GRETCHEN C. RICAFRENTE
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- |-| www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-ricafrente | Rosario, Cavite 4106, Philippines
Professional Summary
An experienced finance professional with more than 15 years of collective work experience spanning across
financial reporting and analysis, budget and forecasting, compliance, audit, and ERP systems with various
organizations including Big 4 firm, multinational shared service for an oil and gas company, virtual office provider,
and shipping/manning agency. Results-oriented Finance Manager with a proven track record of implementing
financial policies and procedures and process improvements that significantly enhance compliance adherence,
improve accuracy of financial reporting; and improve overall financial governance. Proficient at conducting
comprehensive financial analysis and adept at identifying cost-saving initiatives. Skilled in managing a team and
collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Work Experience
Finance Manager
Apr 2019 – July 2023
PACC Shipping Phils., Inc. (Manning and Crewing Agency for Offshore/Shipping Vessels Worldwide)
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Directed and supervised the accounting and finance functions, ensuring regulatory compliance and improving
efficiency through the implementation of automated processes.
Managed a project to implement a new accounting software system (Oracle – NetSuite), resulting in an
increase in efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting processes.
Implemented a comprehensive financial reporting systems, leading to reduction of month-end close cycle
time, consistently delivering monthly financial reporting close on day 4.
Developed and maintained financial systems and controls, resulting in a reduction in financial risks and
ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Developed and maintained finance reports leading to improved financial analysis and reporting dashboard for
highlighting financial key performance indicators (KPIs).
Analyzed financial data and identified areas of improvement, leading to implementation of cost-saving
measures that resulted to reduction in operational expenses and increased profitability.
Prepared financial reports and presentations for the executives, Board of Directors, and stockholders,
providing key insights and recommendations for improving financial decision-making.
Managed and coordinated the financial and internal audit process, ensuring compliance with statutory,
internal, and ISO requirements.
Managed a team of 14 involved in crew payroll preparation and remittances, customer invoicing and
collection, and vendor bill payments. Conducted performance appraisals for all finance team members.
Business Controller
Mar 2017 – Dec 2018
Regus Service Centre Philippines BV (Office Space, Coworking & Virtual Offices Provider Worldwide)
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Handled and managed the preparation, review and analysis of the financial reports including full P&L and
Balance Sheet for the assigned regions covering United Kingdom and the rests of Europe and Africa
countries.
Pioneered the detailed reconciliation and clean-up of legacy accounts and credit card receivables of the
assigned regions.
Authored the work instruction manual relating to navigation and retrieval of reports in Oracle - Peoplesoft
used in Balance Sheet preparation and clean-ups.
Presented P&L and other related finance reports with the Area Directors and Managers to discuss the
relevant movements on the cost lines and the over-all operating performance of business units/centers
on a monthly and quarterly basis.
Provided reporting package to the group which include all analysis and explanations on significant variances.
Supported and managed month-end and year-end close processes and reporting.
Coordinated with internal, external, and other statutory audits.
Senior Management Accountant
Aug 2011 – Jun 2016
Schlumberger Business Support Hub (Oil & Gas Industry)
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Handled full set of books and analysis of the financial reports for the assigned business segments covering
Indonesia geomarket -) and Nigeria and Gulf of Africa geomarket -).
Managed a monthly detailed review and trend analysis of the revenue and cost transactions on a subsegment, segment and geomarket levels.
Managed to review and reconcile balance sheet of all financial accounts, identifying and resolving
discrepancies in timely manner.
Developed and presented financial reports to the Operations Controller, Operations Managers and Field
Service Managers, providing insights and recommendations for improving financial performance and
achieving KPIs.
Assisted in the preparation of the Business Plan and Rolling Forecast reports.
Managed the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting on
workday 2.
Controlled and managed the preparation of general ledger entries including fixed assets, prepayments,
accruals/provisions, and intercompany transactions.
Provided support to external and internal audits.
Senior Audit Associate
Jul 2007 – Jul 2011
Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (Ernst & Young Philippines)
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Executed all phases of the audit process, including planning, control and substantive testing, data
analytics, financial analysis, presenting of audit finding to the clients’ management, preparing
financial statements, and issuance of the opinion.
Steered timely and profitable completion of multiple engagements by monitoring progress against
the plan, performing budget and billing analysis.
Conducted risk assessments and developed audit plans that identified and addressed potential noncompliance issues, leading in a reduction in audit findings.
Prepared and presented audit reports to client’s senior management, resulting in an increase in
management's understanding of audit findings and recommendations.
Monitored and assessed the implementation of audit recommendations, resulting in an increase in the
implementation rate of recommendations.
Supervised up to three junior team members, providing guidance and mentoring, leading to
improvement of audit quality and efficiency.
Skills & Competencies
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)| International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) | Financial
reporting & compliance | Financial analysis and modeling | Budgeting & forecasting | Cost reduction & savings |
Internal controls and audit management | Risk management & mitigation | Financial policy and procedure
development & implementation | Process automation | Data analysis & interpretation | KPI management |
Accounts payable and receivable management | Cash-flow management | Leadership & team management |
Decision-making abilities | Ability to work under pressure & meet deadlines
Technical Proficiency
M.S. Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Advanced) | Oracle NetSuite | Intuit QuickBooks | Xero | Peoplesoft |
Hyperion Financial Management (HFM) | SharePoint
Education & Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Mar 2006 | San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, Inc., Cavite City |
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), May 2007
Trainings
QuickBooks Online for Accountants | Xero Training | Hard skills Global Business Skills (GBS) Course |
Understanding withholding taxes; Avoiding Penalties - Understanding SEC Reporting Requirements; Rethinking
Employee Benefits (Tax Training) | Leadership Forum Training | Accounting Standards/Finance/ERP Trainings
