AKSHANA PERERA
Dubai,UAE
Summary
ACCA-qualified finance professional with 6+ years of experience in MNC's including Canon EMEA and British American Tobacco. Specialized in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis across multi-country operations in the UAE and Africa. Experienced in translating financial data into actionable insights to support strategic decision-making, cost optimization, and business performance management. Strong background in IFRS reporting, audit coordination with Big 4 firms, and strengthening internal controls. Advanced user of ERP systems including SAP and Oracle, with a proven ability to streamline reporting processes and deliver accurate financial insights to senior leadership in complex, fast-paced organizations.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Finance Specialist- FP & A
Canon Middle East, Central & North Africa
Dubai
2023.01 - 2026.03
- Manage financial reporting, ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance for Canon Middle East, Central, and North Africa.
- Consolidate management accounts, integrating income statements, cash flow, and balance sheets.
- Direct budgeting and forecasting, advising cost center holders on timely budget submissions and KPI alignment.
- Review expenditures, report variances, and implement controls to manage budget overages.
- Partnered with business stakeholders to deliver accurate rolling forecasts and strategic insights.
- Ensure compliance with IFRS and GAAP, preparing and presenting financial reports.
- Deliver consistency in reporting across the business - consistent view of P&L, reporting & profitability.
- New ERP system implementation through testing in collaboration with the IT department.
Assistant Management Accountant
GuestReady Group
Dubai
2022.01 - 2023.01
- Prepared monthly financial statements using Xero accounting software.
- Reviewed and provided monthly financial analysis to senior management post-closing, including variance analysis, KPI trends and analysis.
- Analyzed financial data and prepared reports using Tableau, Slemma, and Looker Studio dashboards.
- Conducted compliance reviews & internal controls testing.
- Trained employees in expense management and accounting software.
- Led financial reporting enhancements and automation, integrating Power BI dashboards for real-time analysis.
Commercial Finance Executive
British American Tobacco
Colombo
2021.01 - 2022.01
- Planned and prepared Annual Co-Plan Budgets and conducted Quarterly forecasting.
- Monitored year-to-date spending against budgets, advising departmental heads on fund utilization.
- Provided financial insights through operational cost analysis for decision-making.
- Completed internal compliance reviews and the BAT Global Manufacturing Audit - 2021.
- Identified and implemented process optimization opportunities, achieving cost savings.
- Prepared monthly Cost of Sales and Cost of Production reports with detailed analysis.
- Completed Monthly and Quarterly General Ledger Reconciliations.
- Conducted Quarter-End stock counts for reconciliation in various warehouses and factory floors.
- Managed inventory, including slow-moving and obsolete stock, and assigned Quarterly Provisions.
- Provided information for external audits and completed cash flow forecasts.
Assistant Finance Officer
Alinea International Pvt Ltd
Colombo
2019.01 - 2021.01
- Collaborated with Project Managers to oversee and monitor budgets.
- Ensured financial integrity by reviewing and enhancing internal controls at NLEAP.
- Identified performance gaps in business processes and developed improvement recommendations while mentoring team members.
- Prepared due diligence and credit rating reports for National Languages Fund (NLF) grantees and presented findings for approval.
- Administered and managed NLF grantee finances through auditing and analyzing financial statements.
- Provided financial and risk management advice to NLF grantees.
- Reviewed general ledger coding on vouchers and invoices for accurate expense allocation.
- Assisted with general ledger maintenance and month-end financial reporting.
- Handled statutory payments, including EPF, ETF, and PAYE documentation and submissions.
- Calculated VAT and other taxes for project equipment and services, preparing Tax Claims for reimbursement in accordance with the Sri Lankan-Canadian Government MOU.
Education
Advanced Financial Modeler -
Financial Modelling Institute
2025.01 - 2025.06
ACCA(UK) - Member -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
2020.01 - 2024.01
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Finance -
University of London
2014.01 - 2017.01
Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business -
University of Colombo
2016.01 - 2019.01
Skills
- SAP, Orion, BPC , BI, Tableau software proficiency
- IFRS & US GAAP proficiency
- Financial statement analysis
- Financial modelling
- Stakeholder management
- Automation
- Business Partnering
Extra-Curricular Activities
- Sri Lankan National Athlete - Water Polo & Swimming
- Most Outstanding Sportswoman - University of Colombo
- Secretary - Amalgamated Club - University of Colombo
- Club Service Director - Rotaract Club - University of Colombo
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Advanced Financial Modeler -
Financial Modelling Institute
2025.01 - 2025.06
Finance Specialist- FP & A
Canon Middle East, Central & North Africa
2023.01 - 2026.03
Assistant Management Accountant
GuestReady Group
2022.01 - 2023.01
Commercial Finance Executive
British American Tobacco
2021.01 - 2022.01
ACCA(UK) - Member -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
2020.01 - 2024.01
Assistant Finance Officer
Alinea International Pvt Ltd
2019.01 - 2021.01
Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business -
University of Colombo
2016.01 - 2019.01
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Finance -
University of London
2014.01 - 2017.01