MERLINDA S. GONZAGA
Quezon City
Summary
Financial professional with a track record of managing comprehensive financial operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. Known for fostering team collaboration and consistently achieving financial objectives. Proven ability to adapt to changing business needs and deliver reliable financial insights.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Financial Controller
Aquient, Inc.
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Enhanced financial decision-making for executive management through comprehensive analysis and presentation of complex financial data.
- Provided timely and accurate financial information to stakeholders through regular reports, presentations, and meetings.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare monthly financial documents and general account management.
- Prepared monthly balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
- Managed payroll data entry and processing for 36 employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines and government regulations..
- Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
- Worked with Singaporean Accountant in reviewing and approving actual employee expense claims in Volopay.
- Managed accounts payable and accounts receivable operations to ensure healthy cash flow.
- Used Xero in recording all financial transactions and preparing financial statements.
Senior Lead Associate
UT Global Services Limited
01.2015 - 08.2022
- Enhanced client satisfaction with effective communication, regular progress updates, and prompt resolution of concerns.
- Evaluated team member performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Led cross-functional teams for successful project completion, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
- Improved team productivity by streamlining workflow processes and implementing efficient project management practices.
- Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response.
- Maintained team flexibility and embraced change to adapt within dynamic markets.
- Implemented innovative solutions to overcome project challenges, maintaining timelines without compromising quality.
- Mentored junior associates, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Managed financial transactions of assigned companies from processing, recording and reporting using SAP.
Finance & HR Manager
NGL Consulting Services Ltd
05.2014 - 11.2014
- Managed the Finance and HR departments of the organization to ensure accurate and timely processing, recording, and reporting of financial transactions, including payroll of 25 employees.
- Worked with managers to achieve compliance with organizational policies, providing clarifying information and recommending necessary changes.
- Maintained accurate HR records in compliance with applicable laws, ensuring efficient data retrieval when required.
- Maintained payroll and benefits for employees in SAP, minimizing financial discrepancies through detailed program management.
- Maintained company compliance with government mandates, in addition to established organizational standards.
- Optimized payroll processing procedures for accuracy and timeliness using SAP.
Senior Financial Controller
Byrnes Motor Trust Restoration, Inc.
10.2013 - 02.2014
- Ensured the accuracy of payroll computation done by payroll staff.
- Managed the cash flow of the company by administering the weekly budget.
- Implemented control to eliminate fraud in the workplace
- Managed the recording and reporting of all financial transactions.
Finance Manager
Fox International Channels Philippines Corporation
02.2012 - 08.2013
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
- Ensured compliance with government regulations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
- Processed invoices and contacted appropriate parties for timely payment receipt.
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
- Optimized cash flow with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Executed vendor setup and payment, administration of bank accounts and account reconciliations.
- Implemented cost-control measures that substantially decreased unnecessary expenditures.
- Spearheaded annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and facilitating smoother departmental operations.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Supported the country manager with special projects and additional job duties.
Senior Consultant-Supply Chain Finance
Mead Johnson Nutrition Phils., Inc.
07.2010 - 01.2012
- Ensured accurate and timely monthly closing per company policies and procedures.
- Ensured accurate and timely recording and reconciliation of inventory and other supply chain-related reports and analyses.
- Planned, organized, and coordinated annual physical stock take and variance reconciliation and investigation.
- Assisted the Supply Chain Finance Manager in the analysis of financial results; preparation of annual budget, projection, and strategic planning matters.
- Assisted in the continuous enhancement and upholding of sound internal controls.
- Assisted the Internal Controls Department in conducting SOX testing in various finance and accounting processes.
Functional Manager-Production Cost Accounting
ABS-CBN Shared ServiceCenter Pte. Ltd.
09.2009 - 02.2010
- Managed change initiatives effectively by providing clear communication and guidance to ROHQ Production Cost Accounting team throughout transitional periods.
- Coordinated with multiple departments to streamline workflows, enhancing overall efficiency across the organization.
- Reduced production costs with strategic budgeting and resource allocation, ensuring optimal use of company resources.
- Fostered strong working relationships with the production team to ensure alignment on strategic objectives and goals.
- Developed and executed strategic plans that aligned with overall company objectives, ensuring consistent growth and progress toward long-term goals.
- Created an environment conducive to innovation by encouraging open communication channels between team members, facilitating idea sharing, brainstorming sessions, and creative problem solving workshops.
