Accountants have a big responsibility to contribute to the nation and in realizing Malaysia's dream of becoming a developed nation by the year 2020. The participation of accountants in this mission will eventually serve to nourish investors' trust, help generate sustainable growth and build confidence in the economy as accountants continue in their duties as the financial gatekeepers.

Furthermore, accountants are well-poised to understand Malaysia's aspiration for growth because as financial guardians of organisations, they have always been concerned with maintaining and improving the financial health of an organisation to ensure stakeholders' satisfaction.

This sets the landscape for this year's National Accountants Conference (NAC) 2006 which is themed ''Accountants: Generating Growth, Building Confidence''. Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), the conference is being held from 31 October 2006 - 1 November 2006 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

According to MIA President Abdul Rahim Abdul Hamid, the conference theme encapsulates the role of the accountant, showing that the profession is being practiced in changing circumstances against a backdrop of new opportunities and challenges.

With these developments, he urged accountants to be constantly involved in capacity building exercises that will strengthen their competitive advantage.

Apart from that, he also stressed that accountants must strive to meet public expectation. ''There is a rising need for our members to meet this challenge as a way forward in raising our professional standing in society,'' Abdul Rahim said. ''Being an accountant is serious business. And, our profession does have a major impact on the society we live in. We have won the public trust not only through our expertise in finance, standards and professional conduct, but also for the values we stand for.''

This is also the reason why MIA is worried about the 'misuse' of the term accountant, Abdul Rahim said during his speech at the opening ceremony of the NAC 2006. Even some of the media organisations have not fully understood yet the word 'accountant', he pointed out, which is why MIA hopes to educate the public on the use of the word.

''In Malaysia, the word accountant is protected under the Accountants Act 1967. Under the Act, no person shall use the title 'accountant' unless he or she is registered as a chartered accountant or licensed accountant and is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA),'' he informed.

''MIA sets high ethical standards which must be adhered to by all its members. Members are bound by MIA's strict code known as the Institute's By-Laws (On Professional Conduct and Ethics) and any breach of ethics by members will render them liable to face disciplinary proceedings,'' Abdul Rahim said. This, he added, is important in ensuring quality within the accountancy fraternity.

He advised the public to be careful as not everyone who carries themselves as an accountant, is actually an accountant. Just having an accountancy qualification alone does not make a person an accountant, he said.

The ceremony was officiated by YB Dato' Dr Awang Adek Hussin, Deputy Minister of Finance II.