https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2951 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:57:29 GMT 2026-07-08T18:57:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3285 Title: The current and future role of the Malta Institute of Accountants in the accountancy profession Abstract: The Malta Institute of Accountants is the only accountancy body representing the profession locally. It is committed to attract talented individuals towards the profession and invest in the process of educating the accountants. The MIA is internationally affiliated and also represents the voice of the local accountants abroad. It seeks to ensure that local applied standards and regulation meet the requirements of international regulatory bodies. The aim of this dissertation is to assess the perception of the members on the MIA. This study also examines the position of the MIA when compared internationally. Research was carried out by means of an interview with the technical director of the institute and the use of semi-structured questionnaires distributed to the members. Findings reveal that overall the members are satisfied with the institute. It was also interesting to note that despite its size the MIA is performing fine and inline when compared with foreign accountancy bodies. This study did expose however, some aspects where the institute can improve. This study aims to provide useful information to the MIA staff on the perception of the members and where the MIA is standing in the current competitive world. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3285 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3257 Title: Designing a post-completion auditing system in Maltese public limited companies : an evaluation Abstract: This study examines post-auditing system configurations by addressing three categories of issues relating to PCA system design and implementation, (1) pre-implementation, (2) implementation and (3) presentation issues. In turn, the structure of the study sheds light on the procedures undertaken during the commencement of PCA processes. The empirical data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews with 17 PLCs from service and non-service industries. In addition, information regarding the purpose, use and shortcomings of PCA were also elicited due to the interdependence between such factors and PCA system configuration. Moreover, such factors provided a platform upon which, through the critical examination of past literature, recommendations were to be made as to how PCA systems may be configured in a manner to achieve the perceived objectives. The results of the empirical analysis show the adoption of post-auditing within a sphere of projects, including those which are not of a capital nature. Furthermore, for the most part there appears to be a substantial alignment between PCA system configurations across industry sectors. Despite, learning being regarded as the main objective behind the use of PCA, certain inconsistencies seems to exist between the emphasis of such an objective and the manner in which the PCA system is configured. Congruent to theoretical indications, these primarily consisted of the establishment of formal feed-back mechanisms to implement recommendations identified through PCA, the dissemination method adopted and the use of presentation forums for interpreting PCA findings. A combination of such factors may be indicative that PCA systems may not be configured in a manner that enhances the learning potential of post-auditing. The support of PCA processes is, inter alia, dependent on the effectiveness of planning processes, extent of management collaboration and the alignment of information systems with PCA processes to facilitate the capture of data utilised during PCAs. Such factors were, to a certain extent, analysed and empirical findings illustrate specific differences with respect to managements' perception in addressing such factors. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3257 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3049 Title: Income tax implications of cross border activities carried on through a partnership Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyse the tax implications of carrying on cross-border activities through a partnership. The study also focuses on the taxation of cross-border activities carried through partnerships. Design: The objective of this study was achieved through a series of semi-structured interviews with tax practitioners and officials within the Inland Revenue's Technical department supplemented by other Maltese legislations, case laws, books, journals and websites. Findings: This study examines the issues which partnerships face when they are involved in cross-border activities. As will be discussed in this study, a dissimilar tax treatment in certain circumstances by the different jurisdictions involved may impose restrictions on partners or partnerships to claim double tax relief in terms of a double tax treaty. Value: It is hoped that this study will encourage further development in the taxation of partnerships, particularly with respect to the study's recommendations which included the need for in the introduction of official guidelines to the domestic law applicable to the taxation of partnerships and to include specific provisions in respect of partnerships in the double tax treaties concluded by Malta. The study also recommends the application of the 'Check-The-Box' form similar to that applicable in the United States of America. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3049 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3045 Title: The inter-professional relationship between lawyers and certified public accountants in fiscal matters Abstract: This dissertation sets out to scrutinize the shared perception of lawyers and certified public accountants who work within the domestic fiscal arena, by analysing: a) the general level of services offered by each group, including common areas which lead them to interact with each other; b) the kind of professional relationship between them and the extent of reliance on each other; and c) the pros and cons of multi-disciplinary practices and the possibility of recognising and regulating the Maltese tax profession. Both lawyers and accountants concurred that over the years there have been significant changes in their respective professions in relation to the provision of tax services, which ultimately caused each profession to move out from its traditional functions. From their original role of practical guidance and qualified assistance in starting and running business within offshore jurisdictions, tax lawyers ended up operating as independent tax planners and advisors, many of whom function totally outside their traditional place of work. As regards certified public accountants, although they still still enjoy their exclusivity in the computational aspect, they ended up losing their dominance over the provision of compliance, advisory and planning services. Given the ever increasing clients' requirements and the continuously changing tax law, attorneys are without any doubt indispensable to CPAs. Thus, the latter are frequently obliged to consult the former in order to ensure that the service delivered to their clients is in line with the latest amendments in law. So, rather than antagonism between lawyers and certified public accountants, a healthy and collaborative professional relationship exists between the two lines of work. The increased inter-professional interaction between the two professions led to the evolution of multi-disciplinary practices which ultimately produce a more fruitful outcome both for the client and also for the tax service provider. The possibility of recognising and regulating the Maltese tax profession is not the most feasible solution given the relative nature and magnitude of the local market. Nevertheless, the possibility of setting-up some kind of disciplinary watchdog to provide some form of discipline over those practioners who are irresponsible both towards their client and Government Departments shall be adequately considered. Description: B.ACCTY.(HONS) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3045 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z