Page 20 - Internal Auditor M.E. - June 2019

conversations with colleagues

By Farah Araj
Mohammed Abu Hijleh & Ghaleb Al Masri

Mazars Uae leaders share

their insights on the value that

robust internal audit practices

can bring to the public sector

n an exclusive interview, Internal Auditor Middle East
Ispoke to Mohammed Abu Hijleh, CPA and Ghaleb Al
Masri, CPA, CIA, CFE, who are partners with Mazars in
the UAE and are supporters of good governance in the
public sector.
Mohammed started his career in public accounting
after graduating from the United States. He spent time
with international consulting companies and was
the Chief Financial Officer of a prominent real estate
developer before becoming Mazars UAE Managing
Partner. Mohamed also serves as an independent audit
committee member for an Abu Dhabi based investment
company.
Ghaleb leads the Risk Advisory practice for Abu Dhabi
and brings a wealth of internal audit and risk experience
working with major corporations and public sector
entities across the Middle East. In addition to working
for international consulting companies, Ghaleb has
served as a risk management leader and a Chief Audit
Executive within the public sector.
Internal Auditor - Middle East connected with
Mohammed Abu Hijleh and Ghaleb Al Masri at the
Mazars offices in Abu Dhabi.

Can you introduce Mazars to us?
Mohammed Abu Hijleh (on the right) and Ghaleb Al Masri (on the left)
Mohammed: Mazars is an international, integrated and
independent firm specializing in Audit, Risk Advisory,
Financial Advisory, Tax, and Legal services. With over 23,000 Based on your experience, what are your views on
professionals servicing clients from across 310 offices in more the challenges currently facing the public sector?
than 85 countries around the world, Mazars has positioned itself Mohammed: The UAE market & public sector is evolving at an
as a global player with an annual growth of over 8% and revenue unprecedented rate. Having said this, adopting new technologies
exceeding $ 1.8 Billion in 2018.
is the biggest challenge in a region where in some countries IT
Ghaleb: Locally, we have attracted a number of top tier infrastructure lacks behind developed countries. Locally, the UAE
governmental clients who are benefiting from our internal has done a fantastic job building the necessary infrastructure to
audit services. We’ve also supported local non-governmental
organizations that have been established decades ago and are implement new technologies however, finding the right talent/
well-known within their respective sectors (manufacturing, expertise is quite challenging and will require attracting the same
construction, retail and food & beverage) in the UAE. from abroad.

20 INTERNAL AUDITOR - MIDDLE EAST JUNE 2019