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Many business leaders are lip service to the idea of ​​transformation. For Dinuk Hettiarachchi, this is at the heart of his success.

As a teenager, Dinuk’s dream was to become an aeronautical engineer. After an investigation, he wisely realized that employment opportunities were scarce in this particular occupation, especially in Sri Lanka.

However, his analytical mind and interest in technology never left him. Instead of taking off in the world of aeronautics, he applied his sharp thinking to the profession of accountant, following in the footsteps of his esteemed father, the founder of the accounting firm Nihal Hettiarachchi & Company (NH & Co) .

The past decade has been a whirlwind of growth and activity for Dinuk. He is Managing Partner of NH & Co and Chairman of 3DH International Group.

In addition, he sits on the Board of Directors of Skills Development Fund, Sri Lanka, Country Representative of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a former Chairman of the Lankan Young Entrepreneurs Chamber. .

He attributes much of his entrepreneurial success to the values ​​of integrity, honesty and hard work instilled in him by the constant guidance and support of his father and mother. His innate curiosity and interest in problem solving also played a significant role in his accomplishments.

“I don’t think I’ve ever lost this desire to assess and analyze how things work,” he says. “It continues to influence the way I work.”

Transformational leadership

Starting with NH & Co in 2005, currently the largest local accounting and auditing firm in Sri Lanka, he embarked on a mission to modernize the firm.

“I think it’s crucial to invest and focus on new technologies,” he says. “We have limited financial resources, so implementing the right technology can be difficult. You have to think about making the technology work for you and your customers.

He admitted that he had entered a company with an established culture and way of doing things. With the acceleration of the internet and the digital revolution, he knew that transformation was crucial, but he also wanted buy-in from his colleagues and clients. Getting everyone on the same page required him to demonstrate leadership skills.

“There is always that element of a generation gap in workplaces, including professional companies. We must always respect the knowledge and experience of the older generation. However, the reality of business is that if you stand still, you are left behind. “

In recent times, he has taken up the challenge of the COVID19 pandemic. One of the side effects of COVID19, he says, is that it has accelerated the adoption and implementation of technology in the workplace.

“In a way, COVID pushed this. The pandemic has forced us to leave our offices, but we still have to work. Fortunately, we had the technology, and now it has been implemented, and we are able to successfully work from home when needed. “

“As a result, we are 90% paperless. We are one of the only local audit firms in Sri Lanka to use technology to this extent. We do not send any paper audits. We send digitally signed and verified documents to our customers.

He says that completing the CPA program in 2009 has helped him see leadership in a new light. In 2019, he took a new step and became a member of the CPA.

More than just letters at the end of his name, he says the CPA designation opened his eyes to the bigger picture in business.

This gave him new ideas and perspectives on topics such as digital transformation and strategy. He says finance professionals should always seek to deepen their technical knowledge and business acumen.

“Of course you have to know your theory and your knowledge base has to be there, but leadership, strategy, decision making, all of those things can help you move up the ranks in your career. At some point, you need to learn how to motivate your team and get the most out of others. “

Global business opportunities

As steps are underway to improve Sri Lanka’s attractiveness as a key FDI destination in the region, Dinuk says finance professionals need to think about how they interact and communicate with clients around the world. .

“I work with many foreign clients. It is therefore essential to understand the different ways in which people work and do business. Part of my continuing professional development has been understanding global perspectives.

“The way a Japanese company goes about business would be different than a German company, and the same with Singapore, etc., they all have their own ways. CPA materials and resources have helped me better understand the technical and cultural aspects of international trade.

Whether it’s the transformational challenges of managing a pandemic, implementing the latest technologies, or navigating global business opportunities, Dinuk Hettiarachchi is confident in his ability to chart the course for success.

How CPA Australia can help you advance your career

Global portability and quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are becoming increasingly important to professional accountants around the world. Today, CPA Australia works with over 30 recognized international employer partners to provide its members with access to learning and development opportunities through the CPA program.

CPA Australia has entered into pathway agreements with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka to create opportunities for local accountants to access the programs and services of CPA Australia.

CPA Australia provides its members with an internationally recognized qualification. It offers various learning resources in multiple channels to enhance members’ knowledge and skills for their CPD as finance and accounting professionals.

Whether it’s advancing your career or starting a new business, becoming a member of CPA Australia is your calling card for seizing opportunities, helping you broaden your horizons, reach new heights in business and achieve success. a difference in the world.

Join us for an on-site information session or attend online to find out how becoming a CPA will advance your career. Scan the QR Code below now.