I am writing to publicly express my concern about the recruitment process for the position of Programme Manager (EU Paying Authority), Ministry of Finance, which was published in the Government Gazette of August 19.

Among requirements laid down in para.5.1 (c) of the call was that candidates should have a university degree in any of a number of subjects including accountancy.

It is common knowledge that certain qualifications including the MIA (Malta Institute of Accountants) and the renowned ACCA are considered as being equivalent to university degrees in accountancy. Accountancy warrants in Malta are granted by the Minister of Finance himself to persons holding university degrees or the equivalent (i.e. MIA or ACCA).

Regrettably, this time, applicants having these qualifications were turned down. This has resulted in the anomalous situation whereby persons with these MIA/ACCA qualifications and who also hold accountancy warrants were precluded from being selected for this post.

The position taken by the relevant authorities will send shock waves to all those hundreds of persons who have qualified or are currently studying at these reputable institutions.

For some reason or other the government no longer considers their qualifications as being sufficient for certain important posts.

Ironically the EU itself, from where these funds originally emanate, does accept the MIA and ACCA as university degree equivalents. I sincerely hope that whoever is responsible for this situation will rectify it as soon as possible and without bureaucratic delay.