We are SMART SUCCESSION SERVICES
We empower businesses with expert financial services that unlock their growth potential.
Our Story
Smart Succession Services was established in September 2022 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during a period of significant economic and currency instability. The Sri Lankan rupee experienced a sharp devaluation, with the AUD exchange rate doubling in less than a week — creating challenges for both businesses and employees across the region.
At the time, outsourced support for Agilis Chartered Accountants (Australia) was being delivered through a third-party BPO provider. However, due to the broader structural limitations of traditional outsourcing arrangements — particularly in rapidly shifting economic environments causing salary structure issues — the Agilis founders made the strategic decision to adopt a more hands-on approach to people management.
This led to the creation of a new, values-led entity that could directly employ and support the same talented professionals — marking the beginning of what is now known as Smart Succession Services (Sri Lanka).
Driven by a vision from our founder, Jay Gounder, SSS was established to deliver operational excellence while creating an environment where team members are treated with respect, paid competitively, and supported to grow both personally and professionally.
Our Journey
October 2015
The Beginning
Agilis began its BPO partnership with SAKS in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Operations started modestly with a single CIMA-qualified employee, Kesh, marking the foundation of what would become a growing and trusted offshore team.
March 2016
Team Expansion
New service agreements were established, allowing for team growth. Two CIMA-qualified professionals, Kesh and Rajendra, formed the early core team, strengthening delivery capabilities.
October 2016
Momentum
The team expanded further with the addition of Dulshani and Shamara, both CIMA-qualified. This brought the total headcount to four, reinforcing Agilis’ commitment to professional expertise in its offshore operations.
April 2019
Strategic Appointments
Manisha and Keshan joined the team. Although the total headcount was listed as four again—possibly due to a team restructure or reset—this phase marked continued investment in skilled talent.
May 2020
Leadership Onboarded
Gladstone, formerly with BPO Accordo, joined the team. His leadership and experience brought strategic value, and the total team headcount rose to five.
October 2020
Rapid Growth Phase
A significant recruitment wave saw seven new staff join, many from well-known BPO firms. This included highly qualified professionals, most holding CIMA, CPA, or MBA credentials. The team grew quickly in both size and capability.
September 2022
National Crisis
Sri Lanka faced a severe socio-economic crisis marked by a fuel shortage, COVID disruptions, political instability, and national bankruptcy. Despite these challenges, the team remained resilient and continued to operate with determination.
February 2023
Strategic Commitment
Agilis directors visited Sri Lanka for the first time, signalling strong long-term commitment. A contract for new premises at the World Trade Centre (WTC) Colombo was signed, with the official relocation set for May 2023.
Today
A Thriving Team
Smart Succession Services now operates with a team of over 30 skilled professionals, supported by strong local management. The company has matured into a resilient and scalable offshore operation aligned with international standards.
Our Vision
Empowering global talent to deliver exceptional, values-driven outsourcing solutions that inspire positive change.
Our Mission
Our mission is to drive sustainable growth for our clients by connecting them with exceptional talent and providing the dedicated support needed to achieve shared success.
We believe that talent has no borders. Our vision is a future where every finance professional, wherever they live, can collaborate seamlessly with teams around the world. By connecting Sri Lankan specialists with businesses internationally, we break down geographic barriers and foster inclusive, innovative partnerships. This vision drives us to continually improve processes, embrace new technology, and create an environment where everyone – clients and employees alike – can thrive.
Core Values
Our core values guide everything we do
GROWTH
empowers our vision
diligence
sets us apart
collaboration
is our cornerstone
value creation
defines our purpose
Leadership Team
Our leadership comprises seasoned professionals with decades of combined experience in finance and outsourcing. We foster an open, inclusive culture where ideas flow freely across roles. Many of our finance experts hold internationally recognized qualifications (such as Australian CPA/CA) and are certified in top accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB). This ensures we meet global standards and build trust with every client. We also invest in our managers’ ability to mentor and inspire – your feedback is valued, and your success is celebrated as part of our team.
Board Of Directors
JayneshGounder
With over 15 years of experience in the accounting and finance industry, Jay leads the group of companies, including Smart Succession Services, by example.
Known for his strong leadership qualities—empathy, integrity, and collaboration—Jay also sits on numerous boards, driving an outcomes-based approach that helps SMEs exceed their goals and objectives. His expertise spans business structure, cash flow analysis, superannuation, business improvement, and research and development.
Jay is passionate about motivating people beyond monetary rewards, creating a positive work environment, and ensuring both clients and employees thrive in their personal and professional lives.
KeshTammita
Kesh joined SSS in 2016, bringing over nine years of experience in the BPO industry.
A CPA Australia and CIMA UK member, he holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura. At SSS, Kesh expertly manages tax services for nearly 100 clients, leveraging his skills in tax compliance, tax planning, forecasting, and financial analysis. With a strong background in both tax accounting and financial advisory, Kesh is dedicated to providing strategic insights and exceptional service to help clients reach their financial goals.
Outside of work, he enjoys reading Sci-Fi fiction.
GladstoneFernando
Gladstone Fernando joined Smart Succession Services in 2020, bringing over 10 years of experience in the BPO industry.
As COO, he excels in operational management, strategy execution, and process improvement, ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction. With expertise in people management, financial acumen, and risk management, Gladstone plays a key role in scaling the company’s success. He holds a CIMA UK certification and an MBA (UK).
Outside of work, Gladstone is a football enthusiast and a dedicated perfume collector, showcasing his passion for both precision and excellence.
Brooke
Berry
With over 20 years experience in driving business success, Brooke Berry is a seasoned business consultant specializing in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and market expansion.
As well as holding post graduate qualifications in Financial Planning (Griffith) and Applied Finance (QUT) she holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (AIM). Brooke has collaborated with startups, mid-sized businesses, and worked in large corporations, with a proven track record in delivering measurable improvements in performance and profitability.
Known for her innovative problem-solving and people skills she excels at implementing solutions that drive results. Brooke is committed to building strong client relationships and providing exceptional service to ensure long-term success.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Alignment
Smart Succession Services is deeply committed to upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as part of our long-term strategy. We strive to build a business model that is not only sustainable and ethical but also inclusive and responsive to global challenges.
Meaningful Social Contributions
At Smart Succession Services, our commitment to social responsibility extends beyond the workplace. We actively support causes that improve lives, including donations to cancer support initiatives and children’s homes. This commitment is clearly evident in our contributions to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and ongoing support for orphanages. These efforts reflect our broader vision of community engagement and wellbeing—creating impact where it’s needed most.