Brenda Calleja Smith
Accountant & Auditor
Birkirkara
Summary
Highly accomplished Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Certified Public Accountant and Auditor (FCCA, FIA, CPA) with over 15 years of expertise in financial management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. Proven track record in setting up and steering financial operations, implementing scalable ERP systems, and managing multi-disciplinary teams in dynamic, high-growth environments. Adept at aligning financial processes with regulatory requirements, building stakeholder relationships, and driving organizational success in fast-paced Financial Institutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Landsberg Ltd
10.2023 - Current
- Leading the implementation of a scalable ERP system to support the company's high-growth trajectory
- Partnering with a cross-functional leadership team to align financial strategy with organizational objectives
- Directed budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
Head of Finance
nextmarkets Trading Ltd
06.2018 - 09.2023
- Company Overview: (Company went into liquidation)
- Established the finance function and implemented SAP, integrated with the company's trading platform
- Designed and automated regulatory and capital adequacy reporting processes to ensure compliance
- Cultivated strong relationships with stakeholders, including auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities
- Managed budgeting process, ensuring accurate forecasting and timely adjustments to meet business needs.
Compliance Officer & MLRO
OTP Financing Malta Company Ltd
06.2017 - 05.2021
- Led compliance operations, ensuring adherence to AML/CFT laws and overseeing regulatory obligations
- Developed and maintained the Compliance Manual and presented management and other compliance reports to the Malta Board, to the Parent Company in Hungary as well as local Authorities
Head of Finance
ALB Forex Trading Ltd
03.2017 - 06.2018
- Spearheaded and oversaw financial operations during the start-up phase, including implementing SUNFOR 6 and MT4 integration
- Directed VAT, FATCA, and other regulatory registrations while automating COREP Appendix 2C reporting
- Managed budgeting process, ensuring accurate forecasting and timely adjustments to meet business needs.
- Oversaw annual audit process, ensuring accurate representation of financial position in accordance with GAAP standards.
Chief Finance Officer
YapiKredi Bank
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Directed all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and internal and external reporting for local regulatory authorities as well as the parent bank in Turkey
- Ensured strict compliance with banking rules, regulations, and IFRS requirements
- Coordinated audits with external parties, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and filing requirements while.
Finance & Compliance Manager and MLRO
OTP Financing Malta Company Ltd
06.2014 - 08.2016
- Was part of the company setting up team in Malta
- With the CEO, co-led the establishment of a compliant finance department and robust Accounting together with an efficient AML/CFT system
- Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual management reports, forecast and budgeting reports and presented same during Board meetings both in Malta and in Hungary
- Handled both internal and external processes
Financial & Regulatory Accountant
CommBank Europe Ltd
08.2010 - 01.2014
- Managed local regulatory reporting and oversaw the implementation of a new banking reporting system, namely the BRS System
- Awarded Employee of the Month for successfully automating the Bank Reporting System which automated the process of monthly reports to the Central Bank of Malta within stipulated timeframes
- Streamlined month-end closing processes, resulting in reduced time spent on financial reporting tasks.
- Improved budget forecasting accuracy with detailed variance analysis between actual and budgeted figures.
Education
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) -
ACCA
01.2002 - 01.2006
Certified Public Accountant Warrant - undefined
Certified Public Auditor Warrant - undefined
PE Diploma Course - Teaching at Primary Level
University of Malta
01.1997 - 01.1999
Skills
Financial Management & Reporting (IFRS, GAAP)
Regulatory Compliance (MFSA, FIAU, AML/CFT, Basel II/III)
ERP & System Implementation (SAP, SUN Systems, Oracle Flexcube)
Strategic Planning & Capital Adequacy Monitoring
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Audit, Risk Management & Internal Controls
ERP & Financial Tools: SAP, Oracle Flexcube, Sun Accounts, MetaTrader 4, Atlassian Confluence
Banking & Compliance Systems: BRS System, Albatross Core Banking, Dow Jones Screening, TAS Swift Messaging
Analytics & Reporting Tools: Q&A Reporting, SalesForce CRM, Excel
Affiliations
- Fellow of Certified Chartered Accountants (FCCA)
- Malta Institute of Accountants (FIA)
- Approved by MFSA since 2014 (PQ’d as a Finance Officer and MLRO)
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Landsberg Ltd
10.2023 - Current
Head of Finance
nextmarkets Trading Ltd
06.2018 - 09.2023
Compliance Officer & MLRO
OTP Financing Malta Company Ltd
06.2017 - 05.2021
Head of Finance
ALB Forex Trading Ltd
03.2017 - 06.2018
Chief Finance Officer
YapiKredi Bank
08.2016 - 02.2017
Finance & Compliance Manager and MLRO
OTP Financing Malta Company Ltd
06.2014 - 08.2016
Financial & Regulatory Accountant
CommBank Europe Ltd
08.2010 - 01.2014
Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) -
ACCA
01.2002 - 01.2006
PE Diploma Course - Teaching at Primary Level
University of Malta
01.1997 - 01.1999