Worked as a finance manager for 8 years in this co. Trouble is during the MCO, my boss placed me in a dead end job nothing to do with accounting and i did this job for the next 6 years. Destroyed my accounting career.

Whole day I do nothing but cut cost from other department. Hated this role. Told my boss many times that I wanted to out from this role, but my fault being too good at negotiating budget reductions that he retained me there.

I tried applying out of the company, but with this 8 years experience of doing this sampah job, no co wants to hire me. Making it worse, I am already in my late 40s.

I was too honest in my cv, didn't change it. Felt so demoralized, application after application kena rejected in jobstreet and almost zero response from linked-in.

I have another colleague in a similar predicament as me. He also was made to do dead end job nothing to do with accountancy, and he is a finance manager in my co. He got some job recruiters to "paint brush" his cv to make it look like he does closing work, budgeting, financial analysis, accounting software solutions, audited accounts compilation, internal controls, etc. But when he got his new job, he got caught by his new employers, as he struggled to proof that he could do those work, they investigated him and found that he lied in his CV, and buang kerja him.

So because of this, I am very careful not to lie in my CV and still use that dead end job description that I am currently doing to apply for work.

Still, I managed to get job interviews (not many), but I struggled when hiring manager asked me what I did in my current work. I tried to pitch my past job experience, but they were more interested in current experience. WHen they heard what i was doing is too operational, they just wasn't interested in my application.

And there was those that were interested to hire me: I did a background check on those co, and found that they were making losses, have cash flow issues, in net liability position. I didn't join them as I was concern about my long term prospects as those co show a big worry over how long they can last as a going concern,

And then there was one or two good companies, but they wanted me to work 7 days a week. I didnt' want to work like that.

Just saying, if you have kids or you are going to uni, please don't take accounting degree. I really envy those people in operation. They can so easily find jobs. My colleague even after he retired, because of his experience, his past colleague recommend him to new job. Accountants? Nobody bother to recommend us. We have to apply for jobs if current co no prospects. And then there is that dreaded finance closing. If you enter new company, new industry, you have to figure out how to do closing. Worse of all, if you have to handle finance staff everyday complain to you they want to resign because lack of prospects. When they leave, nobody else know how to do the work, understand the accounting system (so many system out there Oracle, SAP, etc). So you have to placaid the staff. Then every month closing have to stay back until midnight sometimes work in weekend. WHile you see your operation colleagues go back home at 530pm. Then finance environment also not so happy place to work, mostly women environment. I see operation people can go out to see clients, don't have to clock in to office. Everyday go into office have to clock in. Sigh...

So this is story of my life...late 40s stuck can't get out of this dreary company. My CV looks like crap because I have been doing dead end job for 8 years,, no company wants to hire me for my accounting expertise. Sigh...this is my rant.

I also want to add:
Other people in operational just look to tomorrow don't have to worry about yesterday.
Accountants? we have to worry about things 10 years ago. Why? Because suddenly internal audit or external audit will ask you things.
Have to clear in suspense account: legacy left by your predecessors to clear shit.
Sigh, again don't join accountancy, you have to clean shit years ago. And if IT don't design Oracle or SaP properly more shit will come out.
Worse of all, internal audit everyday press why this why that, then finance have to be the police other departments show black face at you.

If youre near late 40s juz stay on for few more years then can retire lo

dude your experience now is cutting cost.. that's your job, your bread and butter.. why you neglect that.. when you say your honest most likely your putting it in your cv in a negative way, try to make that as your selling point instead.. sometimes cutting cost is about cost avoidance, cost optimization. don't get them mix up. it's so important in today's world to ensure companies are sustainable.

i hope your selling this in your cv as well.. that's what required in every org. someone acting as the displinary board, ensuring consistency is there to meet audit, the standards and what's more important the quality.

i have no idea but just don't yolo and quit and do ehailing while looking... u gonna get stuck an even worse position

What are your qualifications? If you are qualified and has been performing, there is no reason why you cant get better deals elsewhere considering that as FM you have the most versatility.

Bro, be contented you still employed.

ya wo, i'm sure many companies would hire want to hire someone like you especially during times like these

Company dont really prefer to hire late 40s employees..

