SURESH SUMUDU PEREIRA
Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Strategic Finance Leader with over 18 years of experience across the QSR, Finance, and Banking sectors, currently serving as Finance Director at McDonald’s Saudi Arabia (RICC). Spearheaded cost optimization initiatives across 280+ branches and head office, reducing operating expenses directly contributing to a 3x increase in company profitability within one years. leading enterprise-wide digital transformation, and influencing board-level strategic decisions. Strong expertise in financial planning, taxation, governance, automation, and profit optimization, with direct reporting exposure to CEO and EMEA Corporate Finance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work history
Auditor
KPMG
- Auditor in KPMG for 4 years
Finance Director
McDonald’s Saudi Arabia (RICC)
2021.05 - 2026.02
- Directed financial operations, including FP&A, accounting, taxation, and compliance across 280+ stores with 8,000+ employees, ensuring global alignment with EMEA McDonald's Corporate Finance.
- Drove profit optimization strategies, leading to a 3x increase in company profitability and earning the President's Award.
- Spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, implementing D365, automation, and BI dashboards to enhance efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Advised the CEO on strategic matters, supporting key business and investment decisions, contributing to menu optimization, and enterprise-wide cost optimization, resulting in XX% ROI on investments.
- Led and developed a finance team of 30 professionals, including 3 direct-report managers, fostering a high-performance culture.
Finance Manager
McDonald’s Saudi Arabia (RICC)
2018.12 - 2021.05
- Managed financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance functions
- Strengthened internal controls and governance frameworks
- Improved reporting accuracy, timelines, and financial visibility
- Supported leadership in strategic planning and performance improvement initiatives
Chief Financial Officer
Trade Finance and Investments PLC (Sri Lanka)
2011.06 - 2018.12
- Led overall finance function, providing strategic direction and supporting senior leadership in key business decisions
- Partnered with CEO on corporate strategy, KPI framework, and long-term planning
- Oversaw financial reporting, budgeting, treasury, and board-level reporting
- Managed liquidity, cash flow planning, and ALCO participation to ensure optimal asset-liability management
- Ensured full regulatory compliance with Central Bank, SEC, and tax authorities
- Led taxation strategy, compliance, and audit engagements
- Strengthened internal controls, ERP systems, and financial reporting frameworks
- Played a key role in IFRS implementation and regulatory alignment
- Contributed to enterprise risk management in alignment with CRO and compliance functions
- Presented financial performance and insights to Board and Audit Committees
- (Regulated Finance Company listed on Colombo Stock Exchange | ~400 Employees)
Education
Associate Chartered Accountant - ACA
Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA – Finance
Skills
- Strategic Financial Leadership
- Profit Optimization & Cost Transformation
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Digital Transformation (ERP, Automation, BI)
- Taxation & Regulatory Compliance (ZATCA)
- Corporate Governance & Risk Management
- Stakeholder & Board-Level Engagement
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
Accomplishments
- President’s Award – 2025 One of the highest recognitions within the McDonald’s global system for exceptional leadership and business impact Implemented enterprise-wide cost optimization strategies & revenue growth management directly contributing to a 3x increase in overall company profitability.
- Circle of Excellence Awards – 2025 (Multiple)
- Led enterprise-wide cost optimization initiatives, driving significant savings across head office and operations
- Spearheaded menu optimization strategy, achieving a significant increase in store sales and leading to a improvement in the overall gross profit margin.
- Played a key role in Menu Optimization, delivering strong sales growth and margin improvement
- Crisis Management Award – 2024 Recognized for successfully managing the regional boycott crisis, ensuring business continuity and financial stability
- Circle of Excellence Awards – 2024 (Multiple)
- Led D365 ERP transformation, improving financial efficiency and reporting accuracy
- Enhanced Employee Central Payroll system
- Secured Tawteen program support, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030
- Circle of Excellence Award – 2023 Led ZATCA E-Invoicing project, ensuring full regulatory compliance across the organization
LEADERSHIP IMPACT
- Trusted advisor to CEO and senior leadership on strategic and financial decisions
- Proven ability to translate financial insights into measurable business growth
- Strong track record in leading cross-functional transformation initiatives
- Champion of automation, innovation, and continuous improvement
Timeline
Finance Director
McDonald’s Saudi Arabia (RICC)
2021.05 - 2026.02
Finance Manager
McDonald’s Saudi Arabia (RICC)
2018.12 - 2021.05
Chief Financial Officer
Trade Finance and Investments PLC (Sri Lanka)
2011.06 - 2018.12
Auditor
KPMG