KPMG, renowned for its audit, tax, and consultancy expertise, is harnessing technology to empower businesses in an era of rapid digital disruptions. Through its KPMG Technology Solutions (KTS) unit, it offers diversified IT services that incorporate Software Development, ERP Consultancy, Software Quality Assurance, Business Process Reengineering, and Cybersecurity Services, guiding organizations to respond to emerging challenges and unlock new opportunities. Led by Managing Partner Priyanka Jayatilake and Cyber Security Director Hasitha Karunaratne, KTS offers purpose-focused and thorough IT services that combine cybersecurity to give clients the confidence to navigate through a complex and dynamic business environment. They share insights into how KTS addresses the evolving needs of businesses, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to technology adoption that drives successful outcomes for their clients.
Why did KPMG Sri Lanka establish KPMG Technology Solutions?
We recognized the need to broaden our service offerings, particularly in the space of process efficiency involving multiple parties. Clients often face services which are inconsistent in quality and consistency. To address this, we established KPMG Technology Solutions to provide a wide range of IT services, combining our expertise in cybersecurity, software testing, and process re-engineering.
Realizing the need for software development and implementation, we began with Oracle, delivering extensive solutions throughout the development life cycle, including requirement analysis, architecture, testing, and ongoing support. Our exclusive strength lies in offering a full suite of services under one roof, reducing the reliance on third parties while leveraging KPMG’s domain expertise as needed.
How does KPMG support companies with digital transformation?
At KPMG, we prioritize helping clients navigate through complexities, echoing our past slogan, Cutting Through Complexity. As these complexities evolve, we provide tailored solutions for present and future challenges, including ERP systems, cybersecurity, and broad processes.
We do not see ourselves as just a provider of software or ERP solutions; we guide firms and clients through their digital transformation journey—from requirements gathering to technology selection, implementation, and ongoing support. By incorporating governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) into our approach, our goal is to make our solutions comply with regulatory standards, delivering beyond standard implementations and providing thorough, future-proof services.
What led KPMG into custom software development?
At KPMG, we offer two categories of development solutions: bespoke development and package solutions like Oracle or SAP. Our bespoke development approach allows us to customize solutions for the complex needs of the firm’s clients, particularly when standard packages do not fully align with business requirements. We also collaborate with our global network partners to enhance our offerings, whether packaged or bespoke.
A notable project is our work with the government, where we worked together to transform the Registrar of Companies (ROC) into the first paperless government institution in Sri Lanka. We automated everything from administrative tasks to transactions, significantly improving efficiency. This modernization/ automation helped Sri Lanka improve its ease of doing business index and enabled companies to be incorporated faster, even during the pandemic. Similarly, we have automated welfare systems to foster transparency and accuracy, distinctively identifying beneficiaries and streamlining the distribution of funds across various levels of government.
How does a multidisciplinary approach benefit your tech solutions?
Our focus on governance, risk, and compliance sets us apart, aiming for every solution to include the necessary controls and security measures. Additionally, we bring deep domain knowledge across industries like healthcare, banking, and finance, sourcing expertise internally to deliver tailored solutions.
We offer more than just holistic solutions with a sleek UI/UX. Our approach prioritizes quality by leveraging our extensive experience in testing, including for foreign banks and core banking applications. We work with the focus that our systems deliver optimally on functionality, performance, security, and resilience. This inclusive and controlled approach differentiates us from competitors and fosters optimal outcomes.
In what ways does KPMG view cybersecurity as a strategic enabler?
At KPMG, we consider cybersecurity as a binding force that builds trust across all digital transactions. By collaborating with organizations, we help them develop cybersecurity strategies that align with business objectives. For example, when clients embark on a digital transformation journey, KPMG emphasizes on the need to incorporate cybersecurity from the outset, guiding them to innovate with confidence.
Our threat intelligence and incident response services provide real-time insights, establishing resilience and continuity during incidents. We also prioritize third-party risk management to build secure ecosystems and foster trusted collaborations. With a focus on regulatory compliance, KPMG empowers clients to expand confidently into new markets. Our extensive cybersecurity services transform it from mere defence to a driver of growth, resilience, and trust.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and retain tech talent?
Our People are our most valuable asset. We provide our employees with access to best-in-class technology platforms through strategic global collaborations, determining our professionals are well-versed in the most cutting-edge solutions. Beyond just equipping our people with the latest tools, we also invest heavily in upskilling our workforce. We offer a range of free tech training and certification programmes via Microsoft and Google, allowing our people to continuously expand their knowledge and expertise. This not only enhances their individual capabilities but also strengthens our firm’s overall technological prowess.
One particularly progressive initiative we have spearheaded is the establishment of our ISO 27001:2022-certified Cyber Laboratories. These specialized facilities provide a secure and worry-free environment for our employees to experiment with emerging technologies. By fostering a culture of exploration and innovation, we empower our staff to push the boundaries of what’s possible, all while ascertaining the protection of client confidentiality.
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world, we have also embraced a hybrid work model, allowing our employees the flexibility to work from anywhere for two days per week. This forward-thinking approach not only enhances employee satisfaction but also helps us attract and retain top tech talent, who increasingly prioritize work-life integration in their career decisions.