The MIA : 50 years on : a historical note

Abstract

Purpose : The main objective of this dissertation is to study the development of the accountancy profession in Malta over the past fifty years, using archival research. It aims to assess the impact of local major events on the MIA in addition to commemorating its 50th anniversary as the only local accountancy body. Design : Data was collected from minutes of MIA Council meetings, Parliamentary debates and newspaper articles. The archival research approach was chosen, since to date all existing local accounting history studies were based on oral history data. Findings : This study shows that along the years the accountancy profession has transformed from an unregulated practice to a fully-fledged, internationally recognised profession. Factors such as local legislation, education, training, international standards and the setting up of a local professional accountancy body have contributed to this vital transformation. Conclusion : One could conclude that the profession in Malta has been inevitably influenced by the British Empire, Malta’s former ruler. The introduction of laws such as the CPO 1962, APA 1979, Companies Act 1995 and other EU Directives, have played an important role in the development of both the local accountancy profession and the MIA. Value : This is the first archival history research on the MIA and the accountancy profession in Malta. This study is expected to be valued not only locally but also internationally as it may contribute to research relating to the influence of the British Empire on the accountancy profession in its colonies.