ROBERT MERCADO LUMANGLAS
**********@*******.*** • (63-917-******* • Pasay City, PHL
FINANCE and OPERATION EXECUTIVE
Shared Services … Finance & Accounting Management … Financial Planning & Analysis Management Reporting … Budgeting & Forecasting … Regulatory Compliance … Banking & Cash Management … Migration & Transformation … Transition & Integration Warehousing & Logistics … Purchasing … Payroll
Extensive finance and accounting, administration and support services experience in diverse industries including BPO/Contact Center & Shared Services, telecommunications, trading and manufacturing, warehousing & logistics. Proven ability to improve operation through success in finance management, cost efficiency, internal controls and compliance. Acknowledged for problem solving and sound decision making abilities, analytical skills, result oriented with high level of integrity. Strategic, reliable and experienced in dealing with all levels of management and staff. Strong qualifications in general management & leadership, systems & function migration, transition & transformation, and project management.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Director / Global Process Lead Feb 2015 - Oct 2016
Vestas Shared Services A/S - Philippine ROHQ
Reported to the VP of Finance Shared Services and SVP / Country Head in the Philippines. Lead the migration, daily operation, stabilization and transformation of the R2R, P2P and Travel & Expense functions for the Mediterranean/South Europe (SEU), Middle East, Latin America and North America (AME) regions of the Shared Services team in the Philippines. Managed and directed operational processes and lead the functional alignment covering AP, AR, Payment and Travel & Expense including day to day activities and targets. Ensuring smooth transition of the processes for the migrated tasks, including change management, process and policy documentation and alignments, stabilization and optimization to attain efficiency and add value to the company.
A.Provided overall directions in matters involving SSC Finance Teams during migration and collaborated with the different departments including progress monitoring and reporting.
B.Addressed concerns, provided recommendations and execute strategic direction and priorities on resources and FTE allocation, task prioritization, organization structure to attain process efficiency and effectiveness on daily operation.
C.Lead the change management from Region centric set up to functional alignment while heading the service delivery team within Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payment, and Travel & Expense.
D.Acted as liaison between SSC Finance with Regional and HQ Finance and Procurement counterparts on SLAs & KPIs, process improvements, issues & results, and strategies to ensure high level of service delivery.
E.Initiated standardization & optimization where current practices deviates with the standard documented processes. Reviewed and proposed updated processes, creating Global SOPs and provide sign offs with cross functional owners (Region/HQ and affected LOBs).
F.Coached, mentored and developed talents for the next level of management.
G.Safeguarded KPIs and SLAs for the migrated processes on timeliness, accuracy and completeness, compliance and control including resolution and implementation of agreed preventive and corrective actions.
Achievements
Successful migration of R2R, P2P and Travel and Expense for the South Europe, Latin America and North America Regions to Finance SSC in PHL. Spent 3 months each in Europe and United States to oversee the complete migration and transition while maintaining stakeholder relationship to build partnership and close collaboration.
Lead the Steering Committee for the roll out of the Scanning Solution System in AP Invoice Processing.
Headed the design for the ticket/query system to ease traffic in communication and status update.
Managed the Shared Services team in the transition from the old system (Infor XA) for the manufacturing unit of the company to SAP system.
Provided the proposed Organization Structure and IT platform, system requirements, and recommended the right size on FTE and pool resources to support the team and exceed expectation on KPIs and SLAs.
Director for Finance & Accounting – Philippines Nov 2013 – Feb 2015
Alorica Philippines, Inc & Alorica Pacific Rim, Inc.
Reported to the CFO based in USA. Head the Finance and Accounting department with Purchasing and Payroll functions in the Philippines. Oversee banking relations, risk and insurance coverage, Philippine regulatory and audit compliance. Responsible for the recruitment, mentoring/coaching of the team that will support the financial and business objectives of the company. Ensuring smooth transition to new systems on Accounting and Payroll.
A.Oversee the generation of a timely, accurate and relevant financial package for management use.
B.Interpret operational and financial results of the corporation and make specific recommendations which will result in cost reduction and profit improvement.
