Leaders

Career transitions, while demanding, can be highly rewarding when approached with strategic planning and the right mindset. The career trajectory of finance professional Juhaina Albahrani exemplifies this principle. After 17 successful years in financial consulting, she transitioned to a leadership role in banking. The common thread in these contrasting roles has been her expertise, leadership, and perseverance.

A seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in financial services, Juhaina has advised leading institutions and taken on pivotal roles in the industry. In June 2021, she assumed the position of Head of Finance Control at a prominent wholesale bank licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, where she oversees a team of qualified accountants and manages financial accounting, reporting, budgeting, cost control, and reconciliations.

While successfully navigating the complexities of the banking sector, Juhaina also prioritizes her family life. She believes that true success lies in maintaining a well-rounded balance between professional and personal responsibilities.

Below are key excerpts from a conversation with Juhaina Albahrani.

Can you share insights into your professional journey and key milestones?

My career began in 2005 with EY, a leading global professional services firm that provided valuable opportunities for professionals in the Middle East by championing gender equality where growth was determined by contribution, commitment and hard work. While achieving work-life balance in such a competitive environment was challenging, EY’s early adoption of flexible working policies, played a vital role in supporting that balance. I was among the few national women to continue advancing, ultimately leaving after 17 years at the Director level.

When planning my next career move, transitioning to the banking sector was a deliberate decision, as I had always envisioned gaining experience on both sides of the table. This aspiration ultimately guided my decision to shift to the banking sector.

Shifting to the banking industry marked a defining moment in my career. Having already navigated the challenges of the audit sector, a traditionally maledominated field, I was well aware of the additional effort required for women to gain recognition, trust, and leadership opportunities. I entered the banking sector prepared to demonstrate that women could excel as leaders in this industry as well. 

What further motivated and reinforced my decision was the presence of several accomplished female leaders who were already recognized within the industry at the time of my transition.

Moreover, fortunately, governments, along with institutions across the region, are increasingly implementing initiatives to support the advancement of women professionals.  

Introduce us to your current role and responsibilities as Head of Financial Control.

As the Head of Financial Control at Alubaf Arab International Bank, which operates under a wholesale banking license issued by the Central Bank of Bahrain, I report directly to the CEO and am responsible for leading the bank’s overall financial management and operations. My role encompasses critical functions, including financial planning, accounting, regulatory compliance, budgeting, direct and indirect tax matters, and payroll management. I oversee daily finance operations to ensure that the bank’s financial activities align with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and strategic objectives.

In addition to my core responsibilities, I have spearheaded key strategic review projects aimed at enhancing the bank’s financial performance, operational efficiency, and compliance framework. I have also chaired multiple key committees within the bank, including those focused-on asset management and insurance, and I actively contribute as a member of other committees, such as those overseeing credit, investment, and asset-liability management.

In these capacities, I provide financial guidance to senior management, support the bank’s decision-making processes, and ensure effective risk management.  

What have been the most significant milestones in your career?

I believe in setting short-term goals that drive continuous growth, ultimately building toward significant long-term milestones.

Early in my career at EY, I swiftly achieved my professional qualification and, through continuous development, advanced to become one of the female leaders to reach to a director level.

At my current Bank, I first surmounted the significant challenge of transitioning from an auditor’s investigative mindset to that of a strategic banker, which was a transformation that not only earned the trust of senior leadership but also marked a pivotal milestone in my career. I was subsequently selected to assess our group’s financial transformation, a role that has played a critical part in evolving and furthering my professional development.

I was selected for multiple recognized development programs among which was a respected program aimed at developing future female board members and a prestigious Government-initiated leadership program open to top industry leaders.

What is your ‘Success Mantra’?

Success is a result of hard work, dedication, and self-belief. It is not solely defined by career advancements or monetary rewards but encompasses a broader spectrum of personal fulfillment.  

True success, in my view, includes mental growth, personal development, good health, quality time with family, inner peace along with the professional achievements one attains. As we mature, our definition of success evolves from early aspirations centered on climbing the ladder and financial gains to a more holistic balance between personal, professional, and spiritual well-being.  

The key is to believe in yourself, remain committed, and always give your best effort, because nothing is impossible.

Who is your idol in life?

When asked about my idols, I always reflect on the profound influence of my parents. My father, who raised my sisters and me as equals, no less than male counterparts even though we had no brothers, instilled in me a resilient mindset, the strength to make firm decisions under pressure, and the ability to manage emotions effectively. From my mother, I learned the value of patience, contentment, and the importance of staying focused on my goals without rushing the journey. 

Beyond my parents, I’ve been fortunate to encounter numerous teachers, managers, and leaders throughout my educational and professional life, each contributing unique qualities that have helped shape who I am today. 

How do you see the finance industry evolving in the GCC, and what trends are emerging?

I anticipate that the finance industry will continue its dynamic evolution driven by digital transformation and regulatory enhancements. Emerging trends include the rapid adoption of fintech solutions and advanced analytics, which are streamlining operations and enhancing decisionmaking capabilities.  

Juhaina Albahrani, Head (Financial Control), Alubaf Arab International Bank

Juhaina Albahrani is a seasoned professional that brings with her a wealth of experience and a comprehensive grasp of the conventional and Islamic banking, financial services and asset management industries, along with extensive training in conventional and Islamic accounting principles and a clear understanding of what the central bank and other regulatory bodies expect of their stakeholders.

She is a holder of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Bahrain, where she graduated with honors.

Juhaina is currently employed with Alubaf Arab International Bank as Head of Financial Control. Earlier, she served as Director at EY, Bahrain where her client portfolio included some of the leading banks based in Bahrain.