Prasanna Fernando, VICE PRESIDENT - SECTOR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Prasanna Fernando

VICE PRESIDENT - SECTOR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd(John Keells Group)

Location
Sri Lanka - Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
Education
Higher diploma, Finance and Taxation
Experience
39 years, 3 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :39 years, 3 Months

VICE PRESIDENT - SECTOR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER at Cinnamon Hotel Management Ltd(John Keells Group)
  • Sri Lanka - Colombo 2
  • My current job since September 2012

on the fast-track to Director Finance/Financial Controller / AVP and then to the SFC /VP role in
Rs.6 billion, international Hotels and Resorts operating Company in Sri Lanka and in Maldives. Directly led a 4-person senior
management team including a Financial Controller and 3 finance Managers with oversight for 85-person staff. Broad scope
of authority which included executive guidance for all.
Areas of main responsibility:
Corporate/Operational Finance, Treasury, Investor Relations, Accounting & Taxation, Internal Audits,
Contracts and Procurement, Risk Management
Credit Management and Consolidation of accounts
Corporate and Operational Finance, Capital Markets & Restructuring, Tax Planning, Internal and External Audits, Statutory Compliance Credit Management
Contracts and Central Procurement & Taxation

Achievements
 Enabled the Sector access to Rs. 4 billion Debt capital at low interest rates under
favorable terms by negotiating strongly with Commercial Banks, and
building/cultivating multiple banking relationships.

 Provided Sector with liquidity to run business with best rates for credits in that
class by negotiating and refinancing over Rs.1 billion in multiple bank credit facilities.

 Facilitated corporate restructuring and ensure foundation for optimal financial performance.

 Worked closely with the Sector tax department to address multinational tax planning and compliance needs; devised tax structure recognized as industry-leading for efficiency. Possess a good knowledge on VAT.

 Overlooking the Sector Internal Audits carried out by leading International Audit firms and liaising closely with the External Audits.

 Ensure Statutory compliance with regards to Colombo Stock exchange and Security Exchange commission are adhered to in every Quarter and Annually

 Overall responsibility in Credit Management of the Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts on which the Debtors collection period improved from 35 days to 20 days. Bad Debts written off was zero in an annual Sector Turnover of Rs. 5.5Bn.

 Heading the Central Procurement operation of the Sri Lankan and Maldivian Hotels Sector and was able to maintain the annual increase on the prices to less than 1%. Annual Imported food contracts amounts to approximately Rs. 500 million

FINANCE DIRECTOR at Cinnamon Grand Colombo ( John Keells Group)
  • Sri Lanka - Colombo 7
  • July 2007 to September 2012

500 rooms Five Star Flag Ship Hotel of the John Keells Group with over 1200 employees, recording an annual
Turnover of Rs. 4Bn.

FINANCE DIRECTOR / 2007 TO 2010
FINANCE DIRECTOR / AVP 2010 TO 2012

Areas of main responsibility:
Operational Finance,
Treasury,
Accounting & Taxation,
Internal Audits,
Risk Management
Credit Management
and Consolidation of accounts

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo ( John Keells Group)
  • Sri Lanka - Colombo 2
  • February 2005 to July 2007

349 rooms Five Star Hotel of the John Keells Group with over 850 employees, recording an annual Turnover of Rs. 3Bn.

FINANCE MANAGER / 2005 TO 2006
FINANCE CONTROLLER / 2006 TO 2007

Areas of main responsibility:

Operational Finance,
Treasury,
Accounting & Taxation,
Internal Audits,
Risk Management
Credit Management
and Consolidation of accounts

CHIEF Accountant at United Breweries Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
  • Sri Lanka
  • November 1997 to February 2005

2nd Largest Brewery in Sri Lanka with Annual Turnover of Rs, 2Bn.

CHIEF ACCOUNTANT / 1997 to 2005

Areas of main responsibility:
Operational Finance,
Treasury,
Accounting & Taxation,
credit Management
Financial reporting.


Appointed as the first Chief Accountant of the Company with responsibility to Manage and control the Financing Construction of the Factory thus completed it within the plan. Thereafter implemented and organize the Finance department of the Company and designed the Accounting and control system to the full satisfaction of the Board of Directors.

