Section 52: Registration of public accountants

52. Registration of public accountants (1) No person shall— (a) use along his name the title of his professional qualifications in any report, statement or other document; or (b) hold himself out as a public accountant, or use any description or designation likely to create the impression that he is a public accountant, unless he is registered as a public accountant. (1A) (a) Every professional accountant who intends to practise as a public accountant shall apply in writing to the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants in such form and manner as the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants may determine. (b) No professional accountant shall practise or offer his services for remuneration as a public accountant unless— (i) he is registered as a public accountant; (ii) he displays in a conspicuous place at each of his business premises his practising certificate issued under section 55 (2) or a photocopy of that certificate; and F9 – 25 [Issue 6] Financial Reporting Act (iii) he submits to the person to whom the services are to be supplied a photocopy of his practising certificate. (c) — (2) (a) An application made under subsection (1) shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed and such information as the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants may determine. (b) Any person who fails to comply with subsection (1) or (1A) or paragraph (a) shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 50,000 rupees. (3) The Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants shall register an applicant under subsection (1) as a public accountant and enter his name and such particulars as the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants considers relevant in the Register of Public Accountants, where it is satisfied that the applicant— (a) meets the requirements laid down in the rules of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants; (b) has made such arrangements as may be provided in the rules of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants, for continuing professional education; (c) is a fit and proper person; (d) has the necessary competence to practise as a public accountant and a period of more than 2 years has elapsed between the date he has undertaken any education and training as provided by the rules of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants and the date of the application. (4) The Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants may require, as a condition for a public accountant to be allowed to remain in practice, that the public accountant complies with such continuing educational and professional requirements as may be specified in the rules of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants. [S. 52 amended by s. 12 (k) of Act 27 of 2012 w.e.f. 22 December 2012.]