Group Financial Controller at Bay Street Group
Daniela Briffa is the Group Financial Controller at Bay Street Group, a group of companies operating in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Daniela’s passion for accounting was ignited at a young age. Her initial attraction to the field was rooted in her love for mathematics, which she later realized was only a small part of the accounting profession. Nevertheless, her interest persisted, and she followed the accounting subject through her academic journey.
Faced with the decision between pursuing general education at Junior College or specializing in accounts at MCAST, Daniela chose the latter, enrolling in the AAT Diploma program. This decision set her on a clear path toward her goal, leading her to eventually pursue the ACCA Qualification.
Starting a career in accounting, like in many fields, comes with its challenges. For Daniela, the biggest hurdle was landing her first job. “Finding the first job in accounts was a struggle,” she admits. Despite the difficulties, she persevered, eventually securing her first accounting role where she began performing basic accounting tasks. She quickly worked her way up to the position of Senior Accounts Officer, handling more complex responsibilities such as VAT returns and Management Accounts.
Daniela eventually moved into client accounting, where she handled a diverse portfolio of clients, gaining valuable exposure to various industries and statutory requirements. After a number of years, Daniela decided to seek new challenges, leading her to joining Bay Street Group in 2022.
Nowadays, Daniela serves as the Group Financial Controller at Bay Street Group, a position she has embraced wholeheartedly. She admits that the switch from client to industry accounting was a challenging one. “I felt that I was starting all over again,” she shares.
In her current role, Daniela’s responsibilities are vast and varied. They include planning, budgeting, and forecasting for all companies within the group, preparing monthly management accounts, and analysing these results to improve departmental efficiency. Beyond the numbers, Daniela is also committed to mentoring her team, helping them grow in their careers—a task she finds particularly fulfilling.
Time management stands out as one of the most challenging aspects of Daniela’s role. The pressure to deliver accurate financial figures promptly is ever-present. To overcome this, she emphasizes the importance of having a well-trained team. “It is very important to have your team fully trained in their roles, so we do give this priority,” she explains. This not only ensures timely results but also fosters a supportive and efficient work environment.
When asked about a typical day in her role, Daniela notes that in the tourism and hospitality industry, no two days are the same. Each day brings its own set of challenges and learning opportunities, something she enjoys and values.
For those considering a career in accounting, Daniela offers encouraging words: “It is never too late to join this profession. For me, ACCA was life-changing.” She strongly advocates for pursuing qualifications like ACCA, which she believes open doors to a fulfilling career.
