Short Bio

Sri Kanagaratnaraja, CPA, CGA, is a finance and technology transformation leader at Accenture with more than 20 years of experience. A thought leader in the evolving intersection of finance, AI and technology, he has helped reshape organizations through complex M&A integrations, private equity transformations and enterprise-wide finance modernization. Sri has served on executive steering and governance committees for major transformation programs and as a strategic advisor to technology startups and service companies. His qualifications include an Ivey MBA, CIMA (UK) Pass Finalist designation and Oxford’s Blockchain Strategy Programme. He is passionate about advancing the CPA profession through innovation, strategic thinking and action-oriented leadership.

Detailed Bio

Voluntary work with CPA Ontario or other professional bodies:

Sri served as a webinar host and speaker for CPA USA CPE-accredited sessions through Encoursa, delivering presentations on emerging technologies, finance transformation, Oracle solutions and AI in collaboration with Oracle and Accenture.

He contributed to continuing professional education by sharing practical insights on the intersection of accounting, finance, business and technology.

Career achievements:

Sri successfully turned around and expanded the NetSuite practice by improving delivery excellence, operational efficiency, client satisfaction and business growth.

He led global finance and technology transformation programs across 125+ countries, driving the modernization of finance functions, standardization of global business processes, and implementation of Oracle Fusion, NetSuite, treasury, tax, and AI-enabled solutions.

He directed finance, technology, and post-acquisition transformation initiatives for private equity firms and their portfolio companies, leading ERP modernization, operating model redesign, governance improvements and business process optimization.

Sri is currently leading the global ERP finance localization strategy, helping position his organization as a market leader in international ERP implementations by streamlining statutory, regulatory and financial reporting requirements across Oracle Fusion and NetSuite.

He has leveraged AI throughout the transformation lifecycle – from requirements gathering and fit-gap analysis to solution design, documentation and knowledge management – significantly improving delivery quality and productivity.

Sri has served on executive steering committees and governance committees for complex transformation, merger and system consolidation programs involving multi-billion-dollar organizations, providing strategic oversight, risk management and executive decision support.

He has led cross-functional and global teams across finance, technology and business functions, successfully delivering complex transformation programs while building strong stakeholder alignment across executive leadership, business users and implementation teams.

Other professional accomplishments:

Sri has served in advisory roles for a San Francisco–based technology company, providing strategic guidance on finance, technology and business transformation.

He has earned an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, strengthening his expertise in strategy, leadership and business management.

He has achieved CIMA (UK) Pass Finalist status, demonstrating a strong foundation in management accounting, corporate finance and strategic decision-making.

He has completed a Diploma in Blockchain Strategy from the University of Oxford (UK), expanding his expertise in emerging technologies and digital innovation.

He has also earned multiple professional certifications in AI, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and finance technology.

Other voluntary service and recognition:

Sri has served as Treasurer for Hollywood Public School, providing financial oversight, budgeting and governance support.

He is currently pursuing a board director role with a not-for-profit organization to continue contributing his leadership and governance experience.

He has also led and streamlined initiatives for a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting children's programs, helping improve operational effectiveness and strengthen program delivery.

Candidate statement

Why are you interested in joining Council?

I am interested in joining CPA Ontario’s Council because I am passionate about giving back to the profession that has shaped my career and provided me with countless opportunities over the past 23 years.

From the beginning of my career, I have been driven by a vision of bringing together accounting, finance, business and technology. Long before digital transformation and AI became mainstream, I recognized that the future of our profession would be defined by CPAs who could combine strong financial expertise with technology and business strategy. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of these disciplines, helping organizations transform their finance functions and leverage technology to create greater value.

I believe the accounting profession is entering one of the most significant periods of change in its history. Emerging technologies such as AI, automation and data analytics are redefining the role of the CPA. As a Council member, I want to contribute to ensuring that CPA Ontario continues to lead this transformation by supporting innovation while maintaining the highest standards of ethics, governance and public trust.

Most importantly, I see this as an opportunity to serve the profession, represent the voices of members, and help prepare the next generation of CPAs to thrive in an increasingly technology-enabled business environment. I would be honoured to contribute my experience, perspective and commitment to the future of CPA Ontario.

How do your experiences align with the following skills, attributes and experiences that have been prioritized for incoming members of Council?

• Strategic and Transformational Leadership
• Emerging Technologies
• Board Experience and Governance
• Business Acumen

Over the past 20+ years, I have led strategic business and technology transformations across North America and globally, helping organizations modernize their finance functions through Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and AI-enabled solutions.

One example is my leadership on one of the world's largest finance transformation programs for the largest hotel chain, operating in more than 125 countries. I led the streamlining of global requirements and fit-gap assessments across Oracle Fusion ERP, Kyriba Treasury, indirect tax platforms and other enterprise systems. By leveraging AI throughout the requirements and solution design process, we improved efficiency, consistency and decision-making across a highly complex global program.

I have also led ERP modernization and business process transformation initiatives for private equity portfolio companies, enabling organizations to improve governance, standardize finance operations and accelerate post-acquisition integration. These engagements required balancing strategic objectives with practical execution while working closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

Most recently, I have been leading the localization strategy for more than 120 countries, helping position my organization to compete more effectively in the global mid-market by leveraging Oracle Fusion and NetSuite ERP. Throughout my career, I have served on steering committees and governance forums, providing strategic oversight for multi-billion-dollar transformation, merger and system consolidation initiatives.

These experiences have strengthened my ability to lead complex transformations, build consensus among diverse stakeholders and deliver sustainable business value through innovation and strong governance.

What is the greatest opportunity and challenge facing the accounting profession and CPA Ontario?

The accounting profession is at a defining moment in its history. The rapid advancement of AI and emerging technologies is transforming how financial and accounting work is performed. Technical accounting knowledge will always remain essential, but it is no longer enough on its own. AI is increasingly capable of providing technical analysis and accelerating routine work. The opportunity for CPAs is to evolve from technical experts into strategic advisors who combine professional judgment with business insight, leadership and ethical decision-making.

The future CPA must excel in areas that technology cannot easily replace: critical thinking, professional judgment, emotional intelligence, empathy, change management, and the ability to influence people and organizations. Success will also require a broader understanding of global economics, geopolitics, technology, sustainability and industry trends. CPAs must be able to connect these diverse perspectives, anticipate change and translate complex information into clear, strategic advice that creates value for businesses and society.

I believe CPA Ontario has an important opportunity to lead this transformation by equipping members with the skills needed for the next generation of the profession. This means embracing AI and emerging technologies while continuing to uphold the profession's core values of integrity, ethics and public trust. By fostering visionary leadership, continuous learning and practical execution, CPA Ontario can ensure its members remain trusted advisors and strategic leaders in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.