[ Sis ] Sisira Thilakarathne

[ Sis ] Sisira Thilakarathne

Audit Assistant

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location of [ Sis ] Sisira ThilakarathneNew Zealand

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Chartered Accountant | Xero Advisor Certified | Finance Manager | Accounting Manager| Senior Accounting Officer | Business Analytics | Accounting and Financial Management |Familiar with the New Zealand Tax System

  • Education

    • Accountants & Auditors Association (AAA)- UAE

      2019 - 2019
      Member (UAECA) -Chartered Accountants Accounting and Finance
    • Sri Lanka Institute of Taxation

      2002 - 2003
      At the Intermediate Level Taxation and Bookkeeping
    • University of Sri Jayewardenepura

      1997 - 2001
      Bsc(Mgt) Management
    • ACCA

      2012 - 2018
      Fellow Member (FCCA) Accounting
    • CIMA

      2001 - 2002
      Certificate in Business Accounting Management Accounting
    • AAT Sri Lanka

      1997 - 2001
      Member Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT )
    • Oxford Brookes University

      2016 - 2017
      Bsc (Applied Accounting) Accounting and Finance 2nd lower class honour
    • Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)

      2023 - 2024
      Master of Applied Management Major in Business Analytics Merit

      As a recent graduate of the Master of Applied Management program at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), I specialized in Business Analytics, completing the merit pass. This rigorous program provided me with a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, coupled with practical skills. My final research project focused on "The Role of Business Analytics in Improving Business Performance in the Accounting and Audit Sector in New Zealand," providing me with a deep understanding… Show more As a recent graduate of the Master of Applied Management program at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), I specialized in Business Analytics, completing the merit pass. This rigorous program provided me with a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, coupled with practical skills. My final research project focused on "The Role of Business Analytics in Improving Business Performance in the Accounting and Audit Sector in New Zealand," providing me with a deep understanding of the application of BA in the New Zealand context. My coursework and research covered a range of essential business analytics topics, including:Data Mining & ModelingStatistical AnalysisData VisualizationBusiness IntelligencePredictive AnalyticsThrough my studies and research, I've gained a strong understanding of the business analytics domain, specifically within the New Zealand business environment, and I am eager to contribute my expertise to a dynamic organization. Show less

    • Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

      2013 - 2015
      Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Experience

    • Multi Duty Accountancy

      Dec 1998 - Jan 2001
      Audit Assistant

      Data Entry: Input financial transactions into accounting software or spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy and completeness.Reconcile Accounts: Assist in reconciling bank statements with internal records to ensure consistency.Tax Filing Assistance: Support the preparation of tax returns, ensuring compliance with relevant tax laws and deadlines.Maintain Financial Records: Assist in organizing and maintaining financial records, such as receipts, invoices, and bank statements.Blokkeeping. Show less

    • Jayasinghe and Company

      Aug 2001 - Jan 2002
      Audit Trainee

      Jayasinghe & Co. (Chartered Accountants).Examining supporting documents, invoices, contracts, and ledgers. Verify the accuracy of accounting records and reconcile discrepancies. Assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of internal control systems. Identify potential weaknesses in internal controls and suggest improvements. Conducting inventory counts, cash verifications, and fixed asset verifications. Bookkeeping.Perform detailed testing of transactions, balances, and internal controls to ensure accuracy and identify potential risks.Assist in verifying the authenticity of financial records by comparing them against supporting documents (e.g., invoices, bank statements).Assist in drafting audit reports that include findings, conclusions. Show less

    • Central Bank of Sri Lanka

      Feb 2002 - Jul 2002
      Project Officer

      Worked in the EPF ( Employee Provident Fund) Department.Managed and executed administrative tasks to support the efficient operation of the EPF department. Engaged with customers to address inquiries, resolve issues, and provide timely, accurate feedback. Conducted daily reconciliations of member account balances to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline administrative processes and enhance customer satisfaction.Provide administrative support to employees inquiring about their provident fund accounts, including clarifying fund balances, withdrawal procedures, and retirement benefits.Assist employees in completing EPF-related forms, ensuring accurate submission of all required documents.Assist in the reconciliation of provident fund account balances, ensuring that contributions and withdrawals are accurately recorded. Show less

