Loui Jay Onggay Gumera

In my previous employment, I spent more than seven years working in a fast-paced VAT compliance environment, where I handled both European and non-European VAT processes. This role allowed me to develop deep technical knowledge and strengthen my ability to work accurately under pressure. Throughout those years, I was responsible for preparing a wide range of VAT returns—both basic and highly complex—across multiple jurisdictions. This included managing recurring deadlines, reviewing large volumes of transactions, and ensuring that all filings were compliant with varying tax regulations.

One of the highlights of my role was dealing with tax authority audits (TA audits), which exposed me to more challenging and detail-intensive scenarios. These situations required not only accuracy but also the ability to investigate discrepancies, gather supporting documents, prepare audit responses, and communicate professionally with stakeholders. Through these experiences, I developed strong analytical skills, improved my judgment in identifying potential issues, and became comfortable navigating sensitive compliance matters.

Aside from VAT operations, I had the opportunity to expand my skills into basic bookkeeping using QuickBooks Online (QBO). I was able to perform foundational accounting tasks such as recording sales, issuing invoices to clients, recording purchases, and organizing supporting documents. I also learned how to generate and interpret essential financial reports, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets. This exposure to bookkeeping helped me understand the broader financial context behind VAT reporting and gave me a more holistic view of back-office operations. The experience also made me highly adaptable when working with accounting software or learning new tools required for the role.

I worked for a local company in the Philippines that provided back-office support exclusively to a tax firm client based in The Hague, Netherlands. Because we supported only one client, the level of service had to be extremely consistent, precise, and reliable. I learned how to maintain strong communication with foreign stakeholders, operate within different time zones, and follow international standards for compliance and reporting. This setup strengthened my professionalism, independence, and ability to work in a remote support environment.

Unfortunately, the local company ceased operations in June 2025. This unexpected change prompted me to seek a similar role where I can continue applying the expertise I have built over the years. I am now looking for an opportunity where I can contribute to a team, support compliance or accounting operations, and continue expanding my skills in a stable and growth-oriented environment.