The modern finance industry is shaped by a landscape where numbers intertwine with narratives and analytics meet artistry. Succeeding in such an environment calls for more than subject matter expertise; it demands strategic foresight and calculated embrace of risks, to norms, all of which facilitate change for the better. Ellie Abdali, a trailblazer in this fast-paced world of finance, brings all of this and more to the industry. Her journey is one of curiosity, resilience, continuous growth and a knack for blending logic with creativity.
As the VP of Tax and Treasury at Arcera, a rising pharmaceutical company in Abu Dhabi, Ellie is building systems and processes beyond compliance, aiming to drive growth and shape the future. Her story is a testament to how passion, adaptability, and a global perspective can transform an industry.
Early Sparks That Shaped a Path
Ellie’s love for problem-solving started young, growing up in Iran, where her father inspired her fascination with math. “There was something so satisfying about cracking a math problem,” she recalls with a smile.
At age ten, she moved to the Netherlands, where her academic interests expanded. She embraced the language and culture and discovered classical languages like Latin and Greek, which sharpened her analytical thinking. “They were like puzzles I loved solving,” she recalls. Initially drawn to law, Ellie found her calling in taxation, where she could combine structure, strategy, and analytical thinking.
She earned two LLM degrees and later a third in Finance and Law from the Duisenberg School of Finance. “Tax is where law meets logic—it’s like solving a puzzle that impacts real-world outcomes,” she explains. That passion for solving complex challenges continues to fuel her work today.
That blend continues to drive her today. As the VP of the Tax and Treasury function at Arcera, she draws daily on her experience across disciplines, balancing strategic and operational demands.
A Broader View of Financial Leadership
Ellie believes finance is not just based on theoretical and technical knowledge. For her, leadership in tax and treasury means blending technical expertise with strategic and innovative thinking to ensure compliance while supporting business performance. “It is about using expertise to design strategies that move the business forward,” she says.
For Ellie, finance isn’t just about spreadsheets or compliance—it’s about creating strategies that propel a business forward. As VP of Tax and Treasury at Arcera, she balances big-picture goals with day-to-day operations, from cash flow management to investment planning. Her experience in consulting and M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) across Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East has given her a unique lens. “A strong tax and treasury function isn’t just supporting the organisation —it’s a cornerstone of a company’s vision,” she explains.
Ellie’s leadership style is rooted in curiosity and collaboration. “The best solutions come from asking questions and bringing the right people together,” she says. Her ability to connect dots across disciplines—law, tax, finance—helps her build frameworks that are both innovative and practical.
Structure, Curiosity, and a Sharp Routine / A Day in the Life
Ellie’s day begins early. By 5:30 a.m., she is up with an espresso ready for her workout, whether it is indoor cycling, running, or a solo round of golf. These habits help her stay focused and energized. She makes good use of her commute, listening to leadership and history podcasts. “Malcolm Gladwell’s Revolutionary History and Real Dictators feeds my curiosity for knowledge and offers amazing insights into the risks and responsibilities inherent in power and leadership,” she says.
At the office, she divides her day into blocks, each dedicated to tax or treasury, focusing on key areas like cash flow, investment planning, and tax risk management. Working in a dynamic, startup-style environment requires flexibility. “Structure helps me keep everything moving while staying adaptable,” she notes. She credits Arcera’s CEO, Isabel Afonso, and CFO Andrew Crossley for fostering a culture of empowerment and collaboration. “Their trust gives us the freedom to push boundaries,” she says.
Growing Through Change
Ellie’s life has been shaped by bold moves. Moving to the Netherlands as a child taught her resilience. “It was a big leap—new culture, new language—but it made me adaptable,” she reflects. Her time at Deloitte in New York was another defining moment, where the fast-paced world of deals tested her limits. “It stretched me in every way, but it made me stronger,” she says.
Later, her relocation to Dubai marked a pivotal chapter, reflecting not just independence but a profound leap of faith, courage, ambition, and agency. Stepping into the Middle East’s dynamic economic hub, Ellie embraced a new cultural and professional landscape, positioning herself to make a broader impact. “It was a strategic pivot toward a bigger vision for my career and life,” she says, describing the move as both a pursuit of growth and a declaration of her ability to shape her path. A friend calls her a “pit bull” for her tenacity. “When I set my sights on something, I don’t let go,” she laughs.
Balancing Ambition with Self-Care
Ellie’s ambition drove her early success, but she soon realized that sustainability and endurance matter just as much as drive. “Success is a marathon, not a sprint,” she reflects.
Today, she makes time for personal health and fostering meaningful relationships. Time with friends and family gives her balance and keeps her grounded. “Their support helps me stay focused on what matters,” she says. Whether it’s a workout or a heartfelt conversation, these moments recharge her for the challenges ahead.
A New Chapter for Treasury in the Middle East
The role of the treasury has expanded in recent years. “We have gone from crisis response to navigating high interest rates and inflation,” she says. This shift has transformed treasury into a strategic function.
In the Middle East, Ellie believes the future belongs to finance leaders who embrace technology and agility. “Digital tools, compliance, and sustainability are all reshaping the landscape,” she explains. Treasury teams are no longer only risk managers. “They are becoming central to how businesses grow,” she says.
Building the Future at Arcera
The role of finance has evolved dramatically, and Ellie is at the forefront of this shift. “We have moved from reacting to crises to navigating complex challenges like inflation, high interest rates and increasing international rules and requirements,” she explains. In the Middle East, where Arcera is based, she sees finance leaders embracing technology and agility to drive growth. “Tax and treasury aren’t just about managing risks anymore—it’s about fueling opportunity,” she says.
At Arcera, Ellie is helping to build a pharmaceutical powerhouse from the ground up. Backed by a major state-owned holding group, the company’s vision is to become a leader in health and life sciences across the Arab world. Starting with generic products, Arcera has its sights set on patented medications and investment in cutting-edge innovations. Ellie’s proudest achievement? Creating a Tax and Treasury function that’s ready to scale. “We’re laying a foundation for growth and partnerships,” she says. “It’s a challenge, but it’s incredibly exciting.”
“It is not an easy task, but the vision is clear and such a unique and exciting challenge,” she says.
Paying It Forward Through Mentorship
Having benefited from strong mentors, Ellie is passionate about mentoring the next generation of finance leaders. She sees mentorship as highly personal. “It has to be aligned with each person’s strengths and goals,” she says. Her values as a mentor include integrity, adaptability, and excellence. She encourages young professionals to stay curious and prioritise emotional intelligence. “Finance is a people business at its core,” she explains. Her advice? “Know what drives you. Don’t just follow a common path, know what drives you and carve your path.”
Staying True to Her Purpose
Ellie stays grounded and focused by remembering the trust that others place in her. She credits mentors, colleagues, and her journey of growth. Leadership, she believes, is about staying present and accountable. “It is not about having all the answers, just the willingness to evolve”, she says.
A Legacy of Impact
Looking ahead, Ellie wants to promote a prominent role for finance in business.
She desires to elevate finance contribution beyond mere compliance by focusing on digital innovation and corporate resilience. “Finance teams can be a real engine for growth,” she says. She wishes to be remembered for transformational change and strategic foresight, along with corporate accountability and transparency. “If I can build systems and processes that help people and companies thrive, then I will have accomplished one of my key objectives,” she says.
Ellie Abdali’s story is one of curiosity, resilience, and vision. With her unique blend of strategic mindset, resilience and passion for excellence, she’s not just navigating the future of finance – she’s shaping it.
