Professional experience

Ministry of Finance (MOF) – Lebanon, (2001 to present)   

Head of Taxpayers’ Services Department, VAT (Value Added Tax) Directorate, (2013 to present)

• Supervising VAT Taxpayers’ registration and deregistration requests.
•   Meeting and discussing difficulties of VAT application with representatives of different sectors and unions.
• Submitting proposals on amendments related to tax policies.
• Providing assistance for taxpayers with complete, accurate, clear and timely information.
• Issuing publications to taxpayers to inform them of latest amendments.
• Handling taxpayers’ complaints.

Head of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Committee, (2016 to present)

• Creating sensitization and awareness of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and help the directors to appreciate the need for adopting international standards.
• Assisting the Public Accounting Directorate improving the existing accounting procedures.
• Improving the credibility and usefulness of annual financial statements and enhance the ministry’s reporting capabilities.
• Supporting the implementation of IPSAS Cash Basis.

Head of Legislation and Tax Policies Department, VAT (Value Added Tax) Directorate, (2006 – 2013)

• Setting up tax structures.
• Preparing legal advice for all units of Value Added Tax Directorate as well as for Customs Directorate and for taxpayers, if need be.
• Preparing amendments and legislative recommendations related to the procedures applied.
• Preparing studies and proposals to avoid legal loopholes.
• Analyzing implementations of tax decisions and proposing the   necessary recommendations.
• Reviewing objections results and analyzing both legal and procedural sides in order to reduce tax gaps.

Acting Head of Objection and Appeal Department, VAT (Value Added Tax) Directorate, (2006)

• Leading the staff responsible for studying and handling objections presented by taxpayers.
• Overseeing the execution of decisions made by the appeal commission and the state council.
• Supervising research efforts aimed at selecting appropriate tax policies for the objection department.
• Preparing proposals for changes in tax policies that concern the objection department.
• Developing monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports on the objection department's activities and performance.

Senior Tax Inspector, Global Income Tax team, Revenue Directorate, (2004 – 2006) 

• Conducting in-depth research on the implementation of Global Income Tax in Lebanon, which involved preparing the draft law and related decrees to guide the adoption of the taxation framework.
• Conducting multiple research studies to identify and recommend appropriate tax policies that align with the needs of the Lebanese economy and tax administration.

Tax Inspector, Legislation and Tax Policies department, VAT (Value Added Tax) Directorate, (2001 – 2004) 

• Conducting extensive research on the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) in Lebanon, which involved preparing the draft law and related decrees to guide the adoption of the taxation framework.
• Conducting several research studies to identify and recommend appropriate tax policies that align with the needs of the Lebanese economy and tax administration.

International Panel on Accountancy Education, IFAC

Member, (2024 – 2026)

• Act as strategic advisors for IFAC’s accountancy education work plan.
• Advocate for high-quality accountancy education globally and in their home jurisdictions and regions.
• Serve as access points for accountancy education resources.

Avicenna Innovative Healthcare Solutions – KSA, (2023 to present)    

Training Consultant, (2023 to present) 

• Identifying the learning and development needs of organizations and individuals.
• Creating customized training solutions tailored to the specific needs and objectives of organizations and individuals.
• Conducting training sessions and workshops for employees and individuals in-person and through virtual platforms.
• Developing and continuously updating training materials, such as presentations, handouts, e-learning modules, and training manuals, to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
• Assessing the effectiveness of training programs by analyzing feedback, conducting evaluations, and measuring performance improvements

Oman Association for Chartered Public Accountants (OACPA) – Oman, (2023 to present)

Advisor, (2023 to present) 

• Supporting OACPA in its application process and ultimately achieved associate membership status in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), a prestigious global organization that represents the accounting profession worldwide.

Chairperson of the Committee for Developing Professional Standards, (2023 to present) 

• Translating the professional standards into knowledge products aimed at enhancing professionalism within the accounting, finance, and auditing sectors.
• Harmonizing educational and training outcomes.
• Providing licenses and conducting tests to ensure professional competence, enabling the graduation of distinguished professionals who contribute to the development of the Sultanate of Oman.

Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants (QCPA) – Qatar, (2020 to present)    

Advisor, (2020 to present) 

• Assisting the association in championing the public interest by supporting the adoption and implementation of international accounting standards, maintaining quality assurance review systems, and establishing investigation and discipline mechanisms.
• Providing diverse training programs in accounting to QCPA members and other professionals, covering topics such as financial reporting, audit, taxation, and ethics.
• Supporting QCPA in its application process and ultimately achieved associate membership status in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), a prestigious global organization that represents the accounting profession worldwide.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) – UAE, (2018 to present)   

Subject-Matter Expert, (2018 to present) 

• Delivering training on Capacity Building Projects for Public Sector and Government organizations in the Middle East region on programmes like DipIFR, CertIFR, CertIPSAS, CertPFM, Cert IA, etc.

