The Saudi Arabian Public Sector’s Journey to Accrual Accounting: Lessons Learned and Key Insights

Mr. Abdullah Alhomaida

General Director of the Accounting Policies and Studies Department

Abdullah holds a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Miami, Florida. He is the General Director of the Accounting Policies and Studies Department at the Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia, where he leads efforts to develop, implement, and adopt the public sector accounting standards, policies, and procedures in KSA. His department provides advisory services to government entities transitioning to accrual accounting and reviews financial statements to enhance disclosure quality and reporting. Abdullah's work ensures alignment with international accounting standards, contributing to the modernization of Saudi Arabia’s public sector financial practices.

With extensive experience in public sector accounting, Abdullah has been actively involved in various national and international committees, contributing to the development of financial regulations and accounting frameworks that support Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.

Mohammed Alramadan

Studies Team Leader - Ministry of Finance KSA

Mohammed leads the studies team in the Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia. He is a former faculty staff member in the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) (2018-2022). And worked as a chief accountant in a company in the private sector for six years. He has MBA- Accounting stream from Brock University.

Mohammed is a fellow of Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA). He has worked as part of Ministry of Finance teams to study topics related to implementation of accrual accounting basis in the public sector and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Shahad Alshehri

Senior Financial Consulting Specialist

Shahad Alshehri is a Senior Financial Consulting Specialist at the Ministry of Finance, specializing in the public sector’s transition from cash to accrual accounting. Since 2020, she has played a key role in the Accrual Accounting Center, focusing on analyzing and implementing accounting standards, policies, and procedures, while providing research-based guidance to government entities.

She actively reviews IPSASB issuances, including exposure drafts and consultation papers, to assess their impact on Saudi Arabia’s public sector financial reporting. With a specialization in sustainability-related standards, measurement, and asset accounting, she contributes to shaping policies on public sector asset recognition, valuation, and reporting.

Beyond national implementation, Shahad is a member of the Application of Current Operational Value Task Force under IPSASB, contributing to the global advancement of public sector accounting standards.

Sajidah Alasfour

Financial Consultant Specialist - Ministry of Finance KSA

Sajidah is an experienced public sector accounting and auditing professional with a strong background in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). She has contributed to the adoption and implementation of IPSAS in Saudi Arabia, supporting public financial management reforms to enhance transparency and accountability.

Currently, Sajidah works with the Ministry of Finance in Saudi Arabia, actively involved in the IPSAS 33 project, collaborating with the IPSASB and key stakeholders to refine and develop standards that facilitate a smooth transition to accrual accounting for governments and public sector entities. She engages with international experts, policymakers, and standard setters to ensure the practical application of IPSAS in different jurisdictions.

Previously, Sajidah worked with KPMG as an external Audit Supervisor, specializing in the financial sector, including banks and investment funds. This role provided extensive experience in auditing, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, strengthening her expertise in both private and public sector financial management.

Sajidah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Cleveland State University in Ohio, USA, demonstrating her strong academic foundation and commitment to advancing high-quality financial reporting in the public sector.

Rayan Salem Alafif

Financial Advisory - Ministry of Finance, SA

Rayan is a Financial Advisory as part of the Policy and Study of Public Accounting team in Saudi Arabia, focusing on Public Accounting Standers setting in Saudi Arabia. Rayan is a staff technical team working on secretariat of Public Accounting Sector Standards Board. Additionally, Rayan is involved in the transition from cash to accrual accounting in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the review of government entities’ financial statements and advising the Consolidation Financial Statement team. He also deals with complexities in public accounting treatments. Furthermore, he is a technical staff member contributing to the IPSAS 33 project – Limited Scope. Rayan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Jackson State University and certifications in CertIPSAS and CertIFR.

Raghad Saeed Alsarhani

Senior Financial Advisory - Ministry of Finance, SA

Raghad is a Senior Financial Advisory professional specializing in the public sector, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from King Saud University and CertIPSAS. She has worked on key projects, including the Cash to Accrual Accounting Transition Project in Saudi Arabia, the Government Entities’ Financial Statements Review Project, and the IPSAS 48, Transfer Expenses and Related Policies, where she developed guidelines for transition expenses. She also contributed to updating the Public Sector Accounting Concepts and Standards Manual and the accounting policies manual issued by the Ministry of Finance, Saudi Arabia. Her expertise in public financial management has driven transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public sector financial systems, establishing her as a key figure in advancing public sector accounting practices in Saudi Arabia and beyond.