NBB announces achievement of ACCA ‘Approved Employer’ status

** First Bank to attain scheme in the Kingdom**

In line with its commitment to continuously develop human talent, The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) announced its receipt of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a forward-thinking professional accountancy body, ‘Approved Employer’ status. NBB is the first Bank within the Kingdom to achieve the financial distinction.

The ‘Approved Employer’ globally-recognised status aligns directly with NBB’s objectives of attracting and retaining the best talent to enrich the Bank’s workforce and its promise of being an Employer of Choice, establishing the Bank as a leading example in diverse employee training initiatives and development programme offerings. The ACCA’s rigorous scheme recognises and rewards employers’ quality staff training and development, and plays a key role in supporting and developing the human resource skills needed for a flexible learning experience. 

The Programme will serve to create many potential areas of collaboration between NBB and the ACCA to foster growth and development opportunities for the Bank’s employees, including access to thought-leadership seminars, and short certification courses to further up-skill employees and advance their financial careers. 

Commenting on the occasion, Dana Buheji, Chief Human Resource Officer at NBB, said: “As a national market leader, NBB recognises the importance of continuous education by actively championing our employees as they strive to pursue their professional qualifications. Investment in the personal growth and professional development of our people is one of the three core areas of NBB’s change strategy, and we are proud to uphold the highest standards when it comes to training, development and career progression. Progress and corporate sustainability is a collective journey, and it is necessary that positive change be driven from within.” 

NBB’s commitment to continuous human capital development, to mentoring the best talent, to grooming leaders from within, is a strategic priority, and the Bank provides employees with the necessary support via initiatives such as study leaves and sponsored courses, in collaboration with Tamkeen. Additionally, existing ACCA members within NBB will not be required to show proof of attending minimum working hours to renew their memberships on a yearly basis.

Ms. Fazeela Dopalani, Head of ACCA Middle East said, “We are delighted to provide formal recognition to the National Bank of Bahrain, the first bank in Bahrain to achieve this status, in support of their commitment to providing learning and development opportunities which strengthens the accountancy skillsets of current and future employees and whilst continually driving the profession forward both locally and across the world. This award solidifies our partnership and brings tremendous opportunities for people in Bahrain whilst continuing to give ACCA the chance to also demonstrate our global connections which benefits our employers.”

As part of NBB’s promise to be an ‘Employer of Choice’, the Bank continues to enable and empower their employees by encouraging them to unleash their full potential and excel in their various functions to strengthen the Bank’s base for internal excellence.