Since Covid-19, business offshoring has experienced a wave of popularity. Business process outsourcing (BPO) provides easy access to skilled staff, allowing clients to focus on their core business objective. Traditional firms are unable to match the cost savings and operational efficiencies that we offer at Hayleys Business Solutions International.
I accepted a senior associate role with HBSI after a spell of freelancing. Before then, I was at KPMG Sri Lanka after interning at a bank in Colombo – I was born and raised in Kuwait but moved to Sri Lanka for my higher education.
The accountant’s role is increasingly interactive
I chose a career in accountancy after being influenced by my elder brother, who had embarked on his professional journey before me. If I had not chosen accountancy, I might well have become a lawyer. I am keenly analytic and confident when arguing, and my strong communication skills would also have been useful.
That said, I now work in private client and global mobility tax and don’t regret choosing accounting at all. I am proud to say that I received a Star Individual award for excellent service and gained more educational qualifications while working full time at HBSI. Following a secondment to our UK office, I now have a team leader role.
Much of the enjoyment I get from my work is down to the company’s culture
While at HBSI, I have learnt a lot about different cultures and business etiquettes, and how to overcome language barriers, which has helped me manage our diverse clientele. The accountant’s role is changing; it is now increasingly interactive and involves working with a wide range of people, communicating clearly and building rapport. I am grateful to be at the forefront of this while working for an offshoring firm.
Much of the enjoyment I get from my work is down to the company’s culture. Initially it was challenging to balance work, studies and my personal life, but I was able to cope because my team was so flexible and supportive. Team-building activities and holiday social events such as games days, quiz and movie nights, alms stalls and charity runs create camaraderie, and staff at any level can freely share their thoughts and ideas with colleagues; everyone is considered to have the same social status.
I have always dreamt of running my own business
One of my aspirations is to become a partner specialising in global mobility tax, as I find the process highly engaging. I have always dreamt of running my own business and believe that being a partner or owning a specialist firm is a great way to achieve this.
As a professional accountant (and a citizen), I am frustrated at the levels of corruption in Sri Lanka. If I had law-making powers, I would strengthen anti-corruption legislation. Among other things, I would ban convicted persons from holding prominent positions, whether in the public or private sector. I would have full transparency of the financials of people seeking leadership positions, charge huge penalties for irregularities and wrongdoing, and prohibit them from bidding for government contracts.
I confronted my fear of heights by signing up for a tandem skydive
My favourite saying is: everything will fall into its own rightful place in its own time and at its own pace. It conveys a sense of mindfulness and, if I am anxious, helps me to remember that feeling uncertain about life is normal, that learning is constant, and that things will eventually fall into place.
Not everyone knows this, but I’m scared of heights – just being a few feet above ground tingles my spine. I confronted that fear by signing up for a tandem skydive. I was strapped onto my instructor, with the nerves really kicking in as the flight climbed, and then we jumped! It was a huge personal achievement and while I haven’t totally overcome my fear I have learnt to embrace it.
During my free time, I love to read manga and watch Japanese anime. My favourites are Tokyo Ghoul and Grave of the Fireflies. I also enjoy word searches, crosswords and puzzles – I’m that sort of person.
