Through resilience, growth, and the pursuit of excellence, Wanshi Withanage Dona, ACMA, CGMA, became CGMA qualified, achieving a significant career milestone and turning her professional aspirations into reality.
Her experience as a finance manager at Virgin Media O₂ (Liberty Blume) offers a compelling look at how the CGMA qualification can open doors to growth and new opportunities.
‘The CGMA qualification has accelerated my career by validating my finance expertise and strategic thinking. It has opened doors to senior roles, increased my credibility with stakeholders, and given me the confidence to take on more complex, high-impact projects’, Wanshi said.
Going beyond the numbers
As a finance manager, Wanshi leads financial planning and reporting for Virgin Media O₂’s extensive property portfolio, supporting decision-making across a complex, high-value estate.
‘My role focuses on delivering accurate financial insights and variance analysis to ensure effective management of property-related costs and lease commitments’, she explained.
With responsibilities extending beyond the numbers, Wanshi works closely with key stakeholders across finance and property functions, providing analysis and guidance to support strategic decisions and ensure compliance with IFRS 16 lease accounting standards.
Inspired by problem-solving and strategic thinking
Wanshi’s initial ambitions leaned towards investigative work, but her analytical mindset soon found a home in management accounting.
‘From a young age, I was drawn to problem-solving and analytical thinking, which first made me dream of becoming a Federal Bureau agent. When I realised that path wasn’t possible, I looked for a profession that reflected similar skills — responsibility, analysis, and decision-making — and that’s when I discovered management accounting.’
She chose to study with CIMA® due to its global recognition and forward-looking approach in strategic business leadership.
‘I explored several routes to becoming a chartered accountant but chose CIMA because it’s globally recognised, focuses on strategic business leadership, and continuously evolves with technology and market trends.’
Wanshi was inspired by how CIMA prepares professionals not just to be accountants but also to be trusted finance business partners.
An experience of determination and transformation
Rigorous and highly rewarding — those are the two adjectives Wanshi used to describe the pursuit towards becoming CGMA qualified.
Starting her studies with CIMA in her early 20s while working full-time, she found the demands of a finance role alongside studies required discipline and thorough planning.
To succeed, she adopted a structured approach, scheduling study periods around the demands of her finance and reporting role.
‘The practical focus of CIMA allowed me to apply concepts directly to real business situations, from budgeting to strategic decision-making.’
She also received notable recognition from her workplace: ‘Colleagues and managers recognised the value of the [CGMA] qualification, enhancing my credibility and opening doors to more challenging projects. CIMA taught me how to integrate learning with real-world business demands, making me a more effective and confident finance professional.’
Flexibility that fits your life
Wanshi highlighted the flexibility of CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification as a significant enabler of her success.
‘CIMA was highly flexible in supporting both my career goals and lifestyle. Its modular structure allowed me to progress at a manageable pace whilst working full-time, and its strong focus on practical business scenarios meant I could immediately apply what I was learning in my finance roles’, she said.
Working her way through her studies, she discovered that theory and practice reinforced her knowledge, accelerated her career development, and earned recognition from her workplace, opening doors to more strategic responsibilities and professional growth.
In 2023, Wanshi earned the CGMA qualification and CIMA membership, an achievement she is exceptionally proud of.
Reflecting on the impact of her studies with CIMA, Wanshi said: ‘Overall, the journey was transformative. It strengthened my technical expertise, strategic thinking, and confidence as a finance professional. It also reinforced my belief in the value of combining academic learning with hands-on experience.’
Advice for aspiring CGMA professionals
The CGMA journey begins with a single step.
Wanshi offers encouragement and candour: ‘When starting your CGMA journey, remember that it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. Stay disciplined, plan your time carefully, and apply what you learn in real business situations.’
Her personal motto became ‘Never give up — even if you fail a thousand times, keep pushing forward.’
According to Wanshi, the CGMA qualification is worth striving for, as the skills, credibility, and career opportunities it brings make every challenge worthwhile.
Glean more insights from CIMA members, including how passion for finance and drive paved Tapiwa Nyakudya’s path. You can also learn more about CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification.
