A comparison of local programmes and selected IFAC proposals on professional accounting education

Abstract

Professional accounting education programmes are of the utmost importance in the shaping of professional accountants. Indeed, accounting education is the pillar upon which prospective and current professional accountants develop their competence and cultivate integrity. The aim of this study is to assess the professional accounting education programmes in Malta and analyze adherence to selected IFAC proposals. The research involved semi-structured personal interviews with full-time lecturers from the accountancy department of the UoM, selected part-time lecturers of the B.A. (Hons) Accty course and a director of one of the main ACCA course providers. The research has clearly indicated that although the majority of the respondents, who are responsible for setting the syllabus, are not aware of the existence of International Education Standards for Professional Accountants, the local programmes still compare favourably to the benchmarks set in these standards. Indeed, after assessing the local professional accounting education programmes, it transpired that in some areas, the local education framework is one step ahead whilst it lags behind in others. Finally, a set of recommendations has been outlined aiming to address some of the shortcomings highlighted in this study.