Francis Bautista

Company Overview: PLDT Group, the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines

• Website: [PLDT](https://www.pldt.com)
• A technology and process advisor, driving innovations of systems, tools, and other digital transformation initiatives across all Finance systems and processes, includes collaborating with IT in designing and orchestrating Finance transformation journey (process transformation, alignment and automation) towards Digital Finance.
• Spearhead the implementation of aligned and integrated financial systems, controls, processes, and standards across PLDT Group to ensure completeness, integrity, and accuracy of financial data, information, and reports
• Manage resolution of system-related issues that affect Finance, and ensure root cause is addressed emanating from various systems resulting in faster release of management reports and shorter month-end closing period
• Leverage on tools and technologies (e.g. SAP, RPA, ), to automate workflows and streamline processes, resulting in increased operational efficiency and cost savings.
• Implement advanced data analytics tools (e.g. ACL, PowerBI) to drive data-driven decision-making, leading to significant reduction in manual journal entries
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements which includes (but not limited to) conducting risk assessments, evaluating design and operating effectiveness, remediation of control deficiencies.
• Performed Finance Business Partner role to IT and Cyber Security Group of PLDT Group, providing financial expertise in crafting strategic initiatives that drive reduction in external spending and operating model efficiencies.
• Championed talent development program promoting capability-building and upskilling towards a modern Finance professional

• Subject matter expert in information systems & controls under Finance for PLDT, Smart/Sun, and ICT, Pay TV businesses of entire PLDT Group; has end-to-end perspective of company's operations supported by various BSS/OSS (provisioning, billing, etc.)
• SPOC of Finance to ensure: a) successful IT-related financial projects; b) system modifications and improvements; c) transformation initiatives; d) system-related financial reporting requirements of internal and external auditors; e) SOX compliance
• Spearheaded process and system improvements to be consistent with PLDT's business direction, control framework, and IT landscape
• Extensive project management experience as Project Manager of various IT and network projects, including selected Next Generation Network (NGN) migration projects, and related OSS/BSS migrations

Major Accomplishments:

• Led and managed several cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, (e.g. SAP S4 Hana and SAP BPC implementation and migration for the entire PLDT Group) resulting in a transformed process, increased efficiency, and strengthened controls.
• Directed the system compliance of PLDT Group towards new accounting standards (e.g IFRS 15 and IFRS 16), becoming the first company to successfully utilize SAP RAR in the South East Asia (SEA) region, and the first telco in Asia-Pacific and Japan

• Acted as Finance's technical expert in ensuring controls over revenue systems of PLDT Inc
• And fixed-line subsidiaries are in place and working effectively
• Spearheaded resolution of various system-related issues and worked with cross-functional team in addressing revenue leakages
• Performed independent assessment of control design and operating effectiveness of revenue controls to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)

• SAP ERP Application Support Lead - managed Finance, Logistics, Global Sales and Distribution functional teams, providing application management services (Level 2 & 3) support to Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America
• Asia Pacific On-site coordinator - Expatriated to the client's regional headquarters in Singapore to manage client escalation and other concerns within required SLAs. Established strong relationships with key client stakeholders, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
• SAP Competency Lead (Supply Chain) - Build and increased the competency of Supply Chain Management consultant's capability by designing, formalizing the training roadmap for each category of competency, from beginner to expert status
  

• Supervisor in-charge of various IT audit engagements performing review of IT General Controls and Application Controls, and use of Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATS) for clients in various industries
• Conducted SAP R/3 post-implementation reviews covering various modules and SAP Security
• Perform business systems control assessment
• Assisted in the compliance to Sarbanes-Oxley 404 and performed the following: (1) Process documentation (2) Risks and controls identification (3) testing of controls

• Performed audit procedures in accordance with accounting reporting standards which includes preparation of draft audit reports, management letters, and other communications; Collaborate with other professionals within the audit firm
• Collaborated with senior auditors in the planning and execution of complex audit assignments, leveraging specialized knowledge to uncover hidden risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Generated detailed reports outlining findings and recommendations for management review, facilitating informed decision making.

• Implemented SAP R/3 to companies belonging to various industries such as airline, machine shop and foundry, healthcare
• Primarily responsible for the implementation of Materials Management (MM) and Production Planning (PP) modules, ensuring integration with other SAP R/3 modules such as FI, CO, PM, SD, and HR
• Performed the following activities: Gathering of business requirements and process review, business blueprint preparation, system design, configuration, testing, data migration, execution of cutover procedures, performed end-user training and support