C.Responsible for the generation and supervision of the payroll process for all 4 locations in the Philippines.
D.Ensure compliance and managed filings and reporting to the local government units, PEZA, BIR, SEC, BOC, DENR, NTC/NSW and other Philippine governmental units as necessary.
E.Managed the monthly & year - end close and audit processes.
F.Provided input on procedures and system changes that will improve quality and productivity in the managed Areas of Responsibility and the Operation.
G.Responsible for the development, documentation and implementation of financial accounting, purchasing, and payroll policies and procedures including the recommendation for those of HR and Administration departments.
H.Managed the purchasing processes for general purpose needs of the Philippine operations, including PEZA and BOC processing and transfer/shipment requirements. Review and recommends changes, as necessary, of contracts on services and maintenance agreements.
I.Oversee asset disposal and ensure company compliance from PEZA, DENR and EMB requirements.
Achievements
Lead the resolution of previous year tax assessments covering 2006, 2008 and 2010 until its clearance/closure.
Implemented changes in the organization structure for the Finance Department including hiring of qualified and effective individuals to support growth. Facilitated the alignment of salary and benefits that heightened the morale and revitalized the entire team.
Managed and oversee the automation of Philippine Payroll processes and system migration for the Accounting.
Resolved all issues and complied with all corporate requirements on IAET, Stock Dividend Declaration and company transfer of asset and employees.
Sourced, assessed and recommended possible partners to cater Cash and Payroll Management for more efficient processes.
Director for Finance – Philippines Feb 2008 – Sep 2013
Expert Global Solutions (EGS) / APAC Customer Services, Inc.
Reported to the Group VP Finance Controller based in the USA. Lead the Country Finance team of the combined entities of NCO, RMH and APAC Customer Services Assisted in the structure and managed the operation of the P2P Global Shared Services in Manila. Recruited, developed and lead team of managers, and support staff.
A.Oversee the generation of timely and relevant financial reports for management use.
B.Responsible for the generation and supervision of the payroll process for all 9 locations in the Philippines.
C.Managed the purchasing processes for IT and general purpose needs of the Philippine operations including review of service agreements and contracts, bids and proposal.
D.Ensure adherence with all policies, procedures, and regulations relating to all duties and responsibilities including but not limited to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and EGS procedures and policies
E.Managed compliance and filings of external reporting to the PEZA, BOI, BIR, SEC and other Philippine governmental units.
F.Liaised with banks, insurance brokers, external auditors and other government agencies.
G.Developed, documented and implemented financial accounting, purchasing and payroll policies and procedures. Design the Procurement and AP processes for Philippines and integrate to the Global Shared Services.
H.Lead and managed the transition and consolidation of teams, processes and policies after the merger of the Accounting, Purchasing, Treasury, Compliance, and Accounts Payable for both Local and Shared Services. Authored/Set up Petty Cash, Advances, Liquidation, Incentives, Travel, Procurement, Corporate Card and PayCard policies, processes and forms for the combined entities.
I.Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Project Lead for the Procure to Pay (P2P) implementation and assisting the Overall Project Lead for the rollout and design of the P2P Global Set up.
Achievements
• Reduced phone expense by 100k USD per annum on change of corporate plans and implemented access of use
• Migrated the system and transitioned the functions from external provider to in house that resulted savings of 32k USD per annum on fees.
• Transfer of payroll provider with the same level of services and support that resulted savings of 70k USD per annum on fees.
• Set up the billing team and transitioned the centralized function from US to the Philippines. This transition shortened the process by at least half of the regular processing time that resulted lower DSO and better cash management.
• Implemented e-payslip that resulted savings from distribution and printing cost, gave employees easier and faster access to the report.
• Instrumental in getting the approval of 2 PEZA sites in Alabang and Leyte (first call center site in the province) making the sites avail of the Income Tax Holiday and the latter as Pioneer.
• Played critical roles in the success of build out of the provincial and Metro Manila sites including contractor and vendor selection, payment term negotiation and government compliance.
