Headshot image of Damitha Bandara

I believe in paying it forward. I believe in helping others who didn’t have the same opportunities I did. And I believe in doing it selflessly without trying to gain anything for myself. 

Damitha Bandara
Partner, CPA, MSC®, CMA®, CFM®

Experience

My clients appreciate how I see challenges from their perspective. Business owners often come to us when they’re faced with a challenge — selling a business, facing litigation, or under pressure — and because they have families they’re also accountable to, I understand how unique that is. I know their business is their life. I consult with them as a relationship partner to help them flourish. That’s my greatest reward.

I’m able to offer my internationally active clients a sophistication that can only come from nearly 25 years of experience with diverse clients. I provide strong technical advice on accounting and auditing matters that helps successful, privately held companies rise to best in class. Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in derivative instruments, activity-based costing, and corporate governance. Most of my clients are in manufacturing and distribution. However, I also have several clients in construction and various service industries.

I was attracted to this field because I wanted to work with different people. I’m proud of the long relationships I’ve maintained with clients because I was able to guide them through difficult times. I’m also proud to serve as a sounding board to young staff. When they tell me they’ve chosen auditing as a career partly because of my influence, that’s rewarding.

I’m a member of the AICPA, the Illinois CPA Society, and the Institute of Management Accountants. I hold a B.S. in accounting and management information systems from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

I love spending time with my two kids. I try to mentor them to make sound decisions. I was born in Sri Lanka, and I grew up watching rugby and cricket, which I still love doing. I also enjoy traveling overseas and experiencing the various cultures and foods.