Health Holding Company (HHC) – KSA, (2022 – 2023)

Director – Finance Centre of Excellence, (2022 – 2023)

• • • Developing of standard finance transformation program and initiatives.
    • Defining the cluster finance transformation milestones across gateways.
    • Developing standard finance policies, guidelines and templates.
    • Developing of finance capabilities development and training program.
    • Providing technical advisory support on finance transformation and operation matters.
    • Conducting document and knowledge management.
    • Sharing and leveraging on experiences and lessons learned from the finance transformation journey among different Clusters.

Acting Director – Asset Management, (2022 – 2023)

• Developing overall standards for Asset management, CAPEX planning and Asset performance reporting.
• Overseeing the transfer of Assets to the HHC and eventually to the target organization.
• Developing and manage all programs for transfer to assets to Clusters and other entities under HHC through different mechanisms.
• Developing and maintain policies for Capital planning for HHC and underlying entities.
• Monitoring the asset utilization and enhancement programs across all entities under the HHC.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – UAE, (2016 – 2017)   

Member in the Core Tax Technical Team, Implementation of VAT and Excise Taxes in the State of Qatar, (2016 – 2017) 

Academic experience

• Supporting the work stream lead by facilitating workshops, conducting research interviews, and providing detailed analysis to ensure the successful completion of the project.
• Continuously provided necessary VAT and Excise Taxes knowledge and expertise to other work streams throughout the project's duration, ensuring alignment with the overall project objectives.
• Issued guides and rulings to provide clear guidance and interpretation of the VAT and Excise Taxes laws and regulations, facilitating compliance and reducing risks for taxpayers.

Assistant Professor, (2003 to present)

• Lebanese University (L.U.) (2006 to present) : Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, Business Environment, International Public Sector Accounting Standards, Managerial Control, Advanced Accounting, Accounting for not-for-profits entities, Internal Auditing.
• Conservatoire National des Arts et des Métiers (C.N.A.M.) (2004 to 2021) : Financial Management and policies, Advanced Accounting & Finance, Cost Accounting & Budgeting, Financial Accounting.
• Antonine University (U. A.) (2010 to 2020) : Advanced Accounting, Consolidation and Organizational Control, Corporate Finance, Taxation, General Accounting.
• Al-Kafaāt University (A.K.U.) (2003 to 2019) : International Financial Reporting Standards, Corporate Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Taxation.
• Institut Pédagogique National d’Enseignement Technique (I.P.N.E.T.) (2003 – 2010) : Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements.
• Institut Technique des Frères (I.T.F.) (2004-2006) : Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements.

Trainer, (2003 to present)

• Qatar Skills (2023 to present) : Finance  instructor (Public and In-house Sessions: Qatar Energy, etc.).
• Beacon FinTrain (2023 to present) : IAS/ IFRS  instructor.
• Causal Capital Pte Ltd (2023 to present) : IAS/ IFRS  instructor (Public and In-house Sessions: Neproplast, etc.).
• Informa Connect (2021 to present) : ACCA certificates instructor (Public and In-house Sessions).
• PwC Academy (2017 to present) : VAT Implementation in the GCC countries, IPSAS (Public and In-house Sessions: Monsha’at, Modon,  General Authority of Zakat and Tax, National Bank of Fujairah, Harsco Metals, Gulf Cryo, etc.).
• Leoron Professional Development Institute (2017 to present) : VAT & ZAKAT in the GCC countries (Public and In-house Sessions: Carrefour UAE, SRMG, etc.).
• Morgan International (2016 to present) : DipIFR (Diploma in International Financial Reporting) instructor.
• Qatari Ministry of Administrative Development in collaboration with the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (2014 to 2016) : Preparing and Delivering Seminars in Preparation, Submission, Approval, Execution, Audit and Evaluation of government budget targeting public sector leaders, managers and supervisors in Qatar.
• Institut National des Techniques Economiques et Comptables (I.N.T.E.C.) (2010 to 2013) : Training for French CPA (Certified Public Accountants) exams.
• Lebanese Association of Certified Public Accountants (LACPA) (2007 to present) : Preparing and Delivering Seminars in Advanced Accounting & Taxation.
• Institute of Finance (IOF) (2003 to present) : Preparing and Delivering Seminars in Advanced Accounting & Taxation.
• Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA) (2019 to 2020) : Preparing and Delivering Seminars in Advanced Accounting.
• Lebanese municipalities (2014) : Strengthening Local Government Capacities in Public Financial Management.
• Lebanese public and private sector (2010 to 2020) : Preparing and Delivering Seminars in Advanced Accounting & Taxation.

