Whether it's the dream of owning a home, venturing into entrepreneurship, upgrading to a new car, or diving into investment opportunities, the need for substantial capital is undeniable. We want to play a vital role in turning dreams into reality, empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their goals and contribute to their financial well-being.
Information and assistance with accessing government-sponsored financing programs, such as small business loans, tax incentives, or grants available for specific industries or economic development initiatives.
Assistance in obtaining loans from financial institutions, such as banks or credit unions.
Support for individuals, artists, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits looking to raise funds from a large number of people through online crowdfunding platforms.
Assistance in identifying and applying for grants offered by governments, foundations, or other organizations.
Guidance and support for startups and high-growth businesses seeking investment from venture capital firms.
Exploration of alternative financing options, such as equipment leasing, invoice factoring, etc, which may be suitable for businesses or individuals with unique financing needs or credit profiles.
Assistance in connecting entrepreneurs with angel investors—individuals who provide capital to startups in exchange for equity ownership.
Provision of financial literacy education and counselling services to help individuals improve their financial knowledge, skills, and habits in budgeting, debt management, credit repair, and long-term financial planning.
Guidance and support for startups and high-growth businesses seeking investment from venture capital firms.
Market properties for sale or rent by creating listings, taking photographs, preparing virtual tours, and promoting them.
Represent clients, whether they are buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants, throughout the entire real estate transaction.
Identify properties that meet their criteria, schedule viewings, and provide guidance on the suitability of properties based on their needs and preferences.
Manage the administrative aspects, including preparing and reviewing contracts and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed.
Specializing in not-for-profit (NFP) entities involves tailoring services and expertise to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by organizations in the nonprofit sector.
Gain a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, including its diverse range of organizations, missions, funding sources, and regulatory environments.
This includes budgeting, financial reporting, grant management, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Offer assistance with grant writing, fundraising strategies, and donor engagement to help NFP entities secure funding for their programs and operations.
Ensure that NFP entities comply with regulatory requirements, reporting obligations, and ethical standards.
Providing financial and internal control guidance to Aboriginal organizations is crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective
stewardship of resources. Here are some key aspects to consider when offering such guidance:
This involves advertising job openings and networking to identify potential candidates.
This may involve interviews, skill assessments, and reference checks.
Build and maintain relationships with employers seeking accounting and finance professionals.
Facilitate the negotiation process between candidates and employers, including salary, benefits, and other terms of employment.
Deep Fernando who started Deep Fern Limited as a unique entrepreneurial enterprise, began his career in Colombo during the early 1990s in the manufacturing sector and swiftly transitioned to Banking & Finance, where he assumed pivotal roles such as Associate Director of Banking Development at the Reserve Bank and Head of Finance in a Commercial Bank. This trajectory underscored his adaptability, strategic acumen, and leadership capabilities, shaping him into a seasoned professional with a wealth of cross-sector expertise.
His career took an international turn during the mid-1990s, as he ventured to Dubai to assume the role of Head of Cost Accounting in one of the largest ship repair and building companies in the Middle East. Transitioning to the vibrant business landscape of Dubai exposed him to cost accounting within the maritime industry, where efficient cost management is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and profitability.
Subsequently, his journey led him to the United States, where he pursued further professional development alongside academic advancement. He enrolled in an MBA Finance program at California State University while gaining invaluable work experience in one of the largest credit unions in the country.
His time in the USA provided him with exposure to the intricacies of the American financial landscape, including regulatory frameworks, industry best practices, and technological innovations shaping the financial services sector.
His relocation to Australia in 2004 marked another pivotal chapter in his career, where he assumed leadership roles in the community, affordable housing sector and aboriginal organizations, contributing to transformative changes and financial stability within the organizations.
As the Group Financial Controller at Community Housing Limited Victoria, and his tenure as the Chief Finance Officer at Aboriginal Housing Victoria (AHV) further exemplified his commitment to driving positive change and building strong financial frameworks. His strategic leadership played a vital role in guiding the organization through transformational processes, where he was instrumental in transforming the company’s asset base of AHV from $35 million to $400 million within just over 2 years, empowering it to better serve its constituents and achieve its mission of providing safe and affordable housing solutions.
Since leaving the affordable and Indigenous housing sectors, he has transitioned into short-term roles within the not-for-profit sector, leveraging his financial expertise and leadership skills to make a meaningful impact in diverse areas of social welfare including drug and alcohol, family violence and mental health, where he has demonstrated a dedication to addressing pressing societal issues and supporting vulnerable populations.
Certified Practicing Accountants, Australia
Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants, U.K.
MBA Finance from California State University, Los Angeles, USA
Chartered Global Management Accountants
Chartered Institute of Marketing, U.K.
Australian Institute of Company Directors – MAICD
Bachelor of Science (Special) in Business Administration, University of Sri Jayawardenepura, Colombo.
Understanding the Corporations Act is essential for ensuring compliance and governance within corporate structures. Additionally, familiarity with state government regulations ensures adherence to specific legal requirements that may vary depending on the jurisdiction in which your organization operates.
The Financial Management Act (FMA) outlines financial management requirements for government agencies, ensuring accountability and transparency in financial operations. Standing Directions provide detailed guidance on financial management practices, procurement processes, and reporting standards for government entities.
Housing Australia (formerly NHFIC) is a key player in Australia's housing landscape, established to address housing affordability challenges and support the development of affordable housing across the country through facilitating affordable housing finance, bond aggregator model and other affordable housing finance initiatives.
Interacting with the Housing Registrar of Victoria entails engaging with the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the governance, compliance, and performance of registered housing providers operating within the state of Victoria, Australia.
Housing Australia (formerly NHFIC) is a key player in Australia's housing landscape, established to address housing affordability challenges and support the development of affordable housing across the country through facilitating affordable housing finance, bond aggregator model and other affordable housing finance initiatives.
Interaction with government departments such as Treasury and the Department of Premier & Cabinet (DPMC) is essential for accessing funding opportunities, understanding government policies, and engaging in collaborative initiatives that align with organizational objectives.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) regulates charities and NFP organizations, ensuring they operate in the public interest and comply with governance standards. Similarly, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) oversees corporate governance and compliance for companies, including NFP entities.
Interaction with government departments such as Treasury and the Department of Premier & Cabinet (DPMC) is essential for accessing funding opportunities, understanding government policies, and engaging in collaborative initiatives that align with organizational objectives.
Experience in overseeing multimillion-dollar housing projects in Victoria and managing ship building/repair services for the US Navy in Dubai showcases the proficiency in handling complex procurement processes and project management on both local and international scales.
Ability to provide comprehensive performance reports to various stakeholders, including management, board members, and government and regulatory agencies such as ACNC, Housing Registrar, DHHS and ASIC, underscores my commitment to transparency and accountability.
Expertise in finance process improvement, productivity enhancements, and system controls across multiple software/ERP systems underscores the ability to drive efficiency and effectiveness in financial operations.
Experience in managing corporate services, including ICT, fleet management, and contract management, showcases the ability to oversee essential support functions within organizations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and treasury management, particularly with large finance teams, demonstrates the ability to ensure financial stability and compliance within organizations. The skills that I gained in financial planning & analysis, KPI reporting, and cashflow management are vital for strategic decision-making.
My involvement in Audit & Risk Committees across government, not-for-profit, and other organizations highlights my understanding of risk management practices and your dedication to ensuring robust internal controls and compliance.
My knowledge of internal control and audit practices, including drafting policies and procedures, demonstrates the commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability within organizations.
My membership in the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the understanding of financial governance practices highlight the commitment to upholding governance standards and best practices within organizations.
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