‘Technology should enhance, not replace, human expertise’ – MIA President Jonathan Dingli

Jonathan Dingli, the newly elected President of the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA), is calling on accountants to fully embrace digitalisation, data analytics, and automation to secure the future of the profession. He stressed that this transformation must happen “while ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, human expertise.”

“We must go beyond compliance. Our true value lies in helping businesses grow stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable,” Dr Dingli added.

MIA Chief Executive Officer, Maria Cauchi Delia, echoed this call, framing transformation as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Speaking at the Institute’s annual conference dedicated to small and medium-sized practitioners (SMPs), she said: “Change is the only constant, and our response to it will define the future of our profession.”

She added that while audit exemptions and digital reporting may alter traditional practices, they also open new doors for accountants to strengthen their role as trusted advisers.

“This is the moment to evolve, to broaden our services and to invest in both technology and professional development so that we continue adding value to businesses and to Malta’s economy,” she continued.

The conference brought together leading experts in the sector, including Paul Gisby, Senior Director at Accountancy Europe, and Harpal Singh, Principal for Small & Medium Size Practices and Thought Leadership at the International Federation of Accountants.

Both highlighted that as automation increasingly handles repetitive tasks, accountants have a growing opportunity to focus on insight, strategy, and long-term value creation.

Tax Commissioner and FIAU Deputy Chairman Joseph Caruana described the current period as “significant change,” with upcoming real-time reporting obligations under the EU’s Value Added Tax in the Digital Age (ViDA) package set to transform the way businesses interact with tax systems.

He emphasised that practitioners will be key in supporting clients through these transitions, ensuring compliance and facilitating data-driven decision-making.

The conference also included updates from the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit on Malta’s National Risk Assessment and discussions on the establishment and impact of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority, highlighting how regulation, technology, and transparency are increasingly converging to reshape the accountant’s role within Malta’s evolving business landscape.