Theses Supervisor

• Lebanese University.
• Antonine University.
• Beirut Arab University.
• Al-Kafaāt University.
• Conservatoire National des Arts et des Métiers.
• Ecole Nationale d’Administration.

Member in reading committee

• MENAPAR (Middle East & North Africa Public Administration Research).
• Pertinence (multidisciplinary annual journal : ISSN 2221- 6359).
• Assadissa (public finance and governance).

Educational Background

Professional    Diplomas and Certificates

Coursera courses

Specialized and technical training in Lebanon and abroad

2005 – 2009

• PhD in Management Science, Picardie Jules Verne University, Amiens, France (Very Honourable with unanimous jury congratulations).

2001 – 2002     

• DESS (Diplôme d’Etudes Supérieures Spécialisées) equivalent to MBA in Accounting and Finance from the Lebanese University jointly with the Francophone University Agency (AUPELF) : Liège University, Montesquieu University of Bordeaux IV and Picardie Jules Verne University.

1996 – 2000

• BA in Accounting and Finance, Lebanese University/Faculty of Economic and Business Administration.

1995 – 1996

Lebanese Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences, Collège of Saints-Cœurs, Sioufi.

In Progress

• ACCA Certificate in Tax and Regulation (UAE) : a certification developed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

July 2023

• ACCA Certificate in Business Valuations (CertBV) : a certification developed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the French Association of Chartered Accountants (OEC).

April 2023

• ACCA Certificate in Sustainability for Finance (CertSF) : a certification developed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

April 2022

•   CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) : a certification developed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

June 2021

• Government Finance Statistics (GFSx): a certification developed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

May 2021

• ACCA Certificate in Data Analytics (CertDA) : a certification developed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

April 2021

• ACCA Certificate in International Auditing (CertIA) : a certification developed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

January 2021

• ACCA Certificate in Public Financial Management (CertPFM) : a certification developed by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

October 2020

• ACCA Certificate in International Financial Reporting (CertIFR) : an international qualification in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) developed by the leading professional accounting organization, The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

December 2018

• ACCA Certificate in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (CertIPSAS) : an international qualification in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) developed by the leading professional accounting organization, The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

April 2018

• CIPFA Diploma in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (DipIPSAS) : an international qualification in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) developed by the only professional body exclusively for people in public finance, The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

January 2016

• ACCA Diploma in International Financial Reporting (DipIFR) : an international qualification in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) developed by the leading professional accounting organization, The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

April 2016

• Trained TADAT Assessors who will be certified to conduct TADAT assessments in any country (International Monetary Fund) : The Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool (TADAT) is a tool that has been developed by international development partners, with technical input from a wide range of experts, to help make tax administrations around the world more efficient and fair. It provides an independent, standardized, evidence-based, quality-assured, all-round assessment of the performance of a tax administration system.

March 2013

• Certificate in Advanced administrative courses from the National Institute of Administration in Lebanon.   

October 2008

• Certificat de spécialité de l’Ecole Nationale d’Administration, Paris, France : “Evaluation et Mobilisation des Ressources Fiscales et Douanières”.

October 2022

• Setting Expectations & Assessing Performance Issues: a certification authorized by University of California, Davis and offered through Coursera.

September 2022

• Managing as a Coach: a certification authorized by University of California, Davis and offered through Coursera.

September 2022

• Adaptability and Resiliency: a certification authorized by University of California, Davis and offered through Coursera.

September 2022

• Creativity, Innovation and Transformation: a certification authorized by The Pennsylvania State University and offered through Coursera.

May 2022

• Advanced Financial Reporting - Accounting for Business Combinations and Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements : a certification authorized by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and offered through Coursera.

November 2020

•   Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination : a certification authorized by West Virginia University and offered through Coursera.

