It was a packed two days of learning and networking at the Aboitiz Groupwide Accounting and Tax Forum 2024, which took place on September 26 and 27, 2024, at the Blue Leaf Pavilion in McKinley Hill, Taguig City. Accounting, tax, and finance professionals from across the Group gathered to gain new perspectives from industry speakers and Aboitiz leaders on the latest accounting standards, tax regulations, and even AI tools.
The forum recorded an impressive number of attendees as it welcomed 305 participants representing 62 Aboitiz companies. With over 10 times more than the 30 delegates of the first forum in 2006, the huge turnout reflects how much A-People value the forum’s purpose that remains rooted in continuous learning. Likewise, it aims to promote a collaborative environment of sharing best practices and addressing challenges that impact the Group’s financial reporting and regulatory compliance through featured speakers from SGV & Co. (the Group’s external auditors), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) representatives, Bureau of Local Government Finance, the Makati City LGU, and our own subject matter experts (SMEs).
The most interesting topic for me was about the future of accounting. The speaker discussed how AI and automation will change the way we work. It’s exciting to think about how these tools can help us work smarter, not harder. Imagine having a virtual assistant that can help prepare financial reports, filing taxes, and even predicting potential audits! I can’t wait to see how these technologies will transform the accounting profession.
–Daryl Jay Rimas, Tax and Compliance Manager, AboitizPower
With AEV FVP for Finance Samel Aboitiz officially opening the forum with a warm welcome to participants, day one got underway with a focus on internal knowledge sharing from among SMEs. It closed with high energy through the much-loved Accounting & Tax Forum Trivia Night with AEV VP Deputy Controller Tim Abay as game master. As with all trivia contests across Aboitiz, this one tested participants’ knowledge and drove their competitive spirit while strengthening bonds among colleagues.
Day two featured insightful talks from public sector partners that covered timely developments in the Group such as the impending transfer of headquarters to Makati City. Makati Business Permits and Licensing Office Assistant BPLO Chief Resty Ancheta was on hand to discuss and take in questions on the city’s business permit process. Later, Director Brenda L. Miranda of the Department of Budget and Management Local Fiscal Policy Service unpacked the important points of the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act. Rounding up the government partners’ talks was BIR Client Support Service Assistant Commissioner Janette R. Cruz who shed light on invoicing updates under the Ease Of Paying Taxes Act. For their part, Aboitiz external auditors SGV & Co. then highlighted significant developments in ESG practices, accounting standards, and common audit findings relevant to the Group.
What I really appreciated during the forum were the tools that BUs were using (Appsheet, Workiva). It’s great to see that there are resources available that can effectively meet our specific needs and help us perform our jobs more efficiently. Another interesting topic that caught my attention is ESG reporting, and how reporting standards are evolving and becoming inclusive of even reporting about the impacts of business operations to the environment and society in general.
–Merry Grace Ibunes, Accounting Lead, Aboitiz InfraCapital
Overall, this year’s forum proved to be a resounding success, with a wider range of topics and a larger, more diverse audience. As always, the event fostered camaraderie among participants and equipped them with new knowledge and strategies to enhance current processes. The Annual Aboitiz Groupwide Accounting and Tax Forum continues to be a valuable platform for learning and collaboration, ensuring that our professionals remain at the forefront of industry developments as we transform into the Philippines’ first techglomerate.
