Interview meeting-20260814_141531-Meeting

Transcript
August 14, 2026, 6:15AM
26m 24s

Romar, Bernard John started transcription

GRACE 0:03
The difference maybe is a little more aligning the process or we have the
control to process or to align or submit the tax on time. But for my
working experience, I am the one who controls

Romar, Bernard John 0:15

Mhm.

GRACE 0:22
to make policies and align with the company and tax regulation, and also
for the compliance. Maybe it's not the it's not that much different with my
with my current position.

Romar, Bernard John 0:30

Mm.
Right, right. Well, maybe just to give you a quick overview of the role, you
actually got it right now, man, just to give more details about it.

GRACE 0:49
Hello.

Romar, Bernard John 0:51

Well, maybe on a typical day, your responsibility will really be involved in
engaging with stakeholders internally from finance, from operations,
procurement and other departments regarding ongoing audits or
compliance matters. And then you will also be in charge of reviewing audit
requests.

GRACE 1:02
Yes.
Yes, sir.

Romar, Bernard John 1:13

from tax authorities and coordinating supporting documentation. There
will also be instances that you will be asked to improve our tax
governance processes, our SOPs and control framework, since that's the
reason why we're hiring for an external candidate, since we need to get a
fresh eyes or fresh perspective.
GRACE 1:13
Mhm.
Yes, but.

Romar, Bernard John 1:36

to bring in new perspectives since we would like to continuously improve
our tax governance process. So expect that that's what's expected from
you once you get hired here. And then of course, you will be working with

GRACE 1:46
Yes, sir.
Yes.

Romar, Bernard John 1:56

audit readiness initiatives and at the same time partnering with
consultants, advisors and tax authorities when needed and even
government agencies like BIR or LGU so.

GRACE 2:06
And.
Yes, sir.

Romar, Bernard John 2:13

Uh, those will be part of your scope, no, so I, I, maybe at the high level.

GRACE 2:17
No, should use it.

Romar, Bernard John 2:19

Sorry, great.

GRACE 2:19
Mmh.
Yes, sir.

Romar, Bernard John 2:22

Great, great.

GRACE 2:23
Actually, that's part of my job right now, then, sir.

Romar, Bernard John 2:26

Ah, good, good. It's almost the same. Maybe at a high level, Signal Blaze,
at a high level, you will be the main point person for tax audits, tax
controversies, investigations, and governance initiatives.
GRACE 2:29
Yes, it is almost the same.
Yes.

Romar, Bernard John 2:45

across the head office and GBS. Since we also have a separate group in
the Batangas factory. So it's really an end-to-end ownership of audit
management, from planning and coordinating responses to managing
stakeholders and driving.

GRACE 2:49
Yes.
Oh, thanks, sir. Yes.

Romar, Bernard John 3:04

when findings arise. Another one that I want to highlight is that this is a
manager role, but it's actually an individual contributor role, meaning
there will be no direct reports.

GRACE 3:20
Direct reporting, yes, what reporting.

Romar, Bernard John 3:22

So, you will know, you will not handling, you will not be handling a team,
you will not be a people manager, but rather a strong professional who
can independently lead complex tax matters and influencing stakeholders
across the business. So, that's the reason why.

GRACE 3:35
Yes, OK.

Romar, Bernard John 3:41

We need a manager for this one, not just a rank and file employee. So
there, that's going to be the setup. So now I'd like to know your thoughts
and posts for a bit. How does that opportunity sound to you so far? Is it
something that you're looking for in your next career move?

GRACE 3:49
Yes.
Actually, Sir, yes.

Romar, Bernard John 4:06

I see, I see.

GRACE 4:07
Since it is aligned also with my current position, or maybe the difference is
just like where you think independently, so for me, it's anonymous
excitement.

Romar, Bernard John 4:18

Right, right. Well, maybe just to start us with the conversation on your
experiences and background, can you walk me through your current
organizational structure? If you're currently handling a team, who are you
reporting to and engaging with on a daily basis?

GRACE 4:33
Yes, Sir.
Actually, sir, I have a staff to manage, and I'm directly reporting to the
CFO. So just like the second level or from the CFO, then manager. So I
have a staff to supervise and those other departments.
to ensure in the tax compliance or that those reporting needed the
reporting for BIR are on time to submit and process. So I have not only for
the tax stuff, but I also manage those other
areas of accounting like the payables and receivables and other teams. So
we have more on coordination closer before we proceed for the filing or
we gather those data for filing to BIR.