Lebanon

• October 2023, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - ISAR International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR 40^th Session and Annual Accounting Workshop).
• May 2023, IIA Lebanon: “Call of Duty – IIA Awareness Month”.
• February 2023, EY: “BEPS 2.0: New Administrative Guidance and implementation activity on Pillar Two”.
• November 2022, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - ISAR International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR 39^th Session and Annual Accounting Workshop).
• May 2022, ICI: “Using COSO to Assess Internal Controls”.
• May 2022, ICI: “Risk Assessment”.
• May 2022, ICI: “Understand and Assess Corporate Governance”.
• May 2022, ICI: “Identifying, Measuring, and Managing Risk”.
• May 2022, ICI: “Impact of Sarbanes-Oxley Act”.
• May 2022, ICI: “Build an Environment for Business Controls”.
• May 2022, ICI: “Assessing Business System Controls”.
• May 2022, ICI: “Internal Control Boot Camp”.
• February 2022, IMF-CEF: “Tax Policy and Administration: Theory and Practice”.
• November 2021, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - ISAR International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR 38^th Session and Annual Accounting Workshop).
• May 2021, ACFE : “VAT Fraud”.
• April 2021, Oversight Consulting & Training: “Practical Risk Assessment Techniques for Professionals”.
• February 2021, ACFE : “Digital Forensics - Issues and Challenges”.
• January 2021, Institute of Finance : “Financial Technology”.
• January 2020, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - ISAR International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR 37^th Session and Annual Accounting Workshop).
• October 2019, Institute of Finance : “The experience of internal control and internal audit in the Ministry of Finance in light of the French experience”.
• June 2019, International Monetary Fund : “International Public Sector Accounting Standards for Financial Instruments”.
• April 2019, Institute of Finance : “Introduction to transfer price b-laws and its methods”.
• November 2018, LACPA & FIDEF : “La transformation numérique des cabinets d’audit”.
• September 2018, KPMG : “IFRS Updates 2018”.
• October 2017, International Monetary Fund : “International Public Sector Accounting Standards and Fiscal Reporting”.
• October 2017, Norway’s Oil for Development programme : “Assessing, Monitoring and Auditing Oil and Gas Revenues”.
• September 2017, Arab Planning Institute : “Building skills and analysis of field surveys".
• May 2017, International Monetary Fund : “Tax Policy and Administration for Oil and Gas”.
• December 2016, International Monetary Fund : “Cash Basis - International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)”.
• November 2016, Ernst & Young : “International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) - Annual Update and Refresher Seminar”.
• November 2016, Institute of Finance : “ MENA - OECD Regional Conference : Managing risks as part of the governance and management system of public organisations”.
• July 2016, Lebanon – Italy : “ Leadership and public speaking ”. 
• July 2016, Lebanese Ministry of Finance : “ Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes ”.
• January 2016, Norway’s Oil for Development programme : “ Transfer Pricing in Oil and Gas”. 
• November 2015, Ernst & Young : “International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) - Annual Update and Refresher Seminar”.
• September 2015, Norway’s Oil for Development programme: “Accounting, Taxation and Auditing in Oil and Gas Industry”.
• September 2015, Institute of Finance : “ Budget execution ”.
• June 2015, LACPA & MoF : “ Application of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards IPSAS”.
• June 2015, Norway’s Oil for Development programme : “Accounting and Auditing for Oil and Gas Industry”.
• March 2015, Norway’s Oil for Development programme : “Financial Control and Auditing in Oil and Gas”.
• 2014, Lebanon – Italy : “ Training of the trainers ”. 
• May 2014, Institute of Finance : “ Preparation of the general budget : tools and techniques ”.
• September 2011, Direction Générale Française des Finances  Publiques : “Civisme fiscal et gestion des risques”.
• June 2011, Centre de Rencontres et d'Etudes des Dirigeants des Administrations Fiscales : “La conduite du changement dans l’administration fiscale”.
• January – February 2010, Institute of Finance : “Training of Trainers – advanced level”.
• September 2009, Centre de Rencontres et d'Etudes des Dirigeants des Administrations Fiscales : “L’élaboration d’une charte du contribuable”.
• June 2006, Institute of Finance : “Formation de Formateurs”.
• April – September 2006, National Institute of Administration : “Advanced administrative courses”.
• October 2005, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie: “Méthodologie de la Recherche et Sciences de Gestion”.
• October 2002, Lebanon Central Bank : “Formation de Formateurs”.
• August – November 2001, Institute of Finance : “Training on legislation, tax policies and audit”.

