NILUSHA KARUNARATNE
New York,New York
Summary
Accomplished and forward-thinking leader, adept in strategic business development and fostering stakeholder engagement, I recently led teams to secure $15MM in annual projects, embodying effective team leadership and advanced-solving skills. Recognized for pioneering risk and compliance transformation efforts and digital Internal Audit solutions, my tenure is marked by impactful leadership and innovative strategies. Leveraging a combination of strategic perspective with abilities to quickly make positive changes, I have consistently delivered on high quality, value-driven outcome for clients.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
Deloitte LLP
New York
08.2018 - Current
- Provided internal audit and advisory services related to governance, risk & compliance, strategy & operation and onboarding & training to over 10 global clients predominantly in the Fortune 500
- Acted as a senior advisor to senior C-level management, Internal Audit and business leaders on risk & compliance and transformation to internal audit departments
- Served as client-facing point of contact and led engagement teams through a broad array of projects, providing guidance and decision-making direction based on prior experience
- Led and supported bid development and client sales resulting in total of $11.85M in FY19 & FY20
- Proven experience applying sound project management methodologies with relevant experience in large, complex organizations
- Proven experience in integrated audit approach and providing oversight to the team, business & IT auditors enabling timely and quality deliverables
- Successful design and delivery of the target operating model for implementation of process based auditing
- Established objectives, expectations and provided strategic direction and leadership to Internal Audit departments
- Demonstrable experience in managing senior stakeholder relationships and partnering with others to reach successful outcome
- Demonstrated leadership in further developing IT Internal Audit offerings to clients by leading the planning and development of IT governance related solutions
- Planned and led internal and external eminence activities including authoring thought leadership and hosting industry peer forums to discuss emerging risk topics driven by regulations and market trends
- Led the design, development and delivery of various internal audit topic trainings to global clients
- Supported practice development activities, including technology watch, internal trainings and contributions to the practice's internal resource pool
Senior Consultant
Deloitte LLP
New York
07.2017 - 08.2018
- Led and supported identification and evaluation of business & technology risks, internal controls and related opportunities for internal control improvement
- Contributed to project planning and ensuring deliverables met work plan, quality and timeline
- Supported practice management including coaching, recruitment and support proposal development
- Led and supported over 5 internal audit engagements in planning, scoping, execution and reporting across various audit areas
- Honed client service delivery skills in banking & capital markets, wealth management and insurance environments
- Supported senior management with planning & staffing of client projects
- Contributed to the identification of opportunities to modernize internal audit by way of digital solutions
- Proactive participation in firm initiatives such as design & development of digital internal audit solutions, Chief Audit Executives networking programs and Deloitte Design Thinking Lab Program
Senior Analyst
Deloitte & Touche Tohmatsu
Sydney
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Performed work as part of a team to advise and deliver client project in risk & assurance and M&A space
- Contributed to business development initiatives
- Client exposure includes but not limited to four major Australian banks, credit agencies, insurance & superannuation firms
- Successfully led the development of annual internal audit plan and resource plan for client groups
- Formally recognised as a 'critical resource' and a 'key and valuable' team player on a multimillion-dollar Service Orchestration technology project
- Led and contributed to the development and presentation of proposal to client Executive Team and Audit Committees
Audit & Compliance Manager
National Australia Bank
Sydney
05.2014 - 08.2015
- Collaborated and partnered with 1st line and 2nd line to oversee and coordinate risk management and regulatory compliance
- Implemented compliance programs, designed and implemented remediation strategies for identified issues, facilitated risk management forums and identified opportunities for continuous improvement
- Successfully led the implementation of enterprise risk management framework
- Contributed to the continued development of internal controls awareness
- Led the operationalization of Key Risk Indicator plan within Wealth Management and Insurances divisions resulting in significant improvement to risk rating within 6 months
- Documentation management of artifacts including operational risk profiles, breach reporting, risk management forum reporting etc
- Developed and facilitated risk & compliance related training for staff
- Coached the winning project team of NAB's annual Best Practice Innovation Challenge
- Mentored individuals in an inclusion & diversity development program
Education
Bachelor of Health Science - Neuropsychology
University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia05-2006
Skills
- Strategic Business Development
- Advanced Problem Resolution
- Training Facilitation
- Effective Team Leadership
- Clear and Concise Communication
- Mentoring Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Creative Project Leadership
Affiliations
- Supported the StepUp Pro Bono Consulting Opportunities sponsored by Deloitte and provided advisory services to small business and non-for-profit initiatives
- Successfully led the winning project team of a business innovation program sponsored by National Australia Bank
- Active member of the Business Skills Program coordinated by Young Achievement Australia and sponsored by BHP Group Limited
- As an active member of UN Women (Australia Chapter) adopted leadership roles to drive campaigns and fundraising events
- Actively led and implemented forward-thinking initiatives as the Former President of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Youth Association
- Contribute significantly to various select volunteer programs including mentoring and local food banks
Certification
- Project Management Professionals Certification (PMI - 2019)
- Financial Accounting Certification (Harvard Online - 2022)
- Member of Institute of Internal Audit (NY Chapter)
- Member of SIFMA
Accomplishments
- Authored and led initiative to publish Internal Audit related thought leadership
- Successfully drive the strategic development and maintain stakeholder relationships of two key platinum financial services client accounts
- Formal recognition for being a key member and effectively managing stakeholder relationships on a $300MM valued M&A project orchestrated by Deloitte
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager
Deloitte LLP
08.2018 - Current
Senior Consultant
Deloitte LLP
07.2017 - 08.2018
Senior Analyst
Deloitte & Touche Tohmatsu
09.2015 - 06.2017
Audit & Compliance Manager
National Australia Bank
05.2014 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Health Science - Neuropsychology
University of Sydney
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