Manager-Production Cost Accounting
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation
03.2007 - 08.2009
- Managed and motivated Production Cost Accounting team to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement, implementing best practices that resulted in increased operational efficiency and enhanced outcomes.
- Enhanced employee performance through regular training sessions and performance evaluations, promoting professional development opportunities within the organization.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Efficiently implemented cost control of program funds of the company.
- Conducted detailed financial analysis to identify and evaluate changes in operations, trends and potential areas of improvement.
- Facilitated smooth month-end close processes by efficiently reconciling accounts and addressing discrepancies promptly.
- Strengthened relationships with external partners through timely communication and collaboration.
- Maintained accurate general ledger entries through meticulous review of financial documents and prompt resolution of discrepancies.
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by streamlining the month-end closing process and reconciling account discrepancies.
General & Cost Accounting Officer
Van Melle Phils, Inc.
01.1999 - 10.2003
- Improved efficiency of product costing, processing and recording of all related transactions in SAP, resulting in faster payment collection and vendor payments.
- Assisted with budget preparation and monitoring, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
- Performed detailed financial analysis on business operations, supporting management decisions regarding resource allocation and profitability enhancements.
- Developed strong relationships with sales personnel and customers to maintain timely collection of receivables.
- Collaborated with Sales Department to reconcile customer balances and facilitate collection.
- Ensure accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions.
- Prepared accurate financial reports for management review, enabling informed decision making.
Supervising Accountant
Magsaysay Lines, Inc.
09.1993 - 03.1997
- Supported business growth by providing valuable insights from thorough analysis of financial trends and performance metrics.
- Developed detailed variance analyses to identify discrepancies between actual results and budgeted targets, initiating corrective action where necessary.
- Optimized budget allocation for the department by analyzing expenditures and identifying areas for cost reduction.
- Ensured compliance with accounting regulations by staying current on industry standards and applicable laws.
- Improved financial accuracy by streamlining accounting processes and implementing internal controls.
- Collaborated with accounting manager to comply with governing bodies and limit regulatory risks.
Junior Accountant
Easycall Communications, Inc.
06.1989 - 08.1993
- Assisted with the preparation of monthly financial statements.
- Conducted thorough variance analysis to identify and explain deviations from budgeted figures.
- Prepared bank reconciliations on a monthly basis to identify potential discrepancies between company records and bank statements.
- Prepared journal entries using the Kalamazoo system.
Accounting Clerk
Palmera Homes, Inc.
04.1987 - 06.1989
- Maintained accounting records utilizing in-house and client systems.
- Maintained organized filing systems for accounting records, ensuring easy access to crucial financial information when needed.
- Ensured accurate and timely payroll processing for foremen.
- Identified and resolved internal accounting variances, promoting data accuracy.
- Ensured proper and accurate recording of inventory transactions.
Education
CPA Board Exam -
10.1988
Bachelor in Accountancy -
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
04.1986
Skills
- Procedure Development
- Performance Management
- Goal and Result Oriented
- Interpersonal Skill
- Critical Judgment
- Creativity / Innovation
- Payroll processing
- Cash flow management
- AP and AR management
- Internal controls
- Financial statements preparation
- System proficiency with SAP R3 and Xero
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 08/06/66
- Marital Status: Married with two (2) children
- Religion: Seventh – Day Adventist
Professional Affiliation
Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), 1988 to 2005
Timeline
Senior Financial Controller
Aquient, Inc.
06.2023 - 09.2023
Senior Lead Associate
UT Global Services Limited
01.2015 - 08.2022
Finance & HR Manager
NGL Consulting Services Ltd
05.2014 - 11.2014
Senior Financial Controller
Byrnes Motor Trust Restoration, Inc.
10.2013 - 02.2014
Finance Manager
Fox International Channels Philippines Corporation
02.2012 - 08.2013
Senior Consultant-Supply Chain Finance
Mead Johnson Nutrition Phils., Inc.
07.2010 - 01.2012
Functional Manager-Production Cost Accounting
ABS-CBN Shared ServiceCenter Pte. Ltd.
09.2009 - 02.2010
Manager-Production Cost Accounting
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation
03.2007 - 08.2009
General & Cost Accounting Officer
Van Melle Phils, Inc.
01.1999 - 10.2003
Supervising Accountant
Magsaysay Lines, Inc.
09.1993 - 03.1997
Junior Accountant
Easycall Communications, Inc.
06.1989 - 08.1993
Accounting Clerk
Palmera Homes, Inc.
04.1987 - 06.1989
Bachelor in Accountancy -
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
CPA Board Exam -
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