Are we really preparing the next generation of accounting and finance professionals for the real world?

In this episode of Habibis & Numbers, I sit down with Fazeela Gopalani, Partner at EY Academy and former Head of ACCA Middle East, to explore why the region's education-to-employment pipeline in accounting and finance needs a major overhaul.

We covered:

• The soft skills gap that’s holding professionals back

• Why technical qualifications alone aren’t enough anymore

• The cultural shifts required to unlock talent in the Middle East

• The challenges – and opportunities – for women in the industry

• How firms and educators can lead the next wave of transformation

Fazeela also shared her personal experiences navigating the world of finance as a woman in the GCC, and what still needs to change to make the profession more inclusive and future-ready.

This episode is essential for firm owners, educators, and future-focused professionals across the region.
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on accounting, tech, and transformation in the Middle East.

Is your firm actually a business – or just a glorified job?In this episode of Habibis & Numbers, Ayman sits down with Arun Sachdev, UK accounting firm founder and tech advocate, to break down what’s really holding firms back from scaling – and why most of them don’t even realise it.They talk about:Why outsourcing isn’t a silver bulletThe real reason most firms struggle with growthHow to attract premium clients (and stop being everything to everyone)Branding, positioning, and showing up consistently onlineThe power of bold opinions, even if people disagreeIt’s unfiltered, practical, and packed with advice for firm owners who are tired of running on a hamster wheel and want to build something sustainable.👇 Subscribe for more digital accounting insights from the Middle East and beyond.

In this episode of Habibis & Numbers, Ayman Kaouri sits down with the legendary Reza Hooda – founder of not one but two accounting firms and the Profitable Accountants Community (PAC). We dive deep into:The hard truth most accountants need to hearWhy your firm should be 100% paperless (no excuses)The real reason niching down multiplies your profitBuilding an accounting firm that runs without youHow to use cloud tools (like Xero, QBO & more) to scaleTurning your firm into a digital, systemised machineWhy most accountants are still glorified employees – and how to escape that trapWhether you're just starting or you're stuck on a growth plateau, this is a masterclass in modern firm building from someone who's done it twice – in the UK and the UAE.👇 Like, comment, and subscribe for more digital accounting insights from the Middle East and beyond.📘 Get Reza’s book: The 4 Pillars👥 Join the PAC: https://www.rezahooda.com/🌍 Brought to you by Scope Middle East – your digital transformation partners www.scopesolutions.me

Habibis & Numbers is the digital accounting podcast for the Middle East. Hosted by Ayman Kaouri, we explore how forward-thinking accountants and entrepreneurs are using cloud tech, AI, and automation to transform their firms. Real stories, no jargon - just honest conversations on scaling businesses, embracing change, and building smarter with the right tools.