Abroad

• January 2022, Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants, Doha, Qatar: “Fintech Summit Middle East”.
• November 2018, Arab Federation of Accountants and Auditors, Cairo, Egypt : “The most recent publications in the International Financial Reporting Standards and Information Technology in the profession of accounting and auditing”.
• October 2018, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) - ISAR International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR 35th Session and Annual Accounting Workshop).
• November 2017, Arab Federation of Accountants and Auditors, Cairo,   Egypt : “Challenges of using information technology in the accounting and auditing profession”.
• June 2016, Ministry of Finance and Public Accounts – Public Sector Accounting Standards Council, Paris, France : “ Central Government Accounting Standards and Public Establishments Accounting Standards”.
• April 2016, Ministry of Finance and Public Accounts, Paris, France : “Audit Interne et Maîtrise des risques”. 
• September – November 2014, Petrad, Stavanger, Norway : “Petroleum Policy and Resource Management”.
• October 2013, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Rome, Italy : “Modernisation de la capacité administrative et opérationnelle de l’administration fiscale”.
• May 2007, Ecole doctorale en sciences humaines et sociales de l’Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France : “Analyse de Données d’Enquêtes”.
•  February 2007, Ecole doctorale en sciences humaines et sociales de l’Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France : “Prise de Parole en Public”.

Books,  articles, book reviews, theses

Books :

• Loutfi R. & Wehbé M. – (2016) – “Tax laws and financial statements between integration and contradiction” (Arabic) – Hachette Antoine in collaboration with the Institute of Finance, ISBN 978-614-438-513-5.
• Loutfi R. – (2012) – Goodwill : mythe ou réalité ? (Goodwill: myth or reality?) – Kitabouna en collaboration avec l’Institut des Finances, ISBN 978-9953-505-99-2.

Articles:

• Loutfi R. & El Murr B. – (2018) – Financial Literacy and Individual Financial Behavior: Evidence from Lebanon – Business and Economics Journal, Volume 9, Issue 3.
• Loutfi R. – (2012) – Le défi de la reconnaissance du Goodwill – The certified Accountant Magazine, N° 46, décembre, pp. 96-103. (The challenge for the recognition of goodwill)

Book review :

•  Loutfi R. – (2012) – La criminalité financière : prévention, gouvernance et influences culturelles – Assadissa – N° 3, décembre, pp. 91-93. (Financial crime : prevention, governance and cultural influences)

Webinars :

•  IIA Lebanon – (2023) : IPSAS: One More Challenge to the Lebanese Government.
• Mazars Qatar – (2023) : The impact of applying IPSAS.

International Conference :

• Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants – (2023) : Speaker in the Compliance Conference on Combating Economic Crimes.
• Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants – (2023) : Speaker in the Fintech Summit Middle East.
• Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting, Thirty-fifth session – (2018) : Member of the Lebanese Ministry of Finance Delegation.
• Arab Federation of Accountants and Auditors in cooperation with The Council of Arab Economic Unity – (2017) : Speaker in the Fourth Scientific Day “Challenges of using information technology in the accounting and auditing profession” under the auspices of the Egyptian Minister of the Public Business Sector and the Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity.
• Egyptian Ministry of Finance – (2015) : Keynote speaker in a conference organized by the European Union and the Egyptian Tax Authority entitled "Introduction of VAT : International Perspectives".
• Antonine University – (2015) –  Outils d’une meilleure gouvernance : renforcement du système de contrôle interne et implémentation des normes IPSAS dans les municipalités libanaises – Speaker in the Fourth PREM International Conference “Transparency, Governance & Innovation: Opportunities and/ or Threats Towards Sustainable Development?” organized by the Faculty of Business Administrtaion of Université Antonine in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) and Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3).

(Tools for better governance: strengthening the internal control system and implementation of IPSAS in Lebanese municipalities)

Theses

Notion de survaleur et actifs intangibles : dimensions financière et stratégique. (2009) 

(Goodwill and intangible assets : financial and strategic dimensions)

La Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée face aux exportations et opérations assimilées. (2002) 

(The value added tax in case of exports and like transactions)

Organisation administrative et comptable de  la société “ United Printing Press ”. (2000) 

(Administrative and accounting organization of the company “United Printing Press ”)

Professional

bodies and memberships

Awards and Recognitions

• Member of the Arab Federation of Accountants and Auditors.
• Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors in Lebanon.
• Member of the Lebanese Transparency Association.
• Member of the Lebanese Financial Experts Association.
• Member of the Maronite League.
• Board member of the Lebanese University alumni.
• Representative of the Lebanese Ministry of Finance in the National Committee of International Humanitarian Law.

• Shield of appreciation from the Arab Federation of Accountants and Auditors.
• Shield of appreciation from the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accounts.
• Shield of appreciation from the Lebanese Association of Certified Public Accounts.
• Appreciation letter from the General Director of Finance for VAT achievements.
• Appreciation letter from the General Director of Finance for IPSAS achievements.
• Certificate of appreciation for extraordinary service given from PwC Academy.