Becoming the accountant of tomorrow : trends affecting the next generation of Maltese accountants

Abstract

This dissertation is about the major trends that will influence the accountancy profession in future years. The main aim of the study is to highlight the trends affecting the profession in the local context. In particular, it deals with four major areas, being, specialization, the skills that will be in greater demand in the upcoming years, new services being provided by accountants and shifting demographics in the profession. According to the survey findings the demands on the accounting profession are changing in unexpected ways. Many of these changes were brought about by increasing regulatory complexity and a growing demand for a wider and more specialized range of services from accountants. Others are perhaps the result of developments in technological factors, new services claimed by clients, and shifting demographics. Keeping up to date with these changes will support professionals in becoming the accountants of tomorrow. The general conclusion that can be drawn from the results of this dissertation is namely the fact that Maltese accountants are aware that due to the above factors, certain trends related to the profession have become increasingly important but few of them are being addressed successfully.