The accountancy profession was introduced to Malta around fifty years ago in line with the development of large enterprises and limited liability companies.

Today it comprises circa 800 qualified accountants, a considerable number for a country of only 370,000 inhabitants. Its growth is continuing at a sustained pace.

The Professions success was fuelled in its early days by a legal system which obliges all companies to have an annual audit. Today, however, most accountants work within commerce and industry where no legal obligation to engage qualified accountants exists. Within the sphere of public practice too, accounting firms have expanded rapidly. Typically, only 50-60% of their income is derived from audit work.

Recognition has come with success. The auditor is usually the main business adviser and confident of his client. Within industry and commerce, the finance manager is often a member of the board, at a par with senior sales and production executives. All this has increased the visibility and rewards of the profession, in turn ensuring that it continues to attract bright and ambitious students.

The Malta Institute of Accountants brings together the professionals who, through their work continue to mould the Maltese accountancy profession. It has drawn up this page to introduce the profession to potential users, students and other interested parties.