• Saved the company from paying over 100k USD worth of furniture and fixture claimed by vendors.
• Converted company usage of headsets with amplifier to direct connect units that cut the cost to at least half for each set purchased.
• Lead in the integration and transformation of the merged entities of APAC Customer Services, RMH Teleservices and NCO Financial Services for the Accounting, Payroll, Treasury and Purchasing processes and functions.
• Transition of 8k payroll accounts of the other entity to attain process and cost efficiency within 2 weeks for 4 locations, including the reduction of cost on maintenance.
AVP - Finance & Services Manager Jul 2005 – Dec 2007
Edward Keller (Philippines), Inc.
Reported to the Group CFO based in Switzerland. Responsible for the full operational management of Finance and Accounting functions, Purchasing, and Warehousing & Distribution.
A. Finance and Accounting
• Responsible for releasing accurate management and statutory reporting and information on time. Produce analysis to assist production planning and sales team to maximize profit.
• Developed, reviewed and keep internal control systems, policies and procedures updated.
• Managed the forecast & budget processes, credit & collection and fixed asset management.
• Responsible for the administrative controls, optimize utilization of fixed assets, effective insurance coverage, and risk management.
• Liaised with banks and other government agencies such as BIR and BOC on requirements and compliance including on taxes, permits and licenses.
• Reviewed and provided recommendation on Business Models, Costing, Contracts/Agreements, and Bids/Proposals.
• Initiated performance goals for the team and developed continuous process improvement.
• NOC Management – controlled operating capital to optimum level and initiated strategies to improve Return on Net Operating Capital (RONOC).
B. Purchasing – managed with the objective of ensuring supply to meet desired service levels and generate cost efficiencies in inventory.
C. Warehouse & Distribution – set KPIs, review warehouse operations and institute controls to eliminate losses, ensure stock accuracy, maintain the quality and safety of goods and assets in the warehouse and ensure accurate / complete documentation.
D. Director of Edward Keller (Philippines), Inc and its affiliated companies from 2005 – 2007 namely: (a) Carled Development Corp, (b) Keller Insurance Brokers Inc, (c) DK Holdings Phils., Inc, (f) Zurlex Property, (e) Tierra Property
Achievements
• Represented management and closed the CBA negotiation for period covering 2007-2010 in 3 days in a win - win solution favorable to both company and employees.
• Lead the team on FICO Module during the SAP Pegasus Project Bagwis Rollout for Edward Keller (Philippines), Inc.
• Registered the CAS upon SAP migration and designed all printable documents (Invoices, DN, CN) including the formulation of Company Terms and Conditions.
• Converted company from financial to operating lease for all company vehicles and major equipments improving company value.
• Steering Committee Member of Business Process Reengineering that introduced process improvements and provided leadership in its execution.
Treasury Manager Oct 2002 - Jul 2005
Alcatel Philippines, Inc.
Reported to the Country Chief Financial Officer and to the Regional - Central Treasury Manager. Directed credit and collection, cash management, AP and vendor administration, banking relations, insurance and bond administration. Analyzed long outstanding receivable accounts to minimize administrative work and invoicing problems. Managed and developed staff.
Achievements
Instrumental in improving cash management of the company. Turned around a negative 12.0 mio USD net debt cash position to a positive 9.0 mio USD position.
• Headed the task force Zero Past Due and reduced supplier complaint.
• Member of Steering Committee for ISO 9001:2000 and Cost Minimization Task Force.
• Responsible for the migration and maintenance of payment system with Standard Chartered Bank’s Straight Through Services (STS).
Project Administration Officer • January 2002 – October 2002
Reported to the Senior Project Manager and Subcontractor & Materials Organization Manager.
A. Project Administration – coordinated with the Operation Department on all the requirements to ensure smooth project implementation within agreed timeline.
B. Document Controller - ensured documents are properly maintained and controlled for all the scope of the project including materials and cost.
C. Cost Control - prepared, monitored and analyzed weekly reports for planned, forecasts and actual costs of the project while coordinating with Engineering Department on about Bill of Quantity (BOQ) for the project.
