As the driving force behind Giorgio & Associates, Roberta Giorgio embodies a unique blend of heritage and forward-thinking strategy, balancing the core principles of accounting with the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.

For Roberta, the path into finance was a natural one, rooted in both a personal passion and a powerful family legacy. “I just love numbers,” she states with a smile – a simple yet profound motivation that has fuelled her career. Her journey began in earnest by following in the footsteps of her father, a highly respected figure within the accounting profession.

This shared professional path led them to establish a partnership together, and after her father’s passing, Roberta took the helm, continuing the business she helped build.

Remarkably, the foundations of that early venture remain strong today. “Several senior members of the firm joined as students over 20 years ago and remain with the firm”, she shares, reflecting the strength of the culture. In today’s professional landscape, such longevity speaks volumes about the loyalty, continuity, and collaborative environment she has cultivated.

Catering to both local entrepreneurs and international companies, Giorgio & Associates operates at the heart of Malta’s evolving business landscape. This position provides a unique vantage point on the sector's most significant challenges, with regulatory demands at the forefront.

“The most significant challenge is keeping up to date with the changes in regulations,” Roberta explains. “Handling compliance can be a major headache.” It’s a candid admission that many in the industry will relate to, as navigating the complexities of compliance becomes increasingly time-consuming. Looking ahead, she anticipates that greater EU-wide alignment could provide some relief,  hopeful that future EU regulations will help streamline these processes, creating a more level playing field.

In an industry built on rules and precision, Roberta places immense value on the human element. For her, relationships are built on trust and responsiveness – a philosophy she cultivates with every client, particularly those from overseas who may be unfamiliar with the Maltese market.

When asked how she builds this trust, she reflects, “some clients can be wary at first, so there’s a process until they get to know you. But once they see that you’re trustworthy and you deliver what you promise, you have their full faith.”

This commitment to personal attention is a foundation of her practice. “We’re very approachable,” she adds. “That is one of the advantages of being small.”

And while traditional values are core to her firm, Roberta is firmly focused on the future, leveraging technology to offer sophisticated, tech-enabled services. A key part of this strategy is the integration of the Odoo ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, a collaboration with tech firm Aviense Limited. The decision to adopt this cloud-based platform proved invaluable. "Thankfully, before COVID hit, we had already changed to Odoo," she recalls, “so we were very well prepared to close the door and work from home.” 

Shedding light on how digital tools are also reshaping the role of the accountant, Roberta believes that automation frees professionals from repetitive tasks to focus on higher-value advisory services. “It will improve our efficiency on the nitty-gritties,” she says, allowing her team to provide “more of an advisor role.” This evolution positions the modern accountant as a strategic partner – what she describes as a fractional CFO – for businesses that need expert financial guidance without the overhead of a full-time executive.

As she prepares to navigate the coming years, Roberta’s focus is clear: sustainable growth for her business, her team, and her clients, all while upholding the legacy of trust and integrity that has been her hallmark for over 20 years.