You are in good company
Each member of our team is a specialist in their field and your success is their only concern. From our esteemed Phoenix Financial Training lecturers to our management and support staff, we are invested in your progress and will support you in every aspect of your journey from enrolment through to graduation. At Phoenix we always and without compromise put you the student, first.
Management Team
Nikhil Vachani
Managing Director
Hi, I’m Nikhil! I’ve been part of Phoenix since 2009 and currently lead the team as the Managing Director of Phoenix Financial Training. But beyond that, I have a real passion for lecturing on IFRS and have had the privilege of training over 3,000 candidates for the ACCA exams (and counting!). I’m a Fellow Member of ACCA and UAECA, and before joining Phoenix, I worked as an auditor at a Big 4 firm, where I was part of audit teams handling companies across infrastructure, government, and healthcare. Whether it's running the business or teaching, I love being part of students’ journeys toward success!
Vignesh Sivakumar
Operations Director
Hey, I’m Vignesh! With over a decade of teaching experience since 2013, I specialize in Corporate Finance, Business Strategy, and Performance Management. I’m also pretty certified—having completed all three levels of CFA, and holding qualifications in ICAI, ACCA, CIMA, CMA, and ACT. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of training many prize-winners, including students who’ve scored global high marks! When I’m not teaching, I manage PhoenixFT's International Operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly across borders. Let’s dive into the world of finance and strategy, and maybe crack a few high scores together!
Lizzie Moss
Operations Manager
Hi, I’m Lizzie! I’ve been in the financial training world since 2014, kicking things off with one of the top training providers in the UK, where I ran their Customer Service Team. In 2018, I made the leap to the UAE to join PhoenixFT, and I haven’t looked back since. These days, I’m in charge of operations at PhoenixFT and get to work with our amazing key clients.
Preethy Joseph
ACADEMIC RELATIONSHIPS MANAGER
Hey, I’m Preethy! I’m the Academic Relationship Manager here, working on building strong university partnerships and supporting initiatives that connect academia with the business world. I’ve been with Phoenix since 2010 (yes, over a decade!) and also teach as a Senior Lecturer, specializing in Audit, Financial Management, and Management Accounting. As a Fellow Member of ACCA, I love bringing both practical and theoretical knowledge into my classes—thanks to my experience at KPMG Dubai. Whether it's tackling complex financial concepts or bridging the gap between study and real-world application, I’m all about making learning engaging and impactful!
Tutor Team
Shiv Mehta
Head of CFA Exam Prep
Hey, I’m Shiv! I’ve been heading CFA Exam Prep at Phoenix Financial Training since 2023, leading CFA programs and executive education across the GCC. With over a decade of experience in investment banking, equity research, and corporate finance training, I’ve trained professionals from sovereign wealth funds, investment banks, and energy firms. Before teaching, I worked in investment banking, private equity, and research, gaining hands-on experience in valuation, deal structuring, and financial analysis. Since 2013, I’ve been teaching CFA and finance courses, helping professionals connect theory to real-world applications. If you’re ready to level up your finance game, I’ve got you covered!
Sarah Kelani
Senior Lecturer
Hey, I’m Sarah! I’m a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) with a Master’s in Accounting. After spending over 4 years in Big Four audit, I joined as a lecturer in 2015. I specialize in Financial Reporting and Audit, teaching both professional qualification courses and corporate training, with a focus on Accounting under IFRS and Audit & Assurance. My teaching style is all about making technical concepts practical and engaging—because who says accounting can’t be exciting? I’m also an approved mentor for the Oxford Brookes University BSc in Applied Accounting program, helping students tackle their Research and Analysis Projects (RAP). If you can’t find me teaching, I’m probably balancing some spreadsheets or making accounting jokes—yes, they exist!
Rona Ninan
Senior Lecturer
Hey, I’m Rona! I’m ACCA qualified and have been teaching ACCA, CIMA, and CFA since 2014. I’ve had the chance to teach in both the Middle East and India, and I specialize in Business Strategy, Ethics, and Law. Over the years, I’ve worked with corporate clients, university students, and fresh-faced candidates starting their accounting careers. My focus is on working closely with my students, supporting them every step of the way, and helping them succeed in their exams (no stress, we’ve got this!).
Sanjay Sagar
Senior Lecturer
Hey, I’m Sanjay! I’ve been teaching at PhoenixFT since 2013, specializing in Managerial Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Treasury & Portfolio Management. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to train thousands of candidates across ACCA, CFA, and CIMA, helping them navigate their professional qualifications. I’m also involved in grading professional exams for one of the largest global accountancy qualifications so I know exactly what examiners are looking for! Whether it’s breaking down complex financial concepts or guiding students toward success, I’m always up for the challenge.
