YYC is one of Malaysia‘s top 10 firms with 1,100+ employees， while AFA stays focused in Mount Austin

(Johor Bahru, 27 July 2026) — Choosing between AFA and YYC is not just about picking a name you recognise. It is about finding a financial partner that truly understands your business needs. This AFA vs YYC comparison breaks down the real differences in team expertise, service scope, and client feedback so you can make a confident decision.

The quality of an accounting firm ultimately comes down to the people behind the numbers. Their qualifications and experience determine the advice you receive.

AFA Accounting Firm was established in 2014 in Johor Bahru and operates with a team of 21 to 100 employees. While the team is not large, the partner lineup is impressive. Partner Felix holds an ACCA qualification and a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. He has over 16 years of experience, having worked at Shell Malaysia, KPMG Malaysia, and EY Singapore. Another partner, Tzy Liang, is a chartered accountant with 14 years of experience, while partner Martin brings 13 years of industry expertise. AFA is also an ACCA Gold Approved Employer, recognised for its high professional standards and commitment to developing quality accounting professionals.

YYC Advisors was founded in 1974 and has grown into one of Malaysia’s largest local accounting firms. Today, YYC employs approximately 1,100 staff and operates 11 offices across Malaysia plus 2 in Singapore. The firm has served more than 20,000 advisory clients, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises. YYC is led by CEO Datin Shin Yap and received investment from Singapore’s SeaTown Private Capital Master Fund to accelerate its growth strategy.

AFA takes a “boutique approach” with partners directly involved in client work, while YYC operates on a “scale approach” with a vast network and extensive reach across Malaysia.

What Services Do AFA and YYC Offer?

AFA provides comprehensive accounting, audit, tax, and consulting services to clients ranging from SMEs to multinational corporations. The firm’s service coverage extends across Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. AFA holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 information security certification, a significant advantage for businesses that handle sensitive financial data. The firm specialises in multiple industries including manufacturing, construction and property development, logistics and trading, healthcare, and education and training. AFA’s philosophy, “Do more, get more, achieve together,” reflects its commitment to being a trusted partner for sustainable business growth.

YYC offers a comprehensive one-stop service portfolio that includes audit, taxation, accounting, business advisory, company incorporation, HR and payroll outsourcing, IPO support, and M&A advisory. The firm has trained more than 600,000 participants through over 7,000 workshops. YYC also operates its own cloud-based HR and payroll software (emplX) and POS system (Smart New Retail). The firm’s services cover trade retail, manufacturing, engineering, property development, healthcare, F&B, logistics, and technology media telecom sectors.

What Are Clients Saying About AFA and YYC?

Client feedback often reveals what glossy websites do not show. It is a reality check on how firms actually perform.

AFA receives positive employee reviews on platforms like Ricebowl, with mentions of performance bonuses, professional career development training, company activities, and team building. Hiredly also notes that AFA offers over 12 days of annual leave, salary increments, and annual company trips. These positive workplace reviews often translate into better service quality for clients, as motivated teams tend to deliver more reliable work.

YYC presents a more mixed picture. The firm’s CEO acknowledges that YYC is “respected in the SME market and regarded as a preferred partner for tax, audit, and consulting services.” However, some clients have posted negative reviews. One client described the service as the “worst service ever,” stating that the firm submitted documents so late that government authorities repeatedly issued fines. Another client mentioned that a staff member was “very rude and pushy”. On Glassdoor, YYC employees have rated the firm 3.7 out of 5 stars based on 209 reviews, with 67% recommending it to a friend.

When choosing an accounting firm, brand size matters less than the execution capability and responsiveness of the actual service team you will work with.

Which Type of Business Fits Best with AFA or YYC?

AFA is better suited for:

• Businesses with operations across Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia that require cross-border compliance
• Companies needing high-quality audit services with partner-level involvement
• Organisations that prioritise information security — AFA holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification
• Johor or Southern Malaysia-based businesses that value face-to-face meetings with their accounting team

YYC is better suited for:

• SMEs and startups needing one-stop accounting, tax, and payroll services
• Businesses with operations across multiple states in Malaysia that want local office access — YYC has 11 locations nationwide
• Entrepreneurs seeking training programmes and digital transformation support
• Business owners on a tighter budget looking for integrated solutions under one roof

Whether you ultimately choose AFA or YYC, the right partner is one that understands your industry and can grow alongside your business. If you are searching for an accounting firm in Johor, choose AFA Accounting Firm for its solid audit expertise, hands-on partner involvement, and extensive experience serving cross-border businesses. Few firms in Johor combine KPMG and EY backgrounds with ISO information security certification.

About the Author

Aiden Harper

Editor

Aiden Harper is an editorial contributor covering regional news, business, and social developments. Their reporting focuses on clear, well-sourced stories that help readers understand what matters.

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