    • Sunpower Constructions (Private) Limited

      Jan 2003 - Mar 2006
      Account Assistant

      Sunpower, in association with Outokumpu Technology Pty Ltd of Australia, undertook a USD 35 million turnkey contract and is part of the Maharaja Group.Processing and reconciling supplier invoices and payments. Conducted bank reconciliations and ensured all transactions were recorded. Monitoring project costs and ensuring they align with the budget Assisting with procurement tasks and managing purchase orders Liaising with contractors, suppliers, and site teams regarding financial matters Review work completion documents to track and record site progress. Maintain a log of issued purchase orders and reconcile them with deliveries. Update the fixed assets register regularly to reflect new acquisitions, transfers, or disposals. Manage the petty cash account, ensuring proper documentation and reconciliation of transactions. Process and record payments to subcontractors and suppliers in compliance with contract terms. Ensure that all incoming and outgoing invoices are processed in a timely and accurate manner, including supplier and subcontractor payments.Process and reconcile accounts payable and receivable, ensuring all payments are made on time and all receipts are recorded.Ensure timely communication with clients regarding progress billing and outstanding balances.Coordinate with external vendors and suppliers to ensure proper invoicing and payment processes. Show less

    • Riyadh International Catering Corp. (McDonald's)

      Mar 2006 - Mar 2008
      Accountant

      Riyadh International Catering Corporation (McDonald’s – Saudi Arabia)Work with restaurant managers to identify inventory discrepancies and address issues.Ensure compliance with franchise agreements, corporate policies, and legal requirements. Handle bank reconciliations and maintain relationships with financial institutions. Compares actual sales to budgeted or forecasted sales. Helps to identify factors like menu pricing, customer turnout, or seasonal trends impacting sales. Difference between the actual cost of food used and the standard or budgeted cost. Tracks deviations in fixed and variable costs like utilities, rent, and marketing expenses. Identifying Food Waste Sources, Measuring Waste Costs, and Implementing Waste Reduction Strategies.Franchisees usually report sales weekly or monthly to franchisors and remit royalty payments based on the agreed schedule. Monthly calculation royalties and typically calculated as a percentage of gross sales.Oversee the accurate and timely posting of journal entries to the general ledger, ensuring compliance with McDonald’s accounting policies.Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring all entries are properly supported and balanced.Manage the accounting for McDonald’s franchise operations, including the calculation and recording of royalty payments from franchisees.Ensure timely invoicing and receipt of royalty payments, working closely with the franchise management team.Monitor and track franchise agreement terms, ensuring all financial terms are accurately applied.Track and analyze waste-related expenses across McDonald’s locations, ensuring that waste management practices align with financial goals.Identify reasons for variances in revenue, costs, and other key metrics, and provide recommendations for corrective actions.Analyze and report on the product mix, focusing on the profitability and performance of different menu items. Show less

    • Modern Electronics - MEC (AL-Faisaliah Group)

      Jul 2008 - Jan 2013
      Accountant (Treasury) / Marketing Analyst / Assistant Credit Controller

      Modern Electronics Company (Sony - KSA)Managed cash flow and liquidity by preparing cash forecasts and conducting daily treasury operations.• Implemented robust controls to safeguard working capital and optimize cash management processes.• Collected, analysed, and interpreted sales data to support strategic pricing and promotional campaigns.• Assessed customer creditworthiness, set credit limits, and managed accounts receivable to minimise risk.• Worked as a treasury accountant and managed treasury assistant accountants. • Monitoring daily banking.• Worked in ERP systems such as SAP environment.Prepare and reconcile cash and bank accounts on a daily, monthly, and quarterly basis.Develop and implement strategies to manage cash flow volatility and optimize the company’s financial position.Monitor and manage daily cash flow, ensuring sufficient liquidity for operational needs.Maintain and update cash position reports, identifying opportunities for optimizing cash usage and minimizing idle balances.Oversee the disbursement and receipt of funds, ensuring compliance with company policies.Conduct regular analysis of sales KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), such as revenue, customer acquisition costs, conversion rates, and sales cycle length.Create and maintain regular sales performance reports, dashboards, and visualizations to present key metrics to senior management and other departments.Support sales forecasting efforts by analyzing historical sales data and market trends.Work closely with the sales, marketing, and product teams to identify new opportunities for sales growth and efficiency improvements.Conduct credit checks and manage credit limits for customers to mitigate financial risks.Monitor and manage customer accounts, ensuring timely payment and follow-up on overdue invoices.Assist in preparing and sending out customer invoices, ensuring accuracy in amounts, payment terms, and details. Show less

    • Wayamba Diagnostic Medical Laboratory (Pvt) Ltd.