So just suck it up.. Dont think about it too much.. Just think it is just a job to get money at the end of the month

Also, dont downgrade yourself going to small or loss making company. Been there, not fun at all not getting bonuses and zero increment

This post has been edited by adamhzm90: Jun 7 2025, 08:58 AM

Stay until retire

I see nothing wrong. Why not just work until retirement?

Ts, how much your current salary?

I wish I could relate... It sucks

bit contradictory when TS mention can’t get new job but need to keep own staff because no one know how to do their role. yr boss might view you the same. maybe time to ask for higher pay instead? or talk to boss to explore job scope expansion so you can transition?

about outside opportunities, might be TS salary expectation too high already? it also does sound like you have opportunities but don’t want to risk jumping. 8 years is a long time and the anxiety is understandable. but it’s rare to jump from something you hate directly to something you love. often takes a few moves.

gd luck! doesnt sound too bleak or dead end.

Rebrand your job title to “Finance Business Improvement Specialist”

More sexy for recruiter or hiring manager to call you up

Agree. accounting career is a dead end job

told my kids, don't study accounting or work with a bank

my only advice to you bro, is hang on to your job until retirement

ppl our age, unless you carry minimum HOD, or CFO minus one, very difficult to find job

I thought working in bank kinda lucrative and stable? Banks profit every year got bonus for staff?

Attached File(s)
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Can't u upskill yrself by learning those courses online?

maybe the dilemma is, he likes strawberry jam and tiramisu, dislike this bread and butter, should've choose jam and tiramisu earlier but
too late now, and this bread and butter is eating him away now?

How do we check if the company is a loss making company?

Sometimes Glassdoor, Indeed or Jobstreet review can't really trust 100%

This post has been edited by xpole: Jun 7 2025, 10:54 AM

Hello good sir.

What you first need, is mental breakthrough.

I can tell you must have been through a lot stress. The obstacles has worn you down greatly. The way you present yourself may not be the best representation of your story telling. The victimization mental state you carry in your story does not necessarily position you under a good spotlight right now. However, this is just a quick judgement from your post and not intended from personal attack.

Perhaps I can suggest you dissect your problem and tackle it differently. I think a perfect solution maybe difficult to catch.

Lemme try a preliminary noob summarize version using ur post.

1. 8 years in a position you are unhappy with and unable to leave. Wasted precious years and gain little valuable skillset.

Hhmmm your role is actually not a bad role.
Many companies out there require this skillset IMHO.
Speaking from personal experience too.

Perhaps seek opportunity in company to expand your scope?
As the budget expert. Develop a framework that allows dept to present their yearly plan in a forum for all to comment and feedback, good or bad. This promotes standardization of work and good benchmark between dept. Healthy competition. Helps other und who underspend and overspend. You could drive this. Revisit and lead assessment. Develop process and framework for this. Chatgpt can easily help you with the skeleton plan and you fill in the meat.

2. You are unable to find a good job with ur skillset and age factor.

I would agree age maybe a disadvantage. However, I feel age can be a weapon too bcos it spells maturity as first impression. Do you know today application for jobs goes up to hundreds? Hence you need to be equipped with knowledge on how job seeking works today. AI and BOTS actually do first level vet through of resume before human even touch it.
If you unable to have a good key words, ur resume eliminated before any real life eyes set on it. There are even website that does scoring for your resume based on job description you are applying to tell u if ur resume is good or bad. Gone are the days where 1 resume can be used for all job applications.

I would suggest you paint your job abit more sexy. It's not fake, don't worry. Just the popular terms such as financial and budget controller, p&l controller, budget and spend analysis, cost synergy driver, synergy and cost management. Pair this with numbers of many rm achieved. This is super crucial. Do you know your role actually require superb communication skills to make it happen?

3. Skills outdated, cannot beat system knowledge.

Long shot but achievable eventually.

If you can't beat them, join them. Join courses of system that helps you level up ur job. If too lazy to learn how to execute it, learn the knowledge so you can lead the executors. SAP all these are the future. You can't escape it. Get the knowledge, marry it to function and see through smooth operation and add value to business to drive revenue.

To do the above, you need mental breakthrough.
Get a coach? Go gym to improve looks to regain confidence?
Upskill and present yourself better?

Those are the things I would do. Age can be a weapon.

Don't be too selective when job offer to you. Sometimes jumping in a small pond makes you the big fish. Sometimes a struggling company means a lot opportunity for you to fix problems and gain new achievement.