ABBY RAVINDRAN
Lecturer
Hey, I’m Abby! I’ve been with PFT since 2019, and I take pride in being your go-to person for support. I’m ACCA qualified and teach Corporate Business Law, Financial Accounting, and Taxation—plus I run workshops on UAE Corporate Tax (yes, I promise it’s more exciting than it sounds!). I love making tricky concepts easier to understand and helping students build solid knowledge with confidence. My aim is to keep learning fun and engaging while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world skills—because who said tax can’t be interesting?
Mustufa Ali
Lecturer
Hey, I’m Mustufa! I’m a qualified ACCA with several years of experience in accounting and finance. I’ve worked with companies across different industries, focusing on financial modeling, forecasting, and strategic process automation. Now, I teach ACCA courses in Business Technology, Financial Management, and Strategic Business Leader, along with Microsoft Excel and Business Analysis workshops. I love making complex topics easier to understand and helping students build skills they can apply in the real world!
Ahmed Khan
Lecturer
Hey, I’m Ahmed, the “Numbers Guy”! With over 10 years of experience in financial reporting, I’ve trained and mentored over 1,000 candidates across ACCA papers like FA, FR, and SBR. After some serious hands-on experience, I made the jump to teaching and now specialize in IFRS and financial reporting. I love making IFRS less “boring” and more understandable, with plenty of accounting jokes thrown in. I also teach skills-based courses on accounting systems and financial analysis, making sure you get the technical know-how and the problem-solving skills. And as a certified Cert IFRS trainer, I’m here to help you ace your exams—and maybe get a laugh or two while you’re at it!
Rochelle Dsa
Lecturer
Hey, I’m Rochelle! I’m a qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAI) and have been teaching since 2017. Before joining Phoenix, I taught at various academies in India, helping students successfully navigate their exams. I specialize in Financial Accounting, Business & Technology, Financial Reporting, and Taxation—making these topics as engaging as possible. My goal? To make learning interactive, practical, and maybe even a little fun!
Ann Pius
Lecturer
Hey, I’m Ann! I’m ACCA qualified and specialize in Business Strategy, Performance Management, and Management Accounting. After 3 years teaching at Phoenix India, I brought my experience to Phoenix Dubai in 2024. I’m always happy to go the extra mile to help students with tricky topics. So, if you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out—I'm here to make your learning experience a breeze!
Nandini Balaji
Lecturer
Hey, I’m Nandini! I’m ACCA qualified and specialize in Audit and Assurance. After teaching at a few other institutes, I’ve mastered the art of simplifying even the trickiest topics—because let’s face it, audit can be a little "intense"! My classes are interactive, making sure you’re ready for the real world of auditing. Before all this, I was an auditor with EY, tackling audits in everything from funds to retail to construction. So, if you're ready to dive into the world of numbers (without losing your mind), I'm here to guide you through!
Customer Service and Administration Team
Angeline Bernardo
Marketing Executive
Hey, I’m Angeline! I first joined PhoenixFT as a student in 2014 and have since grown into my role as a Marketing Executive. I help shape our brand presence, manage digital marketing strategies, and engage with students across different platforms. I’m all about connecting with students, making sure our messaging reaches the right people, and helping aspiring finance pros take the next step in their careers!
Nazeeha Mirza
Customer Service Administrator
Hi, I'm Nazeeha! I first joined PhoenixFT as a student in 2022, and it was such an amazing experience that I decided to stick around, becoming a part of the Customer Service Team in 2023. Having completed my ACCA at PhoenixFT, I know exactly what it's like to be in your shoes, which makes me even more passionate about helping students get the most out of their experience. I'm always here to make sure you've got all the support you need, every step of the way!
Asif C P
Online Operations Administrator
Hello, I’m Asif! I’ve been in the financial training sector since 2016, starting off by leading administration and business development at Phoenix India. Since 2024, I have been based in Dubai as the Online Operations Administrator, managing operations across both Dubai and India. If there’s anything you need to know or sort out online, I’m the go-to guy!
Neenu Francis
Customer Service Administrator
Hi, I’m Neenu! I’ve been working in the education industry across India and the UAE since 2009, gaining years of experience in making things run smoothly. At Phoenix, I focus on delivering top-notch customer service and streamlining administrative operations to support our students. I’m passionate about creating a seamless experience for everyone—whether it’s answering queries, solving issues, or just making sure things work like clockwork. If you need help, I’m always happy to assist
Surbhi Vachani
Student Development Manager
Hi, I am Surbhi. I am a Business Psychologist with over 7 years of experience at Phoenix Financial Training, where I have built and led our student placement and soft skills training program from the ground up. My work focuses on helping students transition confidently into the workforce—equipping them not just with job opportunities, but the communication, self-awareness and interpersonal tools they need to thrive. I have had the privilege of placing over 250 students into meaningful roles, and every success story reinforces my belief in the power of understanding, connecting and providing tailored guidance. I enjoy working with others—whether that's students, employers, or fellow educators. My goal is always to understand people and help them grow from there.