Achievements
Created actual and forecasted cost report of all scope of works under the Turnkey project for the GSM rollout for Digitel / Suncellular.
Developed forms, certification and established processes in relations to site completion.
Financial and Business Analyst – Senior Officer Sep 2000 – Jan 2002
Exel Philippines, Inc.
Reported to the Financial Controller.
A. Reporting - prepared Monthly Business Report for the General Manager and the Regional Office including but not limited to: Monthly Financial Reports, Business and Operations Performance and Analysis of Actual against Budget, and Cost Variance Analysis including relevant updates on global and local economic situations and business condition and taxation.
B. Project Study - provided Project and Profitability Analysis for existing projects and businesses based on the Financial Model of the Region.
C. Forecasting and Budget Management – assisted in Budget preparation and forecasting
D. Reviewed capital expenditure – provided analysis and assessment on CAPEX requirements.
E. Evaluated contracts with Suppliers, Vendors and other Business Contracts and provided recommendation and assessment as needed.
Achievements
Responsible for the processing of all the requirements for the application of Facilities Enterprise license under Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and to Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the new logistics and warehousing company.
Formulated policies for Cost Effectiveness Program particularly for Ground / Support Cost.
Supervised inventory count and reconciliation of the newly acquired account from a leading provider of pens and shaving products.
Financial Analyst III Jan 2000 – Aug 2000
Amkor Anam Advanced Packaging, Inc.
Reported to the Finance Director in the Philippines.
Provided reports and analysis of data & metrics to the management.
Analyzed the newly set-up Activity Based Costing (ABC) System for Assembly Operation and the reports being generated.
Evaluated and improved existing Finance and Accounting Systems and Procedures.
Achievements
Automated existing reports generated by the AS400 System.
Championed Cost Effectiveness Program for Finance.
Assisted in setting up the ABC System for Test Operation.
Reduced overtime cost and phone usages by 50%.
Assistant Finance Control Manager Apr 1997 – Dec 1999
Financial Reporting and Treasury Supervisor Jun 1995 – Mar 1997
Finance Assistant Sep 1994 – May 1995
Alcatel Philippines, Inc.
Reported to the Finance and Administration Manager of the Project team in Philippines.
A. Administration and Control
Developed policies and procedures for finance related functions and provided check and balance for the daily cash transactions.
Managed overall status of suppliers and subcontractors and cost allocations.
Handled bond requirements, government permits, assisted expatriates’ requirements, and other special tasks required by the management.
B. Budget / Forecast Review and Preparation of Project Cash flow – Responsible for the formulation and completion of forecast and annual budget.
C. Reporting – provided accurate, complete and timely reports for the management.
D. Managed treasury and liaised with bank for all the support and services required by the company.
Achievements
Designed executive and management reports tailored to meet major stakeholders’ requirement.
Instrumental in the implementation of Agathe Project that provided automated report on Forecast, Actual and Budget Summary.
Assisted in the setting up of the Alcatel Philippines – Central Treasury.
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
MEP in Industrial Engineering (1998 – 1999)
Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila
(incomplete) Cum Laude standing, Dean’s Lister
B.S. in Business Administration (1990 – 1994)
University of the Philippines, Diliman
University Scholar, 1990
SYSTEM SKILLS
• SMART Scan • Service Now - Ticket System • MS Office
• Hyperion Financial Management • ACCPAC - Accounting Software • SAP R/3
• Essbase – Treasury Reporting • Agathe Project – System Reporting • Lotus Notes
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
In House Training (2016)
- People Management - Recruitment - Target Setting - Cultural Awareness
Virtual Training (2016)
- Become Better Problem Solver - Enhance Your Coaching Performance
Hyperion Financial Management (4 Solutions GmbH / Bangkok, Thailand, Sep 2006)
Enterprise Wide Risk Management (Asian Institute of Management, May 2006)
ISO 9001:2000 (Alcatel Philippines, Inc., Apr 2005)
SAP FI/CO (Alcatel Philippines, Inc., 2004)