Good luck, sir. You are only human hence your feelings are valid but don't let it get you down. It's not showstopper in my opinion. With some motivation and right mindset, breakthrough is entirely possible. Jia youuuu

This post has been edited by Pugface: Jun 7 2025, 11:15 AM

Sorry, just out of curiosity — why do you say that?

Isn’t accounting considered a white-collar profession regulated by professional bodies like the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), which requires Continuing Professional Development (CPD), similar to doctors, architects, and engineers?

From a quick check, MIA mandates 20 CPD hours annually and 60 hours over a 3-year cycle.

If CPD is required, wouldn’t that help ensure accountants remain professionally competent and stay updated on regulatory changes, tax laws, auditing standards, and financial reporting frameworks? Doesn’t that make them more hirable, as they continuously keep their knowledge current and relevant to the field?

Apply GM or CFO job. Move up instead of lateral. Work for a few yrs enu to cover 10yrs of your current role. All operations work currently hire ppl with financial background with cost cutting. It's a skillset. You have great potential. Don't give up.

Repackej ur job scope

Say u r expert in rightsizing and meeting company budget for proper resource allocation seeking maximum efficiency

GL

Maybe your outlook in life is the point of your stress. You are in your late 40s, I would say that you would have pass your prime and the height of your competitiveness. Maybe would well to consider to coast towards your retirement. Why do you put pressure on yourself as if you are meant for more ? When you use the term dead end, it tells me you are looking to climb the ladder further.

I have always find it puzzling why people look at accounting as one of the top desirable profession. Now AI is one of the prime tech to replace accountants.

if you see from another POV, while its a career dead end. you can now just automate yourself in that role then focus on other things to enjoy life?

many of my ex colleagues are in 40s, all still working a basic sales role which isnt very technically demanding, but theyre steadily sailing with decent salary + commissions + time, which allows them to do other things in their life instead. in short, their main job is considered a "part time" to them, while they can use the time to do other things like investments or enjoy with family etc

Companies love people that can cut cost. Maybe consider Singapore?

Sometimes Singapore value stuff that Malaysian cannot see.

If its a public listed berhad company, easily can google their annual profit/loss..

Private company susah la

Totally 100% your fault. Nothing to do with accounting or what you studied in your younger times.

No idea where you get the idea of what you study will dictate what you do for the rest of your life.
Just for your reference, I'm also an accounting graduate, 2nd class upper honors.

Do you know what I'm doing now?
Head of Marketing and also dabbling with cloud engineering as part of my side gigs (Some big MNCs are my clients and I still managing their stack). Totally unrelated to what I studied.

Point is upskilling is important and don't hold back - dabble and explore into what you like to do.

Sorry to say this, the problem is you

Nothing to do with your current job experience. Its all about how you sell your skills to the next company to hire you.

You even got offers to join a good company, but you reject cause have to work 7 days. You could take that job, work for 1-2 years then go to somewhere that is less intensive. Consider it a sacrifice to "freshen" your CV. But no, you damn picky.

Can see TS attitude also lackadaisical and nonchalant. Open tered and yet has no courtesy to check in and respond a bit. Good luck with that attitude in real life.

Wow

My dream job. A boring job is a dream job for me

U shud start to take up programme or courses related to ai implementation to office operation.

Then when u got to know a few of those ai product head to toe, u can rebrand urself to become consultant.

Cut cost without compromising production or operational effiency..

So 1 side is cut cost, another side is become ai sales man, help company transition into ai..

Then u can pitch ur celery high high

I know this is serious kopitiam but I just can't resist to let you know, Man Utd now is in real need of someone of your speciality and calibre

Accountant here, it can be diversify into many area because all business transaction related to account finance

I don't understand what u means dead end role, u doing costing?

Was accountant here but I resigned. Same as what TS mentioned and rant.

I am now doing shopee and I have stable income without stress.

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=5500251&hl=

suddenly TS become younger...51yo become late 40.

go get an mba

Co getting more toxic. Battle between Team A and Team B. I am neither one, but the pressure is heating up due to stiff competition in the industry, with layoffs.

I am talking about the finance industry overall. I've done this before, (not at current co), when you come in you are at mercy of the accounting staff aunties who knows the inside out of the accounting system, industry, way things are done on the excel spreadsheet.

Currently I am doing a cost cutting and revenue chasing targeting job which is not in demand.

