The auditors' management letter in selected Maltese co-operatives : an evaluation

Abstract

Purpose: The management letter has been and is being increasingly considered an important tool and administrative aid in the efficient running of corporate activities especially in large and medium-sized firms. This study sets out to assess the usefulness, effectiveness and significance of the Management letter in Maltese Co-operatives. Design: This objective was achieved through a series of semi-structured interviews with ten auditors, mostly sole practitioners and ten managers. Also, questionnaires were sent by post to the remaining managers, were only five gave an effective reply. Findings: The study revealed a weak usage of the management letter in co-operatives. The main reasons influencing the usage includes:- the managers' level of education, the size of the co-operatives and the weaknesses presented in the letter. The significance of the letter is limited to the recommendations specified by the auditors and the internal expertise employed. Owing to lack of accounting education of the managers, the management letter's effectiveness is compromised. Value: While the managers are aware of the benefits that can be obtained from the management letter, education and understandability barriers limits the exploitation of such a letter. This study recommends measures to enhance the accounting education and the communication with the managers and also to sectionalise the letter in order to overcome such barriers.