/library/oar/handle/123456789/139304 Sat, 27 Dec 2025 23:39:30 GMT 2025-12-27T23:39:30Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139762 Title: An analysis of the FIAU implementing procedures for accountants and auditors in local audit firms Abstract: Purpose: This study investigates the impact of the Implementing Procedures Part II for Accountants and Auditors (IPAA), issued by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, on audit firms in Malta. It seeks to explore whether the IPAA introduced new compliance expectations or merely reiterated existing obligations, and to assess its influence on firms’ AML frameworks and engagement procedures. Design: The research adopts a qualitative methodology based on twelve semi- structured interviews with representatives of local audit firms and relevant industry entities. The interview process was designed to capture practical insights from professionals and compare through thematic analysis. Findings: The findings reveal that while audit firms were largely compliant with existing AML obligations prior to the IPAA, it clarified certain grey areas and helped standardise interpretation across the profession. However, recurring ambiguities remain, particularly concerning the classification of relevant activities and risk assessment for audit-specific services, suggesting that future updates to the IPAA would further enhance its utility. Conclusions: The IPAA played a clarifying role rather than a transformative one. Despite its supplementary nature, it was widely regarded as a beneficial tool for audit firms. Its effectiveness, however, depends on continuous guidance from the FIAU and regular engagement with practitioners to ensure practical alignment. Implications/Value: This study contributes to the academic and professional understanding of regulatory implementation within the auditing sector. It underscores the value of targeted guidance documents and highlights the importance of sustained dialogue between regulators and subject persons. Description: M. Accty.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139762 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139752 Title: A comparative study of female accountants' career progression in the public vs private sector Abstract: Purpose: This study explores the factors influencing the career progression of female accountants in Malta, with a comparative lens on the public and private sectors. It aims to understand how gendered expectations, organisational practices and sector-specific dynamics affect women's professional development and leadership opportunities in the accounting profession. Design: A qualitative research approach was adopted, involving semi-structured interviews with female accountants working in both sectors. Findings: This research identified several key factors influencing the career progression of female accountants. Across both sectors, personal resilience and ambition played a major role. In the public sector, participants highlighted the benefits of structured progression and job security, though opportunities for advancement were perceived as limited and slow. In contrast, the private sector offered more dynamic career prospects but was often shaped by informal networks and less supportive policies, creating challenges for women balancing career and family responsibilities. Organisational policies and informal networks were found to be influential yet inconsistently applied across sectors. Conclusions: The study concludes that although progress has been made, systemic barriers and sectoral discrepancies still hinder equal career advancement for women. Female accountants in the private sector often face more intense expectations and limited support, whereas the public sector, while more accommodating, presents slower progression pathways. Value: This research addresses a critical gap in the literature by offering a unique sector-specific perspective on gender disparities in the accounting profession through a comparative examination of female career progression in Malta’s public and private sectors. The insights generated are not only academically significant but also practically valuable for policymakers, educators and organisations seeking to foster gender equity and fully leverage female talent in the profession. Description: M. Accty.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139752 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139749 Title: ESG in the accounting curriculum : a comparative study between Malta and the UK Abstract: PURPOSE: The incorporation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into accounting education has become increasingly important worldwide due to rising demands for sustainable company practices. This study aims to primarily determine necessary ESG skills for inclusion in the accounting curriculum and compare them with those in UK universities. Secondly, it examines the approaches adopted by Maltese educators and contrasts them with those adopted by their UK counterparts. Finally, it explores the challenges faced and assesses differences in pedagogical resources across both contexts. DESIGN: To address these objectives, this research employs a qualitative comparative case study methodology. The primary data source comprises eleven semi-structured interviews with accounting academics and programme coordinators from higher education institutions in the UK and Malta. A preliminary analysis of course content was also carried out during the early phase to guide the interview design and contextual understanding. FINDINGS: The study revealed diverse strategies concerning ESG education in Malta and the UK. UK educators highlighted critical thinking and curriculum-wide integration, whilst Maltese academics supported a dual strategy, combining a standalone ESG module with integrated content. Common challenges included inadequate funding, gaps in faculty expertise, limited resources and the changing nature of ESG frameworks. The findings indicate the need for clearer guidance and increased institutional support to improve ESG integration in accounting education. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the increasing relevance of ESG within accounting education and the increasing necessity for coherent, systematic curriculum development. Although no singular method may be applicable to all institutions, integrating ESG principles across the accounting curriculum could provide a more uniform framework for cultivating sustainability-related competencies. To prepare students effectively, universities must balance the communication of technical knowledge with leadership, and critical thinking skills. Strengthened collaboration between industry and academia is crucial to addressing existing obstacles and aligning education with the requirements of global sustainability standards. VALUE: This research underlines the importance for more defined national initiatives and collaboration between academics and industry to improve ESG integration in accounting education. It further discusses comparative practices, contributing to the debate on how higher education institutions may equip accounting graduates to address the growing demands of a sustainability-oriented profession. Description: M. Accty.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139749 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/139747 Title: Shaping the accountancy profession in Malta : perceptions and professional impact Abstract: Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to deepen the understanding of Malta’s regulatory and recognised bodies within the accountancy profession and to explore the perceptions of accounting professionals regarding their performance. Through the evaluation of these bodies’ overall effectiveness, the study seeks to identify areas for improvement, contributing to the enhancement of Malta’s regulatory framework. Design: The study’s objectives were met through an extensive review of global and local literature, complemented by twenty semi-structured interviews with representatives from regulatory and recognised bodies, Big-Four and mid-tier firms, listed entities, and sole practitioners. A thematic analysis of the qualitative responses to open-ended questions provided a thorough and nuanced evaluation of the findings. Findings:The findings reveal that Malta’s accountancy regulatory and recognised bodies share a commitment to safeguarding the public interest but face challenges due to resource constraints and rigid frameworks, affecting efficiency and inclusivity, particularly for smaller practitioners. The Accountancy Board is criticised for inflexibility and limited engagement, the Malta Financial ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ Authority shows adaptability but struggles with inclusion, and the Malta Institute of Accountants, while praised for outreach and adaptability, lacks enforcement authority. Conclusion: The study concludes that the evolving role of accountants demands regulatory and recognised bodies to adapt their support mechanisms, ensuring professionals are equipped to deliver high-quality services while navigating regulatory challenges, particularly for smaller practitioners. Prioritising resource expansion is essential to strengthening regulatory independence and reduce reliance on larger firms. Additionally, greater accountability and stricter disciplinary measures are imperative to uphold the profession’s integrity and reinforce its credibility and professionalism. Value: The study contributes to the local literature on Malta’s accountancy regulatory and recognised bodies while identifying key areas for improvement within the profession. The study gathers valuable perspectives from professionals across entities of varying sizes, offering a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the regulatory framework. Description: M. Accty.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/139747 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z