Accounting and consulting firms among APAC’s top employers

Some of the world’s leading consulting and accounting firms have been named among the best companies to work for in Asia, led by Deloitte, KPMG and Mazars.

Pan-Asian human resources publication HR Asia has revealed its latest annual Best Companies to Work For lists, with a number of accounting and consulting firms receiving recognition in countries across Asia.

Professional services firms Deloitte, Mazars, and KPMG were assessed as leading employers in multiple markets, with Accenture, DXC Technology, Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton also featuring among the regional honourees.

Malaysia

This year, more than 15,000 employees from 270 Malaysian companies responded to HR Asia’s employee engagement survey, with 43 companies in total named as winners. Among them were Accenture and Deloitte, the latter which has over 1,800 professionals in the country and in 2018 celebrated its 50th anniversary. Accenture has meanwhile operated in Malaysia since 1979.

Singapore

In Singapore, international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars made the list among 25+ Best Companies to Work For, with 15,000 employees from 200 organisations having taken part. It was Mazars’ fifth consecutive appearance, with the firm awarded a gold ‘Harmonia’ statuette, which symbolises excellence and the continuous effort for putting its more than 280 Singapore-based employees first.

China

China featured its largest cohort of Best Companies to date, with 42 winners named out of almost 280 participating organisations. KPMG was the sole representative from the global accounting and consulting realm, in its fifth consecutive year on the list. KPMG has a significant footprint in China, with over 14,000 partners and staff now spread across 28 cities. The firm also made the list for Hong Kong.

“This past year, we have faced both challenges in rapid market change and epidemic uncertainties,” said local KPMG head of human resources, Charlie Li. “The recognition of ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia’ reflects our continued efforts on solving different situations. This award is such an honour to our team’s hard work and motivation for us to keep striving for better.”

Vietnam

KPMG was also a Best Companies winner in Vietnam, alongside fellow Big Four firm Deloitte and mid-tier accounting and advisory firm Grant Thornton. A whopping 111 companies made the grade this year from 580 entries, with HR Asia noting that most companies had doubled their efforts to become exemplary workplaces, by offering extensive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Indonesia

Into its sixth edition, the Indonesian iteration of the Best Companies’ awards saw the inclusion of Deloitte and Mazars among the 40+ award-winners, with Deloitte backing up on last year and Mazars a new entry. Since establishing its local branch in 2008, Mazars has grown to a headcount of over 180 professionals, while Deloitte’s 1,700-plus staff work out of offices in Jakarta and Surabaya.

“I am very proud that Mazars in Indonesia is acknowledged as one of the best companies to work for in Indonesia for the first time,” said Indonesia managing partner Sebastien Gautier. “At Mazars we care deeply for the success of our people and are committed to demonstrating care and empathy and promoting their well-being. Being acknowledged by our Mazarians means a lot to us.”

Thailand

Mazars again featured in Thailand, alongside digital consultancy DXC Technology and a total of 50 other Best Companies to work for. For Mazars, it was the second time the firm has been named in the award’s three-year local history, and both Mazars’ country managing partner Rob Hurenkamp, and DXC Thailand managing director Apichart Arunkunarax, paid tributes to their teams.

Cambodia

In Cambodia, Baker Tilly headlined for the second straight year, with only 15 companies among the 175 participants named among the country’s best companies to work for in 2021. Established in 2007, Baker Tilly’s Cambodian branch has since expanded to a second office in Phnom Penh, which together accommodate a headcount pushing towards 100 employees.

“We always believe that we take care of our people, our people will definitely take good care of our firm,” Baker Tilly managing partner KM Tan told local media. “The years 2020 and 2021 were challenging for us. Baker Tilly is very proud to receive the award amid these challenging times. Everyone was on the same page. We were able to accomplish many things amid this very difficult situation.”