A journey of opportunity and growth
While Sarah studied finance and accounting at university, her career didn’t start in the most traditional way.
She moved from South Africa to London just as the 2008 financial crisis hit, and with no local experience, was advised to take on administrative roles before finding my way into financial services. In 2010, she joined AES as the personal assistant to the Board, and within a year moved into the Finance Team. Three years later, she was offered the opportunity to relocate to Dubai to establish our finance function.
What are the biggest challenges you've faced professionally or personally and how did you overcome them?
In 2017, I took a short career break to travel and joined GH Financial in London. In 2020, I rejoined AES in Dubai as Head of Finance. Now in my fifth year back, I lead the finance function across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance, governance, and operational excellence, while aligning finance with AES’s long-term goals and developing the next generation of finance leaders.
What particular challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the fast-changing tax landscape in the UAE. As I’m not a tax specialist by trade, I had to build my own knowledge while partnering with the right advisers. I didn’t want to rely solely on technical experts - I wanted to understand the issues myself so I could ask the right questions and make informed decisions for the business.
What key achievements or milestones are you particularly proud of?
Becoming Chartered and being promoted to Finance Director. AES has always invested in my development, supporting me along the way to reach these milestones.
How do you define success?
Success for me, isn’t a single point you arrive at one day – it’s more about continually evolving, adding value and making an impact while enjoying the journey along the way.
What advice would you give to someone looking to grow their career at AES?
Growth usually comes from taking on challenges that feel out of reach. I’d also say investing time in relationships is important - technical skills will get you started, but it’s collaboration, communication, and trust that really move you forward.
Reflecting on your decision to move to Dubai, how has the experience shaped you?
This second opportunity that AES provided me with to move back to Dubai has been the most rewarding yet. Beyond being a fantastic base for travel, it’s where I’ve built strong new friendships, bought our first home, and even adopted two rescue cats - all while being able to save and invest for the future. Since leaving South Africa 16 years ago, this is the first place I’ve truly been able to call home again.
Looking forward, what goals are you excited to achieve next?
Looking ahead, I’m excited about helping AES achieve some key financial goals next year and making sure we leverage that momentum to build for the future. I’m fortunate to have a strong team around me, and mentoring them as they grow in their own careers is something I find deeply rewarding. On a personal level, travel is my passion - I try to explore two or three new countries each year, and I’m excited to keep discovering new cultures and the beauty the world has to offer.
