WALID GOUDA
Dubai
Summary
Strategic Finance Leader with over 11 years of experience in the Dubai K-12 education sector. Proven track record in leading financial transformations following corporate acquisitions, optimizing group-wide procurement, and delivering high-level MIS reporting to Executive Boards. Expert in UAE VAT, Corporate Tax, and MOHRE Tawteen compliance. Demonstrated ability to partner directly with C-suite stakeholders, including Operations, HR, and Finance Directors, to align institution-level budgets with group-wide strategic and fiscal goals.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Financial manager
School of Modern Skills
Dubai
2016.03 - Current
- Executive Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner directly with the Executive Board, Finance Director, Operations Director, and HR Director to ensure financial strategies support human capital and operational excellence.
- Post-Acquisition Leadership: Orchestrated a financial integration and department overhaul following the school’s acquisition by Alef Yaa Group in 2018, aligning operations with holding group standards.
- MIS & Board Reporting: Developed and lead a monthly MIS reporting cycle, providing the Board with critical data on revenue trends, enrollment analysis, and cost-control initiatives.
- Strategic Budgeting: Collaborated closely with a School Principal to restructure and optimize the annual budget, balancing operational needs with the Board’s financial targets.
- Group-Wide Synergy: Initiated strategic partnerships with sister schools (Horizon Abu Dhabi and Ajyal School) to consolidate procurement power and exchange best practices, driving significant group-wide savings.
- Tawteen & Compliance: Manage financial planning and resource allocation to ensure 100% adherence to MOHRE Tawteen (Emiratization) targets and KHDA regulatory mandates.
- Team Leadership: Supervise a cross-functional team including a Senior Accountant, Accounts Manager, Registrar, and KHDA Coordinator.
Chief Accountant
IGS Foundation Contracting L. L. C
2012.02 - 2014.04
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of the Accounts Receivable, actively engaging with a collection team to drive the achievement of financial targets.
- Oversaw the Accounts Payable process, ensuring timely and accurate payments to suppliers, backed by properly authorized documentation.
- Managed payroll preparation and processing, adhering to the Wage Protection System (WPS) and UAE Labor Law requirements.
- Administered import Letters of Credit (LC) transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations.
- Developed monthly cash flow reports and effectively managed liquidity to navigate tight financial situations.
- Performed job costing analysis for individual projects and generated periodic reports to assess profitability.
- Ensured meticulous and timely completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closings.
- Prepared comprehensive financial statements monthly, ensuring they accurately reflect the company's financial status.
- Maintained financial integrity by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to audit procedures and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Senior Accountant
Iqraa International School
2010.02 - 2012.01
- Developed the annual budget and prepared detailed cash flow reports to ensure financial stability and foresight.
- Monitored Accounts Receivable, actively engaging with parents to manage overdue payments and maintain financial health.
- Led the purchasing process, negotiating agreements and contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms and cost efficiencies.
- Conducted feasibility studies for the introduction of new classes, providing strategic financial insights to support decision-making.
- Implemented a new barcode-based software system for store keeping to enhance inventory management and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw the Accounts Payable process, ensuring that payments to suppliers were made in accordance with internal policies and procedures.
- Reviewed and processed payroll sheets from the HR department, ensuring accurate and timely compensation of staff.
- Delivered comprehensive financial reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, providing management with crucial financial insights and analysis.
- Provided insightful financial advice to senior management for informed decision making.
Education
Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Bussiness
University of the People
USA 2026.01 -
Bachelor's Degree - Commerce, Accounting
Banha University
2002.01 - 2006.01
Skills
- Financial leadership
- Strategic fiscal advice
- Operational efficiency
- Compliance management
- Strategic thinking
- Analytical skills
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365)
- Advanced Excel (Expert Level)
- IFRS Applications, and UAE Corporate Tax
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Arabic (Mother tongue)
REFERENCE
Upon request
Timeline
Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Bussiness
University of the People
2026.01 -
Financial manager
School of Modern Skills
2016.03 - Current
Chief Accountant
IGS Foundation Contracting L. L. C
2012.02 - 2014.04
Senior Accountant
Iqraa International School
2010.02 - 2012.01
Bachelor's Degree - Commerce, Accounting
Banha University
2002.01 - 2006.01