Romar, Bernard John 5:20

Really?
Okay, okay, got it. And then speaking of your current team, how many
people are reporting to you directly?

GRACE 5:40
Actually, sir, we have one direct and we have one just like OJT or OnCall
for because we are FMC, we have a lot of 2307 firms to be included, just
like thousands every month. So we need to get some OJT person or

Romar, Bernard John 5:47

Ndw.
Right.

GRACE 5:59
Just like any time so filing, so individually.

Romar, Bernard John 6:04

I see, I see. So given that you're currently holding a people manager role
and you're overseeing some departments now, how do you feel about
transitioning into an individual contributor role, but still a manager level
role?

GRACE 6:21
Yes, actually, sir, maybe my difference is just like what I said is just like
independent, but the thoughts are the same process with the previous
number.

Romar, Bernard John 6:35

I see, I see. Got it, Grace. Now, Grace, just to explore more about your
experiences, now, I'd like to start first with your experience in tax audit
and controversy. I'd like to know what types of audits have you handled,
like is it BIR, LGU, internal audit?
or others, and what was your role in, you know, in those audits?

GRACE 7:01
Actually, sir, I handle the BIR audit, sorry, the lower letter of authority, just
like starting 2020, year 2022 present. So also for LGU audits, and I am
also the one for the compliance.

Romar, Bernard John 7:06

Really?

GRACE 7:21
So, more or less demand for those governments like LGUSEC and BIRP, so
you have working right now.

Romar, Bernard John 7:31

I see. When dealing with tax audit or disputes, Grace, what part did you
personally play in preparing responses to the authorities? Were you
involved in gathering documents, explaining technical tax positions, or
coordinating with stakeholders? Can you share an example, Grace?

GRACE 7:44
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir. For the other companies, sir, I am from end to end process, just
like preparing those documents, answering those areas for the IR people
for the authorities, the tax authorities, and until negotiation. So for the
other companies, just like this, corporate or the

Romar, Bernard John 8:06

Hmm.

GRACE 8:11
maybe top 10, top 20 companies. So this currently a JRNRP distributor. So
we have the external to negotiate for the their audits, but for those
preparation and explaining the internal process, I am the one.

Romar, Bernard John 8:29

Okay, okay. Got it. Ndw.
GRACE 8:32
just like, they're only the one to to re, how do they call this, to explain to
BIR, but those internal data or explanation is coming from people from the
entry.

Romar, Bernard John 8:47

Okay, okay, got it. Now, in terms of tax controversy, can you share a
specific example of a tax controversy experience where you partnered
with external advisors or consultants?
What was the issue all about? How did you work on that situation?

GRACE 9:12
Actually, sir, more or less for the extra conversations, maybe it's a BRO or
audits. So, because some BRR authorities, just like when we audit this
year, they are comparing for the previous year's data. So, but parang just
like...

Romar, Bernard John 9:19

Thank you.

GRACE 9:32
Their is previous year, even though, for example, your sales is going
down, but they are they need to collect the collect more higher than the
previous one, so maybe that's the conflict or the most controversial.
But I think was a BIR, but the time sent a month as times goes by, we
settled a month or we meet halfway with the BIR.
Hello, Sir.

Romar, Bernard John 10:10

Sorry, I was talking on mute. During that time, did you have to defend or
explain your position in the company to them or maybe to those tax
authorities?

GRACE 10:26
Yes, sir. Actually, sir, yes. So, just like sometimes it's just like their initial
findings phrase, but if we are sure for our filing and for the accuracy, so
it's for them to settle or to meet halfway.

Romar, Bernard John 10:45

I see, I see. Got it. Now, apart from tax audit experience, I'd also like to
explore your experience in governance and also SOPs and control. So can
you share your experience in creating or even improving your tax
governance process?
SOPs or compliance frameworks.
GRACE 11:13
Actually, since annually we have a tax audit, so maybe we have an idea,
we have an idea already to align or to change our process, align with
those findings.
Um...
another reason for tax audits. So we need or we also provide those and
other policies or we change our schedules and other those BIR constraints
or we align it.

Romar, Bernard John 11:57

Ndw.
I see, I see. Got it. And then, I would also like to understand maybe if you
were also in charge, or maybe not in charge, but if part of your
responsibilities is doing and is ensuring documents and evidences are
properly retained and easier to retrieve during audits.

