77 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) warrants and Practising Certificates in Auditing (PCA) were presented by Finance Minister Prof. Edward Scicluna during a ceremony held on Friday 31st January 2014.

During a brief address ahead of the presentations, the Finance Minister stressed that the professional requirements for accountants and auditors are ever higher, due to regulatory developments prompted by recent European events.

 

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“The financial crisis prompted various new regulatory requirements and directives, such as the AIFM (Alternative Investment Fund Managers), CDR4 (Capital Requirements Directive 4), and MiFID (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive). Professionals today are required not only to be current with these new requirements, but also to keep themselves updated through attentive and focused research,” Prof. Scicluna said.

He however noted that these developments also bring with them new opportunities for ambitious professionals, noting that the EU is moving towards more compatibility between respective country’s accountancy and auditing frameworks, which will allow professionals more freedom of movement across the European Union.

“This will undoubtedly allow you as professionals to work in other EU member states with greater freedom, hopefully allowing you to gain greater experience, which you could eventually bring back to your home country,” Prof Scicluna said.

He stressed that the Government requires effective and capable accountants in order to modernise the public service and ensure that it remains current with the needs of contemporary society. He also noted that this is especially the case given the Government’s commitment to reduce bureaucracy. Prof. Scicluna stressed that to do this, the public service should ensure that it offers attractive employment to professionals.

Prof. Scicluna congratulated the accountants and auditors who received their warrants or certificates for their achievement, and wished them well for all their future endeavours.

A total of 77 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) warrants and Practising Certificates in Auditing (PCA) were handed out during the ceremony. 47 Accountants received the CPA warrant, 25 received both the CPA warrant and the Practising Certificate in Auditing, while a further 5 received the Practising Certificate in Auditing.

 

– Tuesday, 4th February, 2014