I can't really tell whether is my salary expectation, my age or my JD. I wish Jobstreet or Linkedin got a system whereby if employer rejects they can state the reason.


I did. Not much success

I have a question for you. DId you go straight to Marketing right after you graduated in accountancy?
Are you a double degree holder? IT/Accountancy?
Are you currently single or have family commitments?

Its exactly what I want to know. They rejecting me because my CV is not presentable? my age? my JD is all wrong?

Actually I've been trying to find job for past 5 years - still hard. Only recently past 1 year is this bad. I kena 50% rejection in jobstreet. Its the moment I hit 49. So I am kind of worried. My topic is now. Last year I never had this problem.

I wish I can take that job. Really. But I can't.
Because I've got family commitments, I can't work 7 days. I got a very young family. But that's another topic.

Co getting more toxic, I can lose my job soon

thanks I will try these words: cost avoidance, cost optimization.

I may not be soon. Co getting more layoffs.

51 and 49 not much difference but most of it is true. 6 years in dead end position, then final year I managed to move to another position.
Already got. Not much use.

I am thinking of going into real estate.

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wow thanks

with an mba u still feel urself a deadwood ? better go get councelling already

He wrote late 40's - doesnt mean 40 right?

Can sell goods in pasar malam liao

its maybe even harder.. u got saving to last you years? u need to build your your momentum and clientele before u make big bucks.. thas is if you make it.. for all the successsful real estate negotiator u don't see the countless ones that didn't make it.. i was one of them who did not manage to make money from real estate.. if u really want to go into it.. try part time and see if you have the aptitude for it.. do it after work or on weekends and see if it works for you first.... don't jump head first

or so online trading on shoppe like u

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...83&hl=palisades

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...51&hl=palisades

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...97&hl=palisades

This guy keep on having problem from time to time; from the company, staff, managements. The only thing he dont have problem is himself. Maybe take some time to re-evaluate yourself to see if the you are actually the real problem? Looking for attention u dont get from your real life?

yeah. How you do know about I am doing Shopee? You must be watching me in shopee live.

I think many of k/tards are just tiup water only? So don't reply in serious to save time to type?

the loss making company may suit you, they need someone to negotiate

here, you sark yik

Sometime the topic in serious k are good and eye-opening. Sometime yes, people do need help. But this guy, u can see from the topic he open, he dont even bother to listen. When people give him strong advice or corrected him, he tend to be over protective. Sometime people need to learn that the problem does not lie with other people, its yourself.

Maybe create a lot of post to build up post count? I think posting topic in serious K will be counted in post count, right?

I think Serious K posts are not counted.

Edited: Oh yes, counted.

This post has been edited by GalaxyV: Jun 8 2025, 11:35 AM

THIS.

with so many companies out there "downsizing", you gotta count your blessings son

there are many out there who are eager to replace you with fraction of salary that u get now

from getting fixed salary to chasing sales, seriously being a salesman is not for everyone

this achong09 memang suka buat cerita tipu

mod please move this unserious thread to normal kopitiam section thank you

This post has been edited by JimbeamofNRT: Jun 8 2025, 12:01 PM

confirm is his dupe account?

thank you for sharing, good sir.

see the writing style, and notice the ... <--

bcombat already point out the obvious

banyak orang gila in /k/

This post has been edited by JimbeamofNRT: Jun 8 2025, 12:09 PM

There is so much inconsistency in his stories

he said he already stuck in his line for the past 8 years. in other thread he said he just joined the co

Charm. I like to use ... this too

Because to a lot of people accounting is just being a book keeper. Just like doctor but we know a gp earns way less than say a neurosurgeon.

Just so you know... As you go up the ladder, sales and marketing becomes more and more core to your profession.

At the very tip of any organization is a salesman in charge of the whole company.

If you are lacking in that department please upskill.

Sun siong fook chung but chi fook.
This year and next year not going to be great.
A lot of cutting and trimming, even on lean meat.

Of course there will always be some making it while most cutting the fat. Corporate life.

What can you do with post count, can monetise?

that why. I dont care too

wow you noticed him on the loop

He got multiples dupe accounts. likely he lost count himself. 🤣

sux

When you reach 40s, be prepared to be fried like a sotong by your boss. I'm also in my 40s & my boss personally dislike me, his wife dislike me too. I know if I mess up a small thing at work, both of them will have me "replaced" within days without any mercy or pity. That's the life of a kuli looking for money. I'm not entitled to government dedak tongkat zakat welfare bantuan hutang x mao bayar lifestyle so no choice but to continue soldier on like a real man.

