Sachitra Delpachitra
Recognising common ground
Q: Can you share a few highlights of your career over the past 13 years – especially your experience with the ‘Big Four’ audit firms?
A: I embarked on my professional journey with KPMG Sri Lanka, laying the groundwork for my interest in becoming a chartered accountant.
Thereafter, I transitioned to KPMG Eastern Caribbean – an exciting phase that gave me the opportunity to travel to many Caribbean islands. I then moved to the UK and took a career break to stay with my first son.
My next destination was EY Barbados – a picturesque island nation where I encountered a multitude of exceptionally talented and humble individuals.
Working with the Big Four offered many benefits. I collaborated with talented people from all corners of the globe and gained exposure to the world’s largest organisations.
Growing in such an environment shaped me into being a responsible individual both in my professional and personal life.
Q: How did you develop an interest in auditing large multinational entities?
A: Auditing has forever been a passion of mine; and that is the main reason for where I am today.
Auditing a bank as opposed to a manufacturing company requires distinct approaches but it is intellectually stimulating. The beauty of working for the Big Four is that you engage with some of the brightest and motivated individuals in the profession, and have access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.
There is never a dull moment as you’re challenged almost every day to become a better version of yourself.
Auditing is very different from crunching numbers, ticking boxes or interpreting financial statements. It demands an openness to different viewpoints, an endless hunger for knowledge and lots of resilience.
Navigating dynamic landscapes, and balancing technical expertise while fulfilling ethical requirements, can be quite challenging and overwhelming. However, I enjoy what I do because my job is aligned with the values I cherish the most – the very essence of integrity, transparency and accountability.
Q: Living in New Zealand today, what aspects of local culture do you find different to your home country?
A: New Zealand is the fifth country I’ve called ‘home.’ My journey has woven across diverse landscapes from bustling cities to serene coastlines, each leaving its indelible mark.
I’m quite used to this lifestyle. While Sri Lanka and New Zealand are worlds apart geographically, they share similar values and heartfelt hospitality.
In Sri Lanka, a stranger is welcomed with a cup of Ceylon Tea, and the phrase ‘ayubowan’ resonates a wish for a long and prosperous life. New Zealanders extend their ‘kia ora’ – a Maori greeting, embracing visitors as whanau (family).
Both lands celebrate the joy of sharing meals, value close family bonds and respect elders.
The lifestyle in Wellington is refreshingly simple. People relish spending their free time with family and friends or simply immersing themselves in nature. Like Sri Lankans, Kiwis cherish their natural landscape.
I believe that embracing similarities often proves to be smoother than wrestling with differences. When we recognise common ground, adaptation becomes enjoyable rather than being a struggle.
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Sachitra Delpachitra, a seasoned chartered accountant, boasts a 15 year track record in the audit and assurance profession. With over a decade at the helm of diverse teams, she has sharpened her skills in delivering high quality audits.
Delpachitra’s extensive experience with the ‘Big Four’ audit firms in Sri Lanka, the Caribbean and Barbados has equipped her to excel in her current role at Audit New Zealand.
She wholeheartedly believes in the transformative power of knowledge sharing to empower and elevate those around her, by generously imparting wisdom, insights, encouragement and positive vibes.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Husband – Duminda
Children – Meth, Nivni and Seth
SCHOOLING
Ferguson High School
HIGHER EDUCATION
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Auditor – Audit New Zealand
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
New Zealand
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Wellington