In a rapidly changing business environment, the role of Chartered Accountants is evolving well beyond compliance and reporting. Today the profession must balance technical expertise with ethical leadership, adaptability and the ability to inspire trust. At EY Sri Lanka, this commitment to shaping future-ready professionals is central to its purpose, blending mentorship, global collaboration and digital transformation to raise standards and strengthen communities. Echelon sat down with Rajith Perera, Partner, Financial Accounting Advisory Services & Financial Services Risk Management and Compliance Leader of EY Sri Lanka & Maldives, to explore his vision for building the next generation of trusted advisors. He also serves as the Chairman of the Accounting Standards Committee and the Chairman of the Financial Reporting Standards Interpretation & Implementation Committee of CA Sri Lanka.
Charting the Future: A Vision for the Next Generation
As a Chartered Accountant, I believe our role extends far beyond numbers and compliance; it is fundamentally about building trust, driving sustainable growth, and leading with integrity in an ever-evolving world. At EY we take seriously our responsibility to shape the future of our colleagues, a responsibility that is central to developing the next generation of trusted professionals.
With the evolution of global standards and technologies, Chartered Accountants are becoming more vital than ever as trusted advisors. Drawing from my decades of experience both locally and globally, I envision a future for our profession that emphasises not just technical skills, but also adaptability, integrity, and an enduring commitment to trust.
“The true mark of a Chartered Accountant isn’t just about understanding balance sheets — it’s about building trust with those you serve,” I often remind myself and my colleagues.
While technical expertise remains essential, today’s environment demands much more: adaptive thinking, ethical leadership, and a strong culture of mentorship. I reflect on my own professional growth, which has been shaped by self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning. Mentorship, both given and received, has reinforced the value of investing in people, nurturing talent and fostering collaboration.
For me, effective leadership means upholding ethical standards, building resilience, and communicating clearly. These qualities not only strengthen teams but also enable leaders to inspire others and make a meaningful impact.
Nurturing Trusted Advisors: The Heart of Leadership
Senior professionals have a duty to mentor younger ones, not only in technical skills but in ethics, decision-making and resilience. I remain shaped by mentors who went beyond financial statements and regulations to guide me through ethical dilemmas and tough choices, instilling integrity that continues to define my leadership.
Technical knowledge alone is not enough. Today’s leaders must also show empathy and emotional intelligence, qualities that help Chartered Accountants connect with clients, lead diverse teams and make balanced decisions. To build the next generation of trusted advisors, we must pair knowledge with values and foster the human qualities that define strong leadership.
My work with global teams has shown how international best practice raises standards and strengthens local communities. At EY we encourage collaboration across borders, creating inclusive teams that blend expertise and perspectives. As our profession evolves, experienced leaders must act with clarity, empathy and resilience, nurturing leadership that is ethical, globally aware and locally engaged.
Adapting to Change: Future-Ready Accountants
As industries evolve, so too must our role as Chartered Accountants. The future of our profession lies in our ability to adapt, lead, and stay ahead of change. I strongly advocate for embracing digital transformation, recognising the profound impact of data analytics, AI, blockchain, and automation. These are not just buzzwords, they are reshaping how we work, make decisions, and deliver value.
The true strength of a Chartered Accountant today lies in a blend of technical expertise, ethical reasoning, and the ability to interpret data and communicate insights effectively. Technology is a powerful ally, but it demands a commitment to continuous learning. Whether through global certifications, online platforms, or hands-on digital projects, we must actively build our capabilities to remain relevant and impactful.
Adopting new tools is only part of the journey. To be truly future-ready we must sharpen our critical thinking and analytical skills, linking numbers to strategy and strategy to purpose. That requires moving beyond compliance and reporting to become strategic advisors who grasp the wider business context and its impact on society.
Future-ready Chartered Accountants are those who balance technical proficiency with strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and emotional intelligence. We are innovators who embrace disruption with confidence, and mentors who prepare others to do the same.
Shaping a Legacy for Generations to Come
In today’s world, where trust and accountability are paramount, the Chartered Accountant stands as a cornerstone of professional and economic integrity. We are not only stewards of financial accuracy but also critical advisors, ethical leaders, and architects of sustainable growth.
For me, shaping the future of our profession goes beyond leadership – it’s about leaving a legacy. That legacy is built on a foundation of clear vision, shared values, and a collective commitment to ensuring our profession remains relevant, resilient, and respected for generations to come.“Our legacy will not be measured only by financial outcomes, but by the trust we build and the leaders we inspire.”