Mahesh Perera
Weedagama
Summary
I have a strong background in finance and operations, particularly in optimizing factory processes. I excel in financial management, resource allocation, production scheduling, inventory management, pricing, and cost analysis. My focus is aligning production with market needs efficiently. I'm skilled in demand analysis, cost management, and risk reduction. Collaboration and implementing effective strategies to ensure smooth production flows are my strengths. I'm highly experienced in budgeting, variance analysis, and using ERP systems to drive operational excellence in manufacturing. My goal is to contribute to organizations to achieve operational excellence by better financial management inputs.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Finance Manager Internal Audit
Kahawatte Plantations Plc
10.2020 - Current
- Company Overview: Subsidiary of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc
- Overlooking the internal audit division at Kahawatte Plantations Plc, a subsidiary of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc. Overlooked finance operations across 16 tea estates in diverse locations.
- Analyzing risks associated with estate operational processes and suggesting process improvements to board audit committee for mitigation of risks.
- Planning and scheduling of routine internal audits for estates.
- Prepare comprehensive audit reports detailing audit findings, conclusions, and recommendations for improvement.
- Coordinate with estate management for implementation of process improvements related to risk mitigations and to drive compliance.
- Promote a culture of compliance by conducting training programs to estate staff and management.
- Ensure that the organization complies with relevant laws and regulations.
Finance Manager
Kahawatte Plantations Plc
10.2018 - 10.2020
- Company Overview: Subsidiary of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc
- Overlooked finance division at Kahawatte Plantations Plc, a subsidiary of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc. Overlooked finance operations across 16 tea estates in diverse locations.
- Developing and implementing detailed monthly variance reporting to track and analyze financial performance. Skillfully present findings and insights during monthly Management meetings, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
- Managing cash flow and preparing cash flow forecasts in alignment with company policies and procedures. Oversee all accounting functions for 16 estates, encompassing maintenance of the general ledger, accountspayable, accounts receivable, and check-roll.
- Managing the budgeting process and monitoring expenses to control costs and optimize resource allocation.
- Ensure that all statutory requirements of the organization are met including, Taxes, EPF & ETF and WithholdingPayments.
- Develop, implement, and enforce compliance with internal controls and financial policies and procedures.
- Liaised with banks to negotiate competitive interest rates for business funding.
- Auditing and Compliance: Coordinating with external auditors and ensuring compliance with audit requirements andfinancial reporting standards.
- Investment Analysis: Assessing investment opportunities and conducting financial analysis to support decision-making on capital investments.
- Leading and developing a team of finance professionals, ensuring their skill development and fostering acollaborative work environment.
Factory Accountant
Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc
05.2011 - 10.2018
- Participate in budgeting and forecasting based on production plans and cost projections.
- Demand Forecasting: Analyze sales data and market trends to forecast future product demand.
- Resource Constraints Analysis: Assess factory resource limitations and future growth strategies.
- Constraints Analysis: Assess factory resource limitations and future growth strategies.
- Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels to optimize supply and demand balance.
- Raw Material Negotiation: Negotiate with procurement for optimal raw material quantities and manufacturing costs.
- Procurement Coordination: Ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
- Risk Mitigation Planning: Identify potential operational risks and develop contingency plans.
- Long-Term Risk and Investment Recommendations: Provide strategic risk mitigation and investment suggestions.
- Cross-Department Communication: Facilitate clear communication between manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.
- Cost Tracking and Analysis: Monitor production costs, including labor and raw materials.
- Inventory Reconciliation: Manage and reconcile inventory for accurate valuation and control.
- Financial Reporting: Prepare statements and reports on factory performance, including COGS and productionvariances.
- Variance Analysis: Analyze discrepancies between actual and budgeted costs and recommend corrective actions.
- Maintain records and calculate depreciation for production assets.
- Ensure adherence to accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal policies.
Financial Accountant
ACL Cables Plc
12.2009 - 06.2011
- Prepared and presented financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement).
- Recorded and classified financial transactions, maintained general ledgers following accounting principles.
- Assisted in audits, ensured compliance with accounting standards, regulations, and company policies. Analyzed financial data to identify trends and variances.
- Contributed to budgeting process and provided financial forecasts.
- Managed treasury and working capital.
- Oversaw intercompany balances for effective cash flow management.
- Implemented and monitored internal controls for financial data security and fraud prevention.
- Prepared Annual Income Tax Plan, minimized Group tax liability, and guided quarterly tax payments.
- Liaised with tax authority to resolve various tax matters.
