The Malta Institute of Accountants held the New Members Ceremony for accountancy students who completed their studies in 2019/2020.

The event was moved from last year due to Covid-19 restrictions and was the first in-person event organised by the Institute since the start of the virus outbreak. Nearly 200 students graduated from the study paths offered by the University of Malta and ACCA to join the Institute as full members.

The President of the MIA, Fabio Axisa, commended the attendees on their accomplishments in an extraordinary year, extending his thanks to the graduates’ families who supported them throughout their study journeys. He said that accountancy is a dynamic field and encouraged them to do their part in strengthening the profession as members of the MIA: “You are the backbone of the profession, and this is your Institute.”

Mr Axisa offered the young members practical advice on making the most of their careers to benefit the profession and communities. “There are no shortcuts to success and no short-term gains in this profession,” said the President, “Protect our jurisdiction and strive to make a difference for the better”.

MIA CEO Maria Cauchi Delia welcomed the new members and urged them to keep developing both as professionals and as individuals. She said that an exciting and rewarding career awaits them and that the MIA will assist them in reaching their goal.

As members, Ms Cauchi Delia told the graduates, they have the opportunity to shape the profession: “As the youngest generation in the profession, the Institute counts on you to continue the transformation in the accountancy profession.”

The event was also addressed by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management, and Accountancy, Prof. Frank Bezzina and the President of ACCA Global Mark Millar.

Prof. Frank Bezzina congratulated the young members on their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue developing their skills. He said that the profession as a whole appears to have managed the effects of the pandemic successfully but warned that other obstacles lie ahead.

The Dean said that the profession is becoming increasingly pivotal in the life of businesses and that stakeholders hold accountants in high esteem: “You represent the moral compass of the organisation and I urge you to exercise sound judgment and uphold high standards of integrity throughout your careers.”

Mr Millar told participants that they did the right choice in persevering in this study path and promised a fulfilling career in a fast-changing landscape. “Accountancy is a forward-thinking profession and, when the pandemic subsides, industries will need agile, creative, and highly-skilled specialists like yourselves.”

The ACCA President praised the Institute of Accountants for its dedication to the profession, highlighting a unity of purpose between the two bodies that, he said, is expected to play an increasingly important role in the geographic region.

During the ceremony, four graduates received accolades for distinguishing themselves in their studies. Enrica Maria Debono accepted the University of Malta Best Student Award; Marica Xuereb accepted the MIA-ACCA Top Affiliate Award for September 2019, Leanne Barry accepted the MIA-ACCA Top Affiliate Award for March 2020; and Aaron Grech accepted the MIA-ACCA Top Affiliate Award for September 2020. Johann D’Amato, in absentia, was congratulated for his award as MIA-ACCA Top Affiliate for December 2019.

The Institute also conferred the Kevin Mahoney Award to Mr Brian Ferrante for his selfless support to parents with children diagnosed with autism. The award recognises accountancy professionals who distinguish themselves for altruism in the community.

The New Members’ Ceremony was held in accordance with the latest safety protocols issued by the health authorities.