Group Accountant at Metropolitan Agencies (Pvt) Ltd
  • Sri Lanka
  • November 1996 to November 1997

Areas of main responsibility:
Operational Finance,
Treasury,
Accounting & Taxation,
credit Management
Financial reporting.
Appointed as the first Chief Account of the Company with responsibility to Manage and control the Financing
Construction of the Factory thus completed it within the plan. Thereafter implemented and organize the
Finance department of the Company and designed the Accounting and control system to the full satisfaction of
the Board of Directors.

AUDIT SUPERVISOR at K P M G
  • Sri Lanka - Colombo 2
  • June 1992 to November 1996

This was one of the Leading International Audit firms operating in Sri Lanka. Training requirements to Complete Chartered Accountancy exams were fulfilled under KPMG.

AUDIT TRAINEE / 1992 to 1994
AUDIT SUPERVISOR / 1994 to 1996
Industries Covered during the period of training.

Hospitality,
Trading,
Banking
Investment
and Manufacturing.

SHIPPING EXECUTIVE at Nishii Shipyard Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
  • Sri Lanka - Colombo 6
  • December 1985 to March 1992

This was one of the Leading Fishing and Pleasure speed Boats Manufacturing Company.

SHIPPING EXECUTIVE / 1985 to 1992
Areas of main responsibility:

Shipping of Fiberglass Fishing boats and Pleasure speed boats to many middle east and far east countries.

SHIPPING EXECUTIVE at FRP Services Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
  • Sri Lanka - Colombo 6
  • December 1984 to December 1985

This was the leading Fiberglass Raw materials distribution company in Sri lanka in 1984.

SHIPPING EXECUTIVE / 1984 to 1985
Areas of main responsibility:

Importing of Fiberglass raw materials to Sri Lanka from Japan.

Education

Higher diploma, Finance and Taxation
  • at The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka
  • October 2003

The Chartered Accountant The chartered accountant is a professional in the field of Accountancy - well versed in the subjects of accountancy, auditing, management accountancy, information technology, taxation, corporate and commercial law, financial management, management, economics and other connected subjects.

Master's degree, management
  • at University of Sri Jayewardenepura
  • March 2003

The primary purpose of this MBA Degree in Management and Commerce is to prepare students to become innovative and dynamic managers in a broad range of private and public organisations. Furthermore, the purpose is to foster strategic, innovative and entrepreneurial thinking in a local and global business context. Finally, the competencies developed will enable students to critically analyze and solve complex business problems in the dynamic local and global business environment. Objectives The postgraduate student who completes the degree will be able to; Possess a knowledge framework which encompasses diverse perspectives and disciplines within management to understand the complexity of managing an organisation in a changing business environment. Have an understanding of how the acquired theoretical knowledge can be put into practice. Will possess a critical awareness of discipline-based concepts and approaches to analyse and master contemporary management problems. Have an in-depth knowledge and insight in specific management-related areas. Have the ability to acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity and to synthesise a range of information sources needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of rapidly changing national and international business environment. Professional and Employment Opportunities: The MBA Graduates will have opportunities at senior management level and board level in local and international business entities.

Higher diploma, Management and Accounting
  • at Chartered Institute of Management Accountants London
  • December 1998

The CIMA Professional Qualification is recognised worldwide as the most relevant global finance qualification for a career in bussiness. CIMA Members will be joining a global organisation powered by two of the world’s leading accounting bodies (AICPA – the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and CIMA). Which work together to make management accounting the most valued profession in business worldwide.

Specialties & Skills

Internal Controls
Financial Management
Procurement Management
Investment Advisory
Treasury Management
ACCOUNTANCY
BANKING
FINANCE
FINANCIAL REPORTING
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
RISK MANAGEMENT
Interpersonal skills
investment and procurement

Languages

English
Expert

Memberships

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Sri Lanka
  • Fellow Member
  • October 2003
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK
  • Associate Member
  • December 1998
Executive Commitee of the S.Thomas' College OBA
  • Treasurer
  • January 1985