Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech recently gave warrants to a number of newly-qualified accountants and auditors. This is positive news, because although in Malta there are some 1,400 practising accountants and auditors, the contribution to the various sectors of community given by this profession is still underestimated.

Worldwide, the demand for qualified (and experienced) accountants is increasing, and it is no different in Malta, albeit on a smaller scale. A number of factors are attracting potential accountants, and Mr Fenech mentioned quite a few that could tip the balance for anyone who may be yet undecided about his/her future.

However, an increasing demand for the profession and potentially increasing salaries should never be the only basis for students to choose the accountant's profession. Neither should they be the criteria for choosing any profession at that.

While parents are definitely encouraged to assist their children in choosing their future, all professions need to have the individual's dedication and innate qualities that would make a good, if not outstanding, professional - be it a medical doctor, a lawyer or an accountant.

For, what good is a doctor if s/he is unable to empathise with the patient? Or a trial lawyer if s/he is shy and unable to communicate?

Similarly, what good is an accountant if s/he hates numbers, is not analytical and unable to explain the various technicalities to the unknowledgeable? And these are only a few of the various tasks that a modern day accountant needs to be able to accomplish effectively.

Today, demands are changing at a rapid rate and the introduction of IT (among other things) in almost every part of our lives has made yesterday's practices outdated.

Auto mechanics have to update their knowledge as new car models roll off the production line, with all their idiosyncrasies. Similarly, accountants and auditors have to maintain their knowledge as new legislation, accounting and auditing standards come into force. All this in the light of increasing pressure on good corporate governance and on the profession's integrity.

Accountants nowadays have to participate in decision making, need to know when to tell a person (who is often their boss!) where they are wrong, and have a strong moral character to withstand and refuse any enticements. A career in accounting could be very exciting and rewarding indeed, but also very stressing and demanding.

Working hours for professionals are increasing worldwide - which may not be very healthy.

So when we hear that accountants' salaries are increasing, we must also see what the costs are!

So, yes, let us have more accountants, but let us make sure that we have the right breed. And, perhaps something that Mr Fenech was not reported to have said - perhaps he did not - let us also give more voice to the accountants, especially on the boards of directors, on the various committees, and, why not, also in Parliament!