Late 40s jor, just tahan a few more yrs and retire bah.. Dont take kerja too serious nia..not worth it at all

If you have around 100k in savings, even after kena fried sotong can start a small stall at kopitiam or food court selling kik kik kok kok to pass time & make some income.

100k later burn because biz failure.. sakit o

Attached File(s)
 The_Elephant_in_the_Office.pdf ( 1.27mb ) Number of downloads: 50

thing is, why mod still allow this to happen till now?

they are farming dupes non stop

cc Helpdesk, munkeyflo

This post has been edited by JimbeamofNRT: Jun 9 2025, 12:16 AM

Warming up the duperam kot. Got problem konon but never bother to reply to all the advices lol.

Edit - he just pass probation already lol

This post has been edited by Starbucki: Jun 9 2025, 12:32 AM

Better keep in FD if like this, every month take interest

Why you simply accuse me tipu? You also tipu what? Why not ban you instead of me?😢

it sounds like you have a lot of useful skill that you are not keen to explore?
Process improvement, optimization, cost cutting, negotiation, with that accounting/ audit background you can go to international MNC and tapau lot of people.

Last 30s very difficult to find new co unless got cable or specialized skills. After 40 noone wants anymore.

But sound like your job not bad. Can coast, get paid to shake leg and tokkok with others. Like this just coast until retire or laid off and take severance.

Your post validates my suspicion.

What I find strange is this: professionals, who are subject to strict CPD requirements annually and over a three-year cycle, are constantly updating their knowledge. With this continuous learning, they should be able to remain independent, adaptable, and not overly reliant on whatever exposure their current organization offers.

So when we hear complaints about limited roles within their organization, it raises the question — is the issue really with the organization, or with the individual?

Aiya...sudah ada kerja pun bising ka...thousands people no work out there la... grateful lor...do side business abit la.

Start your own accounting and secretarial service if you’ve capital, it’s a high margin business low capital business.

This post has been edited by OrganicRepublic: Jun 9 2025, 01:07 PM

Not too early for anythg

i think TS situation resonates with most salarymen out there for their age (late 40s)

in China they have the so called expiry after 35, Msia doesn't have that early but you can see it happens after mid 40s as well

somemore govt want to raise retirement age, so fucking funny

I was in the same predicament where doing routine job although I also touched legal and audit department but the job satisfaction is not great. I realised in my 30's and switch to tech

count my blessing. I don't think so.

As I said if you do read, previous postings there is some truths, because I am in this dead end job, until I was transferred to a reporting role about 1 year ago.

I encountered issues with the staffs but managed to make peace with them.

Now I have new issue, co is downsizing, and I may be next on the block.


Except for the last year of my tenure, whereby I was moved to reporting. The past 6-7 years I was doing just target setting, telling sales they are not meeting target

Get hated by other department for cutting their cost and pushing their targets.

Also my boss gets the promotion when we achieve target, I just get a mere bonus.

I am villified by the big bosses because I aggressively cut their budget.


That one not easy man. Esp when you are not big four firm.

More suitable for engineers.

I know a few engineers that specilized, co keep them till 65yo.

For eg, I know a british engineer who used to work in my ex co, he has special skills to set up new plant and produciton line, that's why they kept him till 65

Accountants can be found by the thousands.

Recently I attended one accounting annual convention in Msia. THere were like 3000 of us members.

And not all attended mind you.

Accountants are many and easily repleaceble.

Replying to
That one not easy man. Esp when you are not big four firm.

I’m sorry but I don’t think anyone can help you cause you’ve got no fire in you.

1400+ registered audit firms in Malaysia and you say it’s not easy cause you’re not big four.

I guess the bosses of these companies are at the roadside begging for money.

Got both accounting academic and operation experience yet thought it is not an edge?

1. No, after graduation I started with training, then gradually transitioned into digital marketing, followed by website development. From there, I moved into CRM systems, and now I’m working with cloud engineering systems. I reckon my next would be AI & System development (Analytics) as there's huge potential in this field.

But you should be able to see all the fields I move to are not related and need to relearn from scratch if want to be competent.

2. Just accountancy and don't even have finance. I know most people ended with Accounting and Finance.
3. Married.