Fazeela Gopalani steps down as ACCA's Head of Middle East
Fazeela Gopalani, who has served at ACCA since 2015, has announced her decision to step down from the position of Head of Middle East.
Fazeela joined ACCA as Head of Education, a role she held for nearly five years, overseeing operations across 11 countries and collaborating with diverse sectors and prominent businesses in the Middle East. She then spent the next five years as Head of Middle East, driving growth, value, innovation, and expansion in the region. During this period, she received several accolades, including being named among the Top 35 Women of Influence in 2021 and winning the Women Empowerment Award 2020-2021. In March 2024, she was promoted to Head of Eurasia and Middle East, where she contributed valuable insights to the region, as shared in ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2024 report.
Before joining ACCA, Fazeela held positions such as Senior Manager at PwC Academy Middle East, Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde and the University of Leicester, and Principal Managing Partner at Nawab and Co Accountants.
Academically, Fazeela is a certified accountant by ACCA, and also holds a BSc degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Birmingham, and an MBA degree from the University of Strathclyde.
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Announcing her departure on LinkedIn, Fazeela posted: “Nearly 10 years ago, I began my journey as Head of Education, working to support the development of the accounting profession in the Middle East.
During this time, I’ve been fortunate to travel across the region and meet ACCA members from diverse backgrounds and cultures, all contributing to the vibrant community in the Middle East.
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with government officials, national bodies, employers, universities, learning providers, students, and members—each connection adding value to both my professional and personal growth.
As the daughter of an ACCA member, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this profession can open doors, not just for my father but for me as well. That’s why I’ve always been passionate about our purpose, and it’s what motivated me to give my all, even on long days of early flights and packed schedules.
You truly have to love what you do and appreciate the diverse cultures and perspectives you encounter along the way. The friendships and relationships I’ve built over the years have made this journey special.
I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the support from my mentors (you know who you are), ACCA leadership, and especially my team in the Middle East and Eurasia. These last 10 years have been both fulfilling and rewarding, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.
As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I leave with great memories and gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—here’s to continuing to make a positive impact in everything we do.”