Samantha Wijesundara

Experience

• 

  EY

  Apr 2010 - Oct 2010

  Assistant Manager
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  Leo Burnett

  Feb 2011 - Jan 2021

  Headed the finance functions of the Publicis Groupe Sri Lanka’s operation which included 2 legal entities and 6 branded business units.I played a pivotal role in the merger of the Sri Lankan company into the Publicis Groupe, France. This required me to ensure timely and efficient closure of the due diligence in Finance, Tax and Legal.Currently I am engaged in a system transition to SAP system. (Finance and operations activities).I am singularly responsible for Budgeting, Rolling Forecasts and Variance Analysis.The preparation and presentation of management information data and insights for monthly, quarterly and bi-annual reviews.I am also responsible for the Financial Statements, both statutory and managerial.The conduct of regular reviews of balance sheet items especially accounts receivables, work in progress, accounts payables and accrued revenue.The payroll management including cost to the Company reconciliations and negotiations are also managed under my purview.In addition, I fulfill my responsibilities for contract negotiations and closures, finalization on terms of engagement and fee agreements.All matters pertaining to taxes including tax reviews, tax planning and compliance with tax regulations are also executed under my leadership.I have gained knowledge in Hyperion and Maconomy software systems.In my capacity I have conducted training activities for the finance team members and non-finance staff on business finance and system adaptation. Show less

  • Director Finance

    Jan 2017 - Jan 2021

  • Senior Manager Finance

    Jul 2015 - Dec 2016

  • Finance Manager

    Feb 2011 - Jun 2015
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  Alpha Pro Partners

  Jan 2021 - Mar 2021

  Senior Accountant

  I worked remotely during this time based in Sri Lanka. I managed to help the team with preparing accounts for various clients in Dubai, review month end accounts of fellow team members. Preparation of financial forecasts for clients was also part of my duty. This was the time Dubai started implementing VAT, So I researched about VAT laws in the country and impact on the client business, prepared and shared findings with the organization management.

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  Dentsu Grant

  May 2021 - Jun 2022

  Finance Controller
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  Freelance

  Jul 2022 - now

  Finance Manager/Accountant/Start up Advisor/Company secretary

  I'm helping startups/existing businesses on their financial projections, development of financial plans and help stakeholders to identify proper mix of debt, equity financing. This helps startups to build their finance strategy of the company. The definition and execution of relevant internal control environment is also being designed by myself. I mange Company incorporation activities, company secretarial matters, Company tax compliances. I make sure Financial compliances, tax compliances and statutory compliances are met at all times. As part of routine practice, I mange their accounting and financial reporting. I work with individuals tracking their finance, financial reporting and tax compliances as well.I would say this is more interesting and becoming more and more interesting. This is because each cases of each clients needs different solutions with multiple options. I'm loving it and living with it. Show less