Environmental management accounting (EMA) : awareness and utilisation among Maltese CPAS

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this research is to determine the extent to which Maltese Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are aware of and interested in Environmental Management Accounting (EMA), as well as the degree to which EMA is currently being utilised at the CPAs’ current employment. To achieve this, a thorough examination of existing literature was conducted, whereby environmental training related to business aspects, the CPA’s job, business size, and business sector emerged as the appropriate variables. Design: The quantitative methodology was employed to accomplish the objectives, wherein a self-administered online questionnaire was disseminated among the Maltese CPA population. The sample collected consisted of 369 responses, which were subsequently analyzed using SPSS Version 29.0.0. Findings: The study revealed that Maltese CPAs have a limited awareness of EMA, with those that have undergone training and those in either an entry-level or executive-level positions showing a slightly higher level of awareness. The study further indicated that a significant proportion of Maltese businesses employing accountants do not extensively utilise EMAPs, with larger businesses and the Big 4 firms being the most likely to adopt such practices. Conclusions: The limited awareness and utilisation of EMA among Maltese CPAs should not deter its development in Malta. If local accounting firms take the initiative to manage and account for the environment, Malta has the potential to become a leading example of how EMA may be efficiently used, especially given that its implementation in Malta has already started in certain businesses. Value: This research investigates the significance of EMA within the context of Malta. By analysing the awareness, interest, and utilisation of EMA among Maltese CPAs, this study has shown that there is still much to be done to educate Maltese CPAs and ensure that adequate EMA and EMAP are in place.