GRACE 12:27
Yes, sir. Actually, sir, yes, as a manager, I have a stop, but I make sure
that I have an individual file for that.

Romar, Bernard John 12:37

Okay, okay, got it. And then in terms of standard defense files and
documentation, have you worked on any defense files or standard
documentation packs for tax audits? Like what documents do you usually
prepare or maintain for audit readiness?

GRACE 12:58
Yes, sir. Actually, we have the external. We provide those documents to
external, and if they have any changes, so for the revision, but we're
going the one to to work it first, but before the external.

Romar, Bernard John 13:11

Mhm.
Alright, but Grace, how do you make sure that your data is reliable and
consistent before presenting or submitting it to authorities?

GRACE 13:30
Actually, sir, the first sir is because for example audit, so we need to first
we need first to check our BI returns before we submitted the final
documents to our external before we submit to BI Rpa. So, we are
ensuring that the those documents are aligned with the filed forms.

Romar, Bernard John 13:52

Right, right, right. Of course, during audits, it will surface audit findings,
then at times, no, not many. I would like to know maybe an example
where the audit finding

GRACE 14:02
It was a vote, yes.

Romar, Bernard John 14:10

it led you or your team to a process improvement or remediation plan.
How did you define your action plans, timeline, how did you check if the
work is effective, but you can also use the audit findings.

GRACE 14:29
Actually, sir, your current for now is problem is the third party or the
timing between the third party. So just like we report this use based on
the invoice and they report based on collection, so that's why we have a
conflict.

Romar, Bernard John 14:39

Mmh.

GRACE 14:48
Sometimes, the third party audit. So, for now, we are coordinating those
suppliers or clients for the proper reporting. So, since starting EOPT for
accrual at the reporting, so minimize.

Romar, Bernard John 14:49

Mhm.

GRACE 15:08
The minimize the money on findings of this.

Romar, Bernard John 15:13

Right, right. I'm not sure if you've experienced this, but most of the time
it's unpredictable tax audits.

GRACE 15:25
Actually, serious.

Romar, Bernard John 15:28

So, can you share an example where you had to handle your uncertainty
or ambiguity, but you need to make a decision when you have a new
scenario that is unpredictable?

GRACE 15:46
Actually, some companies suggest even though proper, correct, or
accurate filing, we have sometimes have a lack of documents to to
provide. So, even though if you are sure or accurate for the filing, we don't
need the...

Romar, Bernard John 15:58

Mm.
Right.

GRACE 16:06
Chance to, or anything, but just like no documents is no proof or no
evidence, so, but mostly a problem for the company, so proper storage or
filing.

Romar, Bernard John 16:21

Alright, thank you.

GRACE 16:21
I'm gonna go for now.

Romar, Bernard John 16:25

All right, got it. And then, maybe looking back at your experience, can you
describe your strongest area in Philippine tax compliance? Like, are you
stronger in direct taxes, indirect withholding?
Income tax.

GRACE 16:44
I actually see.
Actually, sir, yes, for income tax return, withholding tax expanded and
compensation for the VAT returns. Actually, sir, I have a client, so I work
independently or just like, what do you call that, consultant. So I have a
different client, different nature for now.

Romar, Bernard John 16:56

Mm.
I see.

GRACE 17:06
So, but based on my experience, in general, taxation, bookkeeping,
accounts payable, AR, and also for the compliance.

Romar, Bernard John 17:06

Mmh.
Okay. Okay. Got it. All right. Now, maybe I wasn't able to cover this
earlier, but to let you know, this role is actually a new one. So the
imposition was actually created as part of
GRACE 17:36
Okay.

Romar, Bernard John 17:40

The recent team, or team reorganization, and they decided to hire
someone who will really be solely in charge of tax governance, 'cause
they, this role, not to that long tax managers right now, and...

GRACE 17:44
I know.
I love you.

Romar, Bernard John 17:59

It's really taking a lot of their time. So instead, they want to hire someone
who will really focus on tax governance and audit management instead,
but they can also focus more on their individual scopes as tax managers.
So that's the reason why

GRACE 18:14
Who is my special manager?

Romar, Bernard John 18:18

The organization has decided to hire someone for this role. I would also
like you to look forward to this role because you are a pioneer in case you
will be chosen for this role. So you will be setting the ways of working.

