Priyan Fernando
Carry your Sri Lankan identity
Q: What motivated your decision to move to Australia as an international student? And what were the adjustments you had to make?
A: After excelling in both my ordinary and advanced level examinations in Sri Lanka, I was eager to pursue higher education in a globally competitive environment. Australia appealed to me not only for its academic excellence but also the supportive Sri Lankan community already present, which eased the transition.
The biggest adjustment was adapting to life away from my family at a young age. That experience however, taught me independence and resilience – qualities that have shaped my journey ever since.
Q: And what were your chief takeaways from your first few years as a financial accountant in Australia?
A: Working in a developed economy such as Australia, I soon realised the critical role of systems and processes in driving business efficiency.
One of my greatest takeaways is the growing importance of technology in shaping financial operations. This was during a period of major global technological transformation and understanding this early helped position me for long-term success in the profession.
Q: What inspired you to launch Metrix Advisory – and how did you identify the demand for Virtual CFO services in the market?
A: Prior to launching Metrix Advisory, I served as CFO for a few small businesses and observed a recurring challenge – i.e. while these businesses needed strategic financial leadership, they could not justify the cost of a full-time CFO.
Drawing on my experience of managing a large business in Sri Lanka during the turbulent period between 2008 and 2012, I realised I could offer tailored high impact guidance on a flexible basis.
The concept of virtual or fractional CFO services aligned perfectly with this need and the demand has since grown exponentially. My confidence stemmed not only from market research but the belief in my ability to deliver real value.
Q: What does winning CFO of the Year 2025 mean to you, both personally and professionally?
A: On a personal level, this recognition is deeply meaningful. It validates the sacrifices and hard work of my parents, who instilled strong values in me from a young age and always pushed me to do my best. It feels like a tribute to their unwavering support.
Professionally, the award represents an endorsement of the work we have done at Metrix Advisory over the past three and a half years.
During a challenging post-COVID-19 environment, we have supported numerous small businesses across Australia to not only survive but thrive. We’ve successfully turned around multiple struggling businesses and this award is a celebration of those collective victories.
Q: Do you see yourself playing a role in building business or talent bridges between Sri Lanka and Australia?
A: Certainly. We are already engaged in this effort.
My familiarity with the Sri Lankan business landscape has been instrumental in recruiting skilled professionals from Sri Lanka to support our operations in Australia. We currently employ 10 staff members in Sri Lanka who are integral to our Australian operations – and I’m actively exploring opportunities to expand this cross border collaboration in the coming years.
Q: You’ve lived and worked extensively in both Sri Lanka and Australia. How has this dual perspective shaped your professional outlook?
A: My professional journey in Sri Lanka taught me invaluable lessons in leadership and resilience, particularly during my time managing a 1,200 strong workforce through the global financial crisis. This experience provided real world insights into managing adversity and leading people.
In contrast, my career in Australia – enhanced by formal qualifications such as my CPA and MBA – has offered structured frameworks and advanced strategic tools. The combination of practical leadership and technical expertise has given me a rounded perspective on business and management.
Q: As a person who has moved between the two countries at key life moments, what does ‘home’ mean to you today?
A: Although I’m a dual citizen of Sri Lanka and Australia, the former remains my true home.
To me, home signifies family, belonging and heritage. With most of my immediate family still residing in Sri Lanka, I feel a strong emotional connection with the country. Every visit evokes a profound sense of nostalgia and pride.
Sri Lanka is where my journey began and no matter where life takes me, I will always carry this identity with immense pride.