Finance, Excellence & Leadership Summit 2024

In an era of rapid change, continuous learning is crucial for finance professionals to ensure the profession's future success. This was the central message at the Finance, Excellence & Leadership (FELS) Summit 2024, held in Dubai earlier this week. Organized by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), in collaboration with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Dubai Chapter and the CFA Institute, this year’s summit was larger and more ambitious, drawing over 500 finance professionals. The event began with a keynote on the "6 Pillars of Executive Performance," which addressed the evolving role of finance and highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaborations as best practices for the future. Fazeela Gopalani, Head of Eurasia and Middle East at ACCA praised the dedication of finance professionals in the region, noting the record attendance. The summit also featured Her Excellency Noura Alblooshi, General Manager at the Emirates Institute of Finance.

Wise Words by Esteemed Leaders

Leaders and executives shared insights to ensure a sustainable future for the finance profession. They emphasized the need for professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. Seminars covered topics ranging from "Business Transformation in Today’s Competitive World" to "Sustainable Finance - Climate Finance, Green Bonds, and Sustainability Linked Loans," offering guidance on navigating these challenges.

“Our profession is vital for economies to grow and prosper. Accountancy is a cornerstone profession that supports both the private and public sectors, acting as a super-connector by working with governments, regulators, educational establishments, and trade organizations to build sustainable businesses and flourishing societies. The demand for accountants and finance professionals in our region continues to grow, driven by the rapid economic development and the increasing complexity of global financial systems,” said Fazeela Gopalani, Head of Eurasia and Middle East, ACCA.

The theme of this year’s summit, "Leadership and Excellence," captures the essence of FELS’s mission. Excellence is a continuous journey of lifelong learning, growth, and mastery. Leadership is a mindset that transcends boundaries, challenges conventions, and embraces innovation. It involves leading by example, inspiring others, and instilling a sense of purpose and direction.

“FELS provides a platform for finance professionals to collaborate and share knowledge with our peers. We are incredibly humbled to have had the best minds in accounting and finance with us for the summit, to exchange ideas and challenge conventional wisdom. In this era of rapid change, the importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated. As finance professionals, we must be committed to lifelong learning, constantly updating our skills and knowledge to keep pace with the evolving demands of our profession and FELS provides a unique platform for us to do this,” added Gopalani.