- Prepared monthly accounts and reports for Board of Directors' for decision-making.
- Proficient in financial software and systems, core team member of Navision ERP implementation.
- Collaborated with Auditors for finalization of annual external audit
- Assessed and managed financial risks, proposed mitigation strategies based on historical data.
Factory Accountant
ACL Cables Plc
02.2007 - 12.2009
- Reviewing and approving payroll, payment vouchers, journal vouchers, bank reconciliations, and intercompany reconciliations.
- Preparing and finalizing factory operational budget with the head of manufacturing.
- Participating in financial planning discussions and providing input on factory-related financial matters.Proficient in Microsoft Navision ERP system, including Financial Management, Purchase, Warehouse, Marketing, and Manufacturing modules.
- Handling external auditors for year-end audits.
- Managing incentive schemes and factory payroll processes.
Financial Accountant
Metropolitan Office Ltd
12.2005 - 02.2007
- Preparing and analysing financial statements, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
- Recording financial transactions, maintaining general ledgers, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial data.
- Implementing and maintaining internal financial controls to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud.
- Monitoring cash flow, optimizing cash positions, and ensuring adequate liquidity for daily operations. Collaborating with other departments to gather financial information and support cross-functional initiatives.
- Working with accounting software and financial systems to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.Monitoring and analysing costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and making recommendations to management.
- Ensuring compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and relevant regulations.
- Managing and overseeing the accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.Reconciling accounts and resolving discrepancies in financial records.
- Coordinating with internal and external auditors to facilitate the auditing process and addressing any audit queries.
Accounts Executive
MAS Linea Aqua
11.2004 - 11.2005
- Maintaining and updating financial records, including AP, AR, expenses, and income.
- Reconciling bank statements with company records.
- Monitoring and controlling expenses to adhere to budget guidelines.
- Coordinating with auditors for internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation.
- Managing vendor relationships, processing invoices, and ensuring timely payments.
- Assisting with tax-related tasks, including calculations, returns, and compliance.
- Monitoring compliance with regulatory bodies such as Board of Investments Srilanka and submitting reports and data inputs.
- Assisting in budgeting and financial forecasting activities.
Production Planning Executive
MAS Linea Aqua
11.2003 - 11.2004
- Developing and implementing production plans to meet manufacturing goals and objectives.
- Coordinating with various departments to ensure the availability of resources, materials, and labour forefficient production processes.
- Monitoring production schedules and making adjustments as needed to meet changing demands andpriorities.
- Analyzing production data and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and costoptimization and efficiency improvement.
- Collaborating with the procurement and new product development teams to execute the productionplans effectively.
- Identifying potential bottlenecks in the production process and implementing solutions to enhanceefficiency.
Planning Executive
PTK Enterprises Pvt Ltd
08.2001 - 11.2003
- Generating production reports and presenting them to management for review and decision-making.
- Managing production schedules and timelines to achieve on-time delivery of products.
- Utilizing production planning software and tools to optimize production scheduling and resourceallocation. Identifying potential bottlenecks in the production process and implementing solutions to enhanceefficiency.
- Collaborating with the procurement team to maintain an adequate inventory of raw materials and finishedgoods.
Education
MBA -
University of Colombo Srilanka
BSc - Biostatistics, Geology Chemistry
University of Peradeniya Srilanka
Skills
- Financial management accounting
- Cost variance evaluation
- Critical thinking
- Tax compliance management
- Regulatory reporting
- Interpersonal communication
- Experience in internal auditing
- Proficient in team management
Certification
ACMA - Associate Member of CIMA
References
Rajeeva, Fernando, Senior Manager- Systems Integrations & Technology, +61 426261651, Accenture
Timeline
Finance Manager Internal Audit
Kahawatte Plantations Plc
10.2020 - Current
Finance Manager
Kahawatte Plantations Plc
10.2018 - 10.2020
Factory Accountant
Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc
05.2011 - 10.2018
Financial Accountant
ACL Cables Plc
12.2009 - 06.2011
Factory Accountant
ACL Cables Plc
02.2007 - 12.2009
Financial Accountant
Metropolitan Office Ltd
12.2005 - 02.2007
Accounts Executive
MAS Linea Aqua
11.2004 - 11.2005
Production Planning Executive
MAS Linea Aqua
11.2003 - 11.2004
Planning Executive
PTK Enterprises Pvt Ltd
08.2001 - 11.2003
BSc - Biostatistics, Geology Chemistry
University of Peradeniya Srilanka
MBA -
University of Colombo Srilanka
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