‘Progress, not perfection’ is my favourite saying. It reminds me that growth comes from learning and improving, rather than expecting to get everything right the first time.

It was a lesson that really hit home when I took on a technical role in financial reporting and auditing that required me to give presentations. Public speaking and explaining technical details weren’t natural to me, but by preparing thoroughly and seeking feedback, I became more confident and better at communicating with colleagues and other participants. Giving presentations has now become one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Another thing I really enjoy is coordinating committees and bringing people together for consultations. I value hearing experienced members share their knowledge. It’s equally rewarding to know that my input contributes to policy and making meaningful improvements.

There are lots of opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects

Currently, Malta’s main challenge is managing issues like housing affordability, infrastructure pressures and skills shortages. The country’s strategic location, business-friendly environment and innovation focus make it an attractive place for both local and international businesses to grow. Malta also offers professionals plenty of opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute to sectors that are expanding rapidly.

I was drawn to accounting in the first place because I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, had an interest in the business world and wanted to keep my career options as broad as possible. If I hadn’t become an accountant, I think I’d have been a teacher. I enjoy explaining concepts and helping others understand things clearly. I find it really rewarding to see someone grasp an idea or skill they struggled with before.

I think AI will have a positive impact on audit. It can handle repetitive work and analyse large sets of data much faster, freeing up auditors to focus on areas that require more judgment and understanding. Yet it does bring some challenges, such as making sure data is secure and understanding how AI tools reach their conclusions, so it is important that staff get the right training. If used carefully, AI will make audits more efficient and insightful.

The complexity of reporting can outweigh what’s important

If I had law-making powers, I would simplify compliance for small businesses. Sometimes it feels like the complexity of reporting has started to outweigh what’s actually important, which is running the business and meeting its objectives.

I really enjoy travelling and immersing myself in new cultures. It is enriching to try different cuisines, meet new people and see the world from different perspectives. I find crafts and DIY projects a great way to relax, get creative and switch off from the everyday routine. I also like spending evenings out with friends, catching up over a glass of wine and enjoying good conversation.

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