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Valerie Forbes Kane

@valerieforbeskane

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Data-driven Finance and Digital Transformation Leader.

United Arab Emirates

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What I'm looking for

I seek a senior finance role driving digital transformation, automation and sustainable finance, partnering with CXOs to deliver measurable cost savings and scalable finance capabilities.

I am a Dubai-based finance and digital transformation leader with 20 years' experience embedding automation and driving global programmes that deliver multi-million-dollar savings.

I have led large SAP integrations, global procurement transformations and finance technology deployments, partnering with CXO stakeholders to sharpen ROI and simplify complex tech‑finance trade‑offs.

My teams have increased EBITDA, improved AR hit rates, and delivered sustained cost optimisation while maintaining compliance through SOX/COSO controls and robust 3rd party risk management.

As a PhD candidate in Emerging Technology and Executive MBA graduate, I champion GenAI, RPA and sustainable finance initiatives while building high-engagement teams and scalable digital finance capabilities.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

International Finance Director

Intuit Inc.

Jan 2019 - Jan 2025 (6 years)

Led end-to-end finance and procurement for international markets, delivering $5M+ annual procurement savings, automating payments and KPIs, and contributing to >$20M in global cost optimizations while managing a $220M annual budget.

Financial Planning Coupa Automation)KPIs SOX Compliance Vendor Management RPA Stakeholder Engagement

Global Finance Operations Senior Manager

Booking.com

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Led global finance operations and a team of 55+, implemented SAP Fiori to cut invoicing time by 40%, automated direct debit to raise AR hit rate from 65% to 92% and drove an 18% EBITDA uplift.

Accounts Receivable P2P Financial Operations Team Leadership Automation)Process Improvement

Global Business Process Manager

Douwe Egberts

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Orchestrated the largest procurement SAP integration during a $6B merger, aligning 40+ markets and 45 stakeholders, delivering the project on time and achieving $8M in procurement savings.

Stakeholder Management Program Management Contract Negotiation Change Management

Finance Supply Chain Analyst

Diageo

Jan 2008 - Dec 2014 (6 years 11 months)

Led FP&A and supply chain finance projects that delivered >$14M in logistics cost savings and reduced travel expenses by 35% through policy and provider optimisation.

FP&A Supply Chain Finance Internal Audit P2P Financial Reporting Process Improvement SOX Controls

Accounting Graduate

Fyffes

Jan 2004 - Dec 2008 (4 years 11 months)

Held entry-level accounting responsibilities within a global fresh produce group, supporting finance functions and client reporting for high-net-worth accounts.

Accounting Financial Reporting Client Management Reconciliations Excel)