About the Founder

About the Founder: Alina Salabin

Alina Salabin is a highly skilled finance, compliance, and risk management professional with a diverse academic background and a wealth of international experience.

Her journey from pursuing law in Romania to building a thriving career in the UK exemplifies her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

As the founder of Money Prep Academy, Alina’s mission is to make complex financial topics accessible to all, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can gain the financial literacy they need to succeed.

Early Education: Law and History in Romania

Alina began her academic journey in Romania, where she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Universitatea “George Barițiu” din Brașov, awarded in 2012.

Her ambition was to become a lawyer, with a deep interest in justice, legal frameworks, and governance.

She also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Universitatea Spiru Haret din București, in 2011, showcasing her passion for understanding historical contexts and their impact on society and governance.

Her dual focus on law and history gave her a robust foundation in critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving, which later became essential in her career in compliance and finance.

These degrees were validated by UK NARIC (now UK ENIC) as equivalent to UK Bachelor’s (Honours) degrees, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence.

Relocating to the UK: Career Transition into Finance

In 2015, Alina moved to the United Kingdom, where she began her professional career as an accountant.

Balancing the responsibilities of a new family with her professional aspirations, she quickly established herself in the finance industry while continuing her education.

Her work in accounting exposed her to various aspects of financial reporting, taxation, and business management, which ignited her interest in compliance and governance.

Academic and Professional Development in the UK

Since moving to the UK, Alina has committed herself to continuous professional development, earning a variety of diplomas and certifications in finance, compliance, governance, and digital transformation. Her notable qualifications include:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Law and Accounting from Anglia Ruskin University (Award date: January 2024) - A comprehensive course combining legal studies with financial accounting, giving her an in-depth understanding of both regulatory frameworks and financial management.
ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (Awarded January 2024) from the International Compliance Association and The University of Manchester, Alliance Manchester Business School - This postgraduate diploma solidified her expertise in compliance, governance, and risk management, enabling her to effectively advise businesses on regulatory issues.
ICA International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) (Awarded June 2022) – Recognized by the International Compliance Association, this diploma signifies her expertise in preventing financial crimes, such as money laundering, and ensuring that businesses remain compliant with international regulations.
Certificate in International Auditing (Awarded February 2024) from the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) – This certification highlights her proficiency in auditing international financial statements and maintaining transparency in financial reporting.

Current Pursuits: Achieving CGMA Designation

Alina is currently working toward earning her CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation through AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). This qualification, considered one of the most prestigious in management accounting, will certify her as an expert in business strategy, financial management, and leadership.

Throughout this journey, Alina has successfully completed several key certifications that form part of her CGMA qualification, including:

Team Performance Management (Awarded April 2024)
Financial Statement Analysis (Awarded May 2024)
Financial Planning and Analysis (Awarded May 2024)

These certificates demonstrate her gained skills in analysing business performance, understanding complex financial statements, and leading teams to achieve organizational goals.

Digital Transformation Expertise

In today’s rapidly changing financial landscape, Alina has expanded her knowledge into digital finance and technology. She holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and data analytics, including:

Digital Mindset Pack – Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation (Awarded October 2024 by AICPA)
Digital Mindset Pack – Strategic Importance of Digital Transformation and Underpinning Technologies (Awarded October 2024 by AICPA)
Digital Mindset Pack – Introduction to Data Analytics and Data Visualization (Awarded October 2024 by AICPA)

These qualifications underscore her ability to integrate FinTech solutions, protect businesses from cyber threats, and leverage data to make informed strategic decisions.

Leadership and Time Management

In addition to her technical qualifications, Alina has also focused on Improving her leadership and time management skills, which are critical in balancing her professional life with her ongoing education and entrepreneurial ventures. She holds certifications in:

Digital Mindset Pack – Time Management (Awarded October 2024 by AICPA)
Digital Mindset Pack – Team Leadership (Awarded April 2024 by AICPA)

These certifications reflect her commitment to leading with efficiency and driving business success through effective management.

Professional Experience and Vision

With over 9 years of hands-on experience in the financial sector, Alina has worked across a range of industries, providing expertise in accounting, auditing, compliance, and business strategy.

At Money Prep Academy, Alina combines her wealth of knowledge with her passion for education. Her goal is to empower individuals, families, and businesses to gain the financial knowledge they need, whether it’s teaching children the basics of money management or guiding small business owners through compliance regulations.

Her unique ability to break down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons is at the heart of the Academy’s mission.

Conclusion

Alina Salabin’s journey is one of relentless pursuit of knowledge and professional excellence. From law and history to finance and digital transformation, she has continually expanded her skill set to remain at the forefront of financial education. As a trusted advisor, educator, and business leader, Alina is committed to bridging the gap between complex financial concepts and accessible knowledge, ensuring that financial success is achievable for everyone, one penny at a time.