no "good or bad" major, only what suits you. Understanding your personality and goals is the key to future success.
US 13179 
GB 10463 
CA 9597 
AU 9049 
IE 6784 
BR 2475 
NZ 1937 
CN 1025 
