It was my desire for a change from working in more traditional parts of the corporate world that brought me to my current job at Ogilvy. An opportunity in the advertising industry seemed like a great fit, both professionally and for my personal development.
Advertising is a very creative and inspiring industry. I was also keen to gain exposure to a field that I had not been involved in before, and wanted to be a part of a global organisation. All this together made the career prospects at Ogilvy look ideal.
Integrity and ethical behaviour are fundamental to trust and credibility
I’ve actually had quite a varied career so far, having started out at an audit firm before joining the corporate sector. Since then I have gained wide exposure across various industries, including insurance, renewable energy, financial services and now advertising. I have often been pushed out of my comfort zone, moving into roles that I was initially hesitant to take on, but embraced with time.
I was first introduced to accounting in school and, given my passion for numbers, decided to pursue the subject. My tutor sparked my interest further, so I chose to adopt it as a career. I completed my BSc in accounting and finance from the University of London in 2011, and gained my ACCA membership a few years later. In 2019 I topped it all off with an MSc in professional accounting, also from the University of London.
An accountant’s role extends beyond number-crunching as it involves strategic advisory, risk management and improving transparency. ACCA, in particular, places heavy emphasis on integrity and ethical behaviour, which I believe are fundamental characteristics that underpin trust, credibility and sustainability, whether it be in personal or business relationships.
Sri Lanka, now more than ever, needs to consider its responsibility for future generations and position itself for sustainable growth. I believe ACCA accountants can play a key role in driving this change by supporting the development of accountability, governance and regulations, delivering financial management strategies, and advocating policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and positive outcomes.
Having autonomy motivates me to perform to my very best
I think my biggest achievement has been my qualifications. I passed my BSc with first-class honours, became a fellow member of ACCA and also completed my master’s degree with distinction. I did all this while also advancing in my career.
My work keeps me motivated and engaged, as I get to interact with clients across multiple industries, which enhances my experience and knowledge. I also like the flexibility that is offered, and the autonomy and trust I receive from my boss motivate me to perform to my very best. I also appreciate the work-life balance my job offers as it allows me to pursue interests outside of work and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In my spare time I enjoy reading and I also like relaxing with a good TV show or a movie. I always enjoy a nice evening walk in the park with my family and occasionally take part in social dancing. Travelling is very much on my to-do list whenever possible, as I relish taking time off work to unwind and relax.
