Biography of Upekha Atupola: Founder of Siplo -Entrepreneur
Biography of Upekha Atupola:
Early Education and Ambitions of Upekha Atupola
Upekha Atupola's journey began in Sri Lanka, where she
completed her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accounting at the University of Sri
Jayewardenepura between 2011 and 2015. She achieved a remarkable feat by
earning a First Class degree, and her academic journey also saw her taking on
leadership roles. She served as the Vice President of the Accounting and
Financial Management Association (AFMA) at the university's Department of
Accounting, and she was actively involved in the Student Union of the Faculty
of Management Studies and Commerce. These experiences not only enhanced her
leadership and teamwork skills but also shaped her ambition for a career in
accounting and finance.
Professional Certifications and Further Education
Along with her academic achievements, Upekha also pursued
professional development through the Chartered Institute of Management
Accountants (CIMA) from 2010 to 2013. This association granted her the title of
Associate Member in Management Accounting and Finance. Later, Upekha’s thirst
for further education led her to pursue a PhD at the University of South
Australia (UniSA), where she is currently a PhD candidate. This move reflects
her dedication to pushing the boundaries of her knowledge and expertise, aiming
to delve deeper into the complexities of finance and accounting.
Co-Founder and Consultant at Siplo
Upekha's entrepreneurial spirit flourished when she
co-founded Siplo, an award-winning Edu-tech start-up, in 2016. As a co-founder
and business partner, Upekha was entrusted with managing the finance and
accounting functions of the company. Her responsibilities ranged from setting
up the initial business, finance, and accounting systems to guiding the
company’s financial strategy. She was instrumental in decision-making
processes, using her expertise to provide insights through financial reports,
cost-benefit analyses, and business analytics. Her work with Siplo allowed her
to combine her passions for finance and education in a meaningful way.
Siplo’s Impact on the Education Sector
Siplo is a unique Edu-tech start-up focused on
revolutionizing how students and tutors interact. The platform provides live,
online tutoring services, allowing students to connect with tutors through a
virtual classroom equipped with video conferencing, interactive whiteboards,
and real-time chat features. This virtual classroom creates an engaging
environment for students, particularly those in Sri Lanka, offering them the
opportunity to learn from home. Upekha’s contributions to Siplo's growth have
helped bridge gaps in Sri Lanka’s education system, making quality tutoring
accessible and more efficient.
Lecturer at Imperial College of Business Studies
Upekha's extensive expertise in accounting also led her to a
teaching role at the Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) in Sri Lanka.
From 2017 to 2023, she lectured in the B.A. International Business and Finance
degree program, which was offered in affiliation with the University of the
West of Scotland. She taught various subjects such as Fundamentals of Financial
Accounting, Advanced Corporate Financial Reporting, Financial Operations, and
Financial Management. Upekha’s role as a lecturer allowed her to share her
knowledge with aspiring students and contribute to shaping the next generation
of finance professionals.
Consultancy Experience at Satis Agency
In addition to her work at Siplo and ICBS, Upekha also
gained valuable experience in the media industry as a Management Consultant and
Head of Finance at Satis Agency (Pvt) Ltd. The company, which operates under
the brand name VIBE TV, is a terrestrial television license holder in Sri
Lanka. Here, Upekha oversaw the finance, accounting, and scheduling
departments. She was responsible for setting the financial strategy of the
company and designing management information systems to support decision-making.
Additionally, she played a key role in the budget approval process and
cost-reduction initiatives, which contributed to the company’s efficient
operations.
Biography of Upekha Atupola: Founder of Siplo -Entrepreneur/Edu-tech start-up/startup/inance and accounting functions/age/net worth/siplo story
Financial Strategy and Management at Satis Agency
At Satis Agency, Upekha demonstrated her strong financial
acumen by overseeing the company's overall financial strategy. She was
responsible for reviewing and approving production budgets, evaluating variance
analysis, and ensuring that financial performance remained aligned with company
goals. Her role required constant collaboration with various departments,
including scheduling, production, and marketing, to ensure that financial
resources were optimized and the company operated within its budgetary constraints.
Through her efforts, Upekha contributed to Satis Agency’s ability to execute
its projects efficiently.
Consulting Role at Delta Consultancy
Upekha’s expertise extended to consultancy when she joined
Delta Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd as a Principle Consultant from 2018 to 2021. Delta
Consultancy is a service company focused on investment appraisal and management
accounting reports. Upekha’s role involved conducting research on circular
economy business models and applying environmental management accounting
principles. Her experience also spanned budgeting, pricing, cost control, and
financial analysis. She helped startups by developing financial systems that
supported their growth and guided them through critical financial decisions.
Her work at Delta showcased her versatility in the consultancy field,
especially in the areas of sustainability and financial management.
Contribution to Circular Economy and Sustainability
At Delta Consultancy, Upekha explored the integration of
circular economy principles into business operations. She was involved in
research related to sustainability reporting and the application of Global
Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. This experience allowed Upekha to not
only focus on traditional financial management practices but also delve into
the emerging field of environmental accounting. She developed financial
information systems for startups to integrate sustainability into their decision-making
processes, aligning business goals with environmental considerations—a valuable
asset in today’s economy.
Upekha Atupola’s Diverse Career Journey
Upekha Atupola’s career trajectory highlights her diverse
and dynamic professional journey. From her early academic achievements to her
entrepreneurial ventures, teaching roles, and consulting expertise, Upekha has
proven to be a multifaceted individual. Her contributions to Siplo, Satis
Agency, and Delta Consultancy, as well as her work as a lecturer, demonstrate
her ability to integrate finance with technology, sustainability, and
education. Upekha’s commitment to personal growth through further education and
her dedication to making a positive impact in both the finance and education
sectors underscore her passion for continuous learning and development.
Timeline for story
2011-2015: Completed BSc in Accounting at University of Sri
Jayewardenepura, achieving First Class.
2010-2013: Pursued CIMA, became Associate Member in
Management Accounting and Finance.
2016: Co-founded Siplo, an Edu-tech start-up, focusing on
finance and accounting functions.
2017-2023: Lectured at Imperial College of Business Studies
in International Business and Finance.
2017-Present: Head of Finance & Management Consultant at
Satis Agency (VIBE TV).
2018-2021: Principal Consultant at Delta Consultancy,
focusing on circular economy and sustainability.
Present: PhD candidate at University of South Australia,
specializing in finance and accounting.