      May 2013 - Jul 2015
      Finance Manager

      Served as Head of Finance, directly reporting to the Group Financial Controller and Managing Director, overseeing financial operations and strategic decision-making.Directed financial operations across four branches and 37 collection centres and managed 25 finance staff.Established a centralised accounting department, transitioning from outsourced operations.Trained and supervised a finance team, fostering continuous improvement and adherence to standards.Prepared the business report to enhance business development.Led the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including profit and loss reports, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations.Work closely with department heads to develop budgets, forecasts, and cost-control strategies, providing financial insights to drive business decisions.Spearheaded the transition to a new financial management system to enhance efficiency and accuracy across accounting processes.Train staff on the new system and ensure smooth integration across all branches, maintaining system consistency and data integrity.Decentralized accounting functions, delegating responsibilities for key areas such as invoicing and accounts payable/receivable at the branch level while ensuring adherence to corporate policies and financial standards.Design and implement new financial policies and procedures to standardize accounting practices across all branches, ensuring consistency and compliance.Establish internal controls to safeguard assets, monitor operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.Coordinate and facilitate internal and external audits, working closely with auditors to ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and tax regulations.Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Show less

    • Almarai - المراعي

      Jul 2015 - Apr 2018
      Senior Accounting Officer

      Almarai is the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Supervised sales reporting for over 50 sales routes and led a team of four accounting staff.Optimised inventory management in a fast-paced FMCG environment, balancing supply and cost-effectiveness.Developed robust internal control systems to ensure financial integrity.Fixed Assets Accounting: Manage and oversee the accounting processes related to fixed assets, ensuring accurate recording, depreciation, and reporting in compliance with company policies and IFRS.Demonstrated practical experience in leveraging SAP.Inventory Management: Supervised stock counts and ensured accuracy in inventory tracking.Petty Cash Handling: Managed petty cash transactions and maintained reconciliations.Month-End Closing: Assisted in preparing month-end financial reports and closing activities.Customer Collections: Monitored and ensured timely collections from customers, reducing outstanding balances.Accounts Receivable: Handled accounts receivable for key customers, ensuring accurate invoicing and prompt payments. Show less

    • ZINKPOWER Middle East FZE

      May 2018 - Sept 2023
      Accounting Manager

      Served as Head of Finance, overseeing financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting to drive organizational growth and ensure fiscal compliance.Served as Head of Finance, overseeing financial strategy, financial planning, financial records, budgeting, and reporting to drive organizational growth and ensure fiscal compliance.Improved net profit by 140%, turning a loss of 1.5M AED into a profit of 3.6M AED within a year through strategic cost reduction and sales enhancement.Analytical skills in financials and visualisation of financial figures for the top management.Implemented financial policies and reduced debt collection days over five years, improving cash flow.Conducted in-depth cost analysis and optimized zinc consumption, reducing the cost of goods sold.Managed a finance team of six professionals, focusing on forecasting and risk mitigation.Trained the staff about accounting principles and process improvement strategies.Prepared tax returns.Worked in Sage 300 accounting package.Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory bodies to facilitate audits and inspections.Ensure compliance with local tax (VAT) regulations, financial reporting standards, and company policies. Ensure timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes. Prepare and analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Oversee the implementation and maintenance of accounting systems. Collaborate with other departments to support financial decision-making. Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior management for business planning and growth strategies. Show less

    • Profit Max Co. Limited

      Jan 2025 - now
      Accountant

      GST (Goods and Services Tax) Returns, tax returns, and financial statements.Bank reconciliations, client accounting and bookkeeping, general ledger maintenance, accurately recording financial transactions from source documentsWork closely with clients across different industries.Preparing Final Accounts.Cash flow preparation and managing daily cash flow.Accounts reconciliations.Accounts receivables and accounts PayableDaily financial dashboard udation

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Learning Microsoft 365 (Office 365)

      LinkedIn
      Jul 2023
      View certificate certificate
    • Understanding Different Research Perspectives

      The Open University Business School
      Dec 2021
    • Excel Business Intelligence: Power Query

      LinkedIn
      Mar 2024
      View certificate certificate
    • Comprehensive Guide to Xero Accounting

      Alison - Empower Yourself
      Apr 2023
      View certificate certificate
    • Basic Leadership

      Almarai - المراعي
      Jan 2016
    • Programming Foundations: Databases

      LinkedIn
      Mar 2024
      View certificate certificate
    • Excel: Power Query for Beginners

      LinkedIn
      Mar 2024
      View certificate certificate
    • Root Cause Analysis: Getting to the Root of Business Problems

      LinkedIn
      Jan 2024
      View certificate certificate
    • The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

      Google Digital Garage
      May 2022
      View certificate certificate
    • Business Writing

      Almarai - المراعي
      Dec 2015