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Arwa Abdin

@arwaabdin

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Senior Financial Advisor & CPA | 20+ yrs in Internal Controls (COSO), GRC, Prudential Audit & Forensic Reviews.

Syrian Arab Republic

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that values compliance and offers opportunities for professional growth.

Senior Financial Advisor & Audit Expert | CPA | GRC & Internal Controls Specialist

Accomplished Senior Financial Advisor, Syrian CPA, and former Central Bank Regulatory Lead with over 20 years of experience across banking, corporate entities, fintech, and international NGO environments. Specializes in designing robust internal control architectures (COSO Framework), building institutional Risk & Control Matrices (RCM), and leading end-to-end external audit and forensic financial reviews. Proven track record directing complex assurance engagements at HLB FIDUCIA and authoring executive audit findings, policy frameworks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Adept at bridging international standards (IFRS, AAOIFI, AML/CFT) with practical operational compliance for fully remote global engagements.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Audit Manager

Current

HLB FIDUCIA

Apr 2019 - Present (7 years 6 months)

Managed various technical accounting and operation areas of different clients, including accounting policy review. Handled various audit tasks and prepared reports on auditing activities. Made effective suggestions to improve internal controls which were implemented and duly appreciated.

Accounting Policies Audit Reporting Internal Controls Risk Management Software Implementation Training Process Improvement IFRS Financial Analysis Team Leadership

Head of Banking Supervision Unit

Central Bank of Syria

Oct 2014 - Present (12 years)

Developed and monitored supervision annual Plans for different kinds of banks according to risk-based principles. Designed, organized, and executed supervision missions for a diversified base of regulatory objectives across several kinds of banks, both public and private. Led the preparation process of 4 prudential banking supervisory regulations, which were duly endorsed.

Risk Based Principles Regulatory Compliance Prudential Regulations Financial Analysis Team Leadership Quality Control Communication Skills

Banking Supervisor

Central Bank of Syria

Jun 2005 - Present (21 years 4 months)

Performed fieldwork on supervisory missions and conducted risk assessments while implementing the annual audit plan. Reviewed banks’ Internal Controls environment and made recommendations for Standard Operating Procedures to comply with regulatory requirements. Assessed credit worthiness of borrowers and the adequacy of banks’ loan classification and provisioning.

Supervisory Missions Risk Assessment Audit Plans Internal Controls Standard Operating Procedures Regulatory Compliance Loan Classification Provision Reporting

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI)

Master in Finance, Finance

Completed a Master's degree in Finance, focusing on advanced financial concepts and practices. Gained specialized knowledge relevant to the banking and financial sectors.

Damascus University

Bachelor in Economics, Economics/Accounting

Studied Economics with a specialization in Accounting, gaining a strong foundation in economic principles and accounting practices. Developed analytical skills essential for financial analysis and auditing.