The Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) has welcomed 200 new members who recently completed their qualifications with ACCA and the University of Malta during the past academic year.

This milestone was celebrated during a ceremony held at the Hilton, and honoured the achievements of the newest additions to the accountancy profession.

Welcoming the new members, MIA CEO Maria Cauchi Delia said that the Institute offers a unified voice of the profession, where audit and accountancy professionals’ contributions, insights and experiences help shape policy and bring meaningful change, even on a national level.

“Together, we are not just upholding standards but actively enhancing the profession’s value and attractiveness. I encourage you all to be advocates for our field - sharing your stories, engaging with our network, and contributing to the growth and resilience of our community”, she added.

MIA President Mark Bugeja called on new members to safeguard trust in organisations by upholding the principles of transparency, accuracy, and accountability in financial reporting.

“Through adherence to regulatory standards and ethical decision-making, accountants provide reliable insights that stakeholders - such as investors, regulators, and the public - depend on.

“By identifying risks, promoting compliance, and encouraging ethical practices, accountants act as stewards of trust, helping to sustain both the integrity and reputation of the organisations you serve”, he said.

Besides the traditional handing of certificates to members, the Institute also recognised the achievement of the top University of Malta graduate and ACCA affiliates in the presence of Emanuel Said, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy at the University of Malta and Caitriona Allis, ACCA’s Europe Head.

his year’s top students were Leon Fenech (1st in Malta Overall Performance September 2023 ACCA Top Affiliate), Kleaven Cassar (1st in Malta Overall Performance March 2024 ACCA Top Affiliate), Kurt Pace Debono (1st in Malta Overall Performance June 2024 ACCA Top Affiliate) and Francesca Sant (Best University of Malta Accountancy student 2024).

In a brief address to the new members, Ms Allis acknowledged the new members’ dedication, persistence and commitment to reach this achievement.

She highlighted that the accountancy profession serves as a gateway to a wide range of exciting opportunities, both in their careers and personal growth, wrote MIA in a statement.

Prof. Said outlined five key qualities for accountants: being adaptive to change, insightful beyond the numbers, upholding strong ethical standards, collaborating effectively, and maintaining a forward-thinking approach. He highlighted that while accounting is a technical field, it is also one with significant impact on society, urging accountancy professionals to serve with the integrity the profession demands.

Keeping on a tradition of the past years, the New Members Ceremony also served as the backdrop to celebrate the winners of the Kevin Mahoney Award for exceptional voluntary work and sense of altruism.

This year’s recipient, Fabian Cardona, was nominated by his colleagues for his empathy, resilience, and unwavering dedication, qualities that have made him a “true leader and a cherished friend, even in the face of personal adversity,” read the statement.