Given sufficient dedication and hard work, anything is possible. My brother, a senior economist with a bank, showed me that coming from a humble village in Sri Lanka did not have to be career-limiting. Determination is all. As Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, said: ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.’
Stepping outside your comfort zone drives growth and success. My professional journey began with EY in Sri Lanka, but I later moved to Qatar, where I now work for KPMG. For me, it was a major challenge, and I had to quickly adapt to a fast-paced and diverse environment.
Success is about understanding the story the numbers tell, anticipating challenges and providing solutions
I have come to understand that success in accounting is not just about mastering numbers. It’s also about understanding the story those numbers tell, anticipating challenges and providing solutions that drive business forward. Adaptability is also key, as the financial world is constantly evolving with new regulations, technologies and market conditions, which requires continuous learning, development and commitment.
What I enjoy most in my role is tackling intricate financial challenges and thereby making a significant impact. I take great pride in using my experience and collaborating with my colleagues to contribute to the firm’s success. I also like mentoring young talents; inspiring them excites me and witnessing their growth is something I find very rewarding.
My time with EY and KPMG has developed and refined my expertise in audit and financial strategy. I now aim to leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to drive innovation, shape financial strategies and achieve growth. In the future, I envision taking on a leadership role, where through my own practice I can actively shape and redefine the future of finance.
AI lets auditors focus on strategic insights and risk management, enhancing effectiveness
I believe that AI is set to transform the auditing industry and will drive unprecedented efficiency, accuracy and productivity. By automating routine tasks and analysing data in real-time, AI allows auditors to focus on strategic insights and risk management, enhancing overall effectiveness. However, it also brings challenges, including the need for new skills and managing data privacy. Navigating these issues will be crucial for maximising AI’s positive impact on the audit world.
If I had law-making powers, I would enforce transparent disclosures on the use of AI in finance to ensure its ethical application. I would also have stringent corporate governance standards with robust audit practices backed by independent oversight to enhance transparency and uphold trust and accountability in the industry.
In my spare time I indulge my passion for music. I get immense joy from singing and listening to music, primarily melodies from Kollywood and Bollywood, but also pop music. For relaxation I enjoy the soothing tones of flute and violin. Above all, I treasure the quality time spent with my family, which gives me a harmonious balance to my demanding career.
