Image: Avishka Munindradasa
Bachelor of Finance
Avishka Munindradasa is an experienced accountant driven by a passion to help people understand the confusing world of financial statements and budgets. She currently works as a Senior Finance Officer for the ANU College of Science, assisting all of her clients with their grants. She specialises in assisting academics with the financial aspects of the application process, grant management and works together with the Research Management team to ensure that these grants are always compliant with funds provider rules. With her detail oriented analytical mind and strong work ethic, she is able to manage a large number of grants while providing ad hoc support to the College’s various Research Schools as needed. In addition to her primary role, Avishka has been recognised by her colleagues for her positive attitude and ability to find the humour in most situations. Avishka currently holds a Bachelor of Finance from ANU.
Tell us a fascinating aspect of your current job at ANU.
- I help researchers use their funds in the most efficient way so that they can undertake their research the way that they envision it. It feels nice to facilitate world leading research.
- When I was a student at the ANU I had no idea how complex and intricate all the policies and procedures are at ANU. It’s fascinating to see how everything works behind the scenes and understand the logic of it all. I still learn something new every day in this job even after two years.
In your transition into full time work after graduation, what did you realise you could have done more during your degree?
- Don’t be afraid to join societies, volunteering organisations, etc. These are great opportunities for developing your soft skills and meeting new people.
- Start making notes about all the things you’ve done at work (regardless of the type of employment) and any relevant skills you’ve developed. Try to do this as often as you can. You will find it extremely useful to already have a list of all the things you have accomplished and skills you have developed when you are applying for jobs or filling in your practical experience certification for professional qualifications.
- The transition from university life to full-time work can be tiring in the beginning so don’t be too hard on yourself, take your mental health seriously and talk to your friends who are going through the transition themselves. It’s a lot easier to handle when you have a support system in place.
Your advice on how to build relationships with colleagues at work.
- One of the most important ways to build relationships is to have respect for your colleagues. Respect them for their values, views and ideas and the way you interact with them will automatically become more positive and engaging.
- Celebrate the small wins. Often as a team, we go from one deadline to the next and don’t have time to stop and acknowledge all the things we’ve accomplished. Appreciating everyone’s small wins often builds a sense of camaraderie.
- Understand what type of communication styles your colleagues prefer. This has become especially important during work from home arrangements.