GRACE 18:24
Maybe later.
Jasper.

Romar, Bernard John 18:39

By performing your role, maybe you have ideas on how to be able to
make things easier here in JTI. So, the upper hand to really set the ways of
working for this role, because it is a pioneering role. So, this is something I
also want you to look forward to then once you get hired.

GRACE 18:41
Yes.
Yes.
The.
In.

Romar, Bernard John 19:00

Now, Grace, I wasn't able to discuss this earlier about the work
arrangement and set up. So in terms of work set up, the role will be based
in the head office in VGC. And to let you know, we follow a hybrid work
arrangement. So it's going to be twice a week reporting to office from
Monday to Friday, and then the remaining two days, you will be working
from home. Don't worry, because we have fixed weekends of Naman. So,
and it's also regular office hours, so don't expect night shift. And then, at
the same time, something that we're also we would also like to consider
as early as the interview stage is that...

GRACE 19:26
Thanks.
Not either.

Romar, Bernard John 19:46

Our tax team, and they also support stakeholders in the Batangas factory.
Now, this role, you will be in charge for the head office and the GBS in
BGC Taguig. So, we have to maintain separate teams in Batangas.

GRACE 19:51
I guess.

Romar, Bernard John 20:04

Because a successful candidate should be comfortable reporting to the
factory in Batangas who needs a business need in the future. So I'd like to
know, is this something that you are prepared for, if you are prepared in
the future?

GRACE 20:16
Yeah.

Romar, Bernard John 20:24

Someone like you to maybe train someone.

GRACE 20:25
Yes, sir.
Yeah, sir. It's okay for me.

Romar, Bernard John 20:36

I see. How about in terms of the proximity from your place in Makati or
even your work arrangement? Is it something that is doable for you or do
you have limitations in terms of the arrangement?

GRACE 20:37
So, yes, well.
Actually, sorry, no. So, just in case, it's my first time, so my work is always
on site, so it's OK for me any schedule.
Romar, Bernard John 21:02
Uh-huh.
Okay, I see. So currently you're on vacation by the province.

GRACE 21:09
Where were the Englishman?
Actually, sir, yes, because my partner died this 11th, July 11th. So I
decided to resign. Sorry, sir. So, but as time passed, I realized I need to
work or I need to surround again with other people. So I decided to apply.

Romar, Bernard John 21:20

Oh no, sorry to hear that.
Sorry to hear that, Grace, but I understand. And yes, I appreciate that, you
know, you're sharing that backstory of yours. So we could really fully
understand your motivation to get back to the corporate world. So

GRACE 21:38
Easy.
And see.

Romar, Bernard John 21:53

Thank you. Thank you, Grace. Now, Grace, understanding that we are
currently available and maybe you're trying to get back to the corporate
world, I'd like to know,
What are the things that you're looking for in your next employer?

GRACE 22:15
Actually, Sir, honestly, for now, my current shop is okay, but since I
decided, so I decided to resign, but they allowed me first to leave it out.

Romar, Bernard John 22:23

Ndw.

GRACE 22:36
pay and back on August 24th of September for the proper turnover. So
then I realized within my three weeks here, I realized I need to work
because I have a daughter. So around

Romar, Bernard John 22:42

I see.
And.

GRACE 22:51
Hindi para den madalay yung parang magano nalang data.
Romar, Bernard John 22:56
Mhm.

GRACE 22:59
So, for missing good is easier for me.

Romar, Bernard John 22:59

See.

GRACE 23:04
Tell by glory.

Romar, Bernard John 23:05

Got it.
All right, thank you, Grace. But Grace, I, if you don't mind me asking,
understanding that there will be some turnover dates that we need to
complete in person before transitioning to another company. How long will
it take you to complete that before being hired by JTI?

GRACE 23:21
Yes, sir.
When?
At least one month, sir. Actually, on August 24th of September 23.

Romar, Bernard John 23:32

Okay, okay. Got it. I'll take note of that. All right, Grace, thank you for
sharing that. Now, I will be discussing the next steps of your application,
but do you have any questions for me before we discuss the next steps?

GRACE 23:46
Ohh, well.

Romar, Bernard John 23:51

Okay. Okay. Got it. No, Greece. I'm not going to make this any longer. I
leave the other technical questions, tax managers, because I think they're
the best team who could really assess your capabilities to the role. But
maybe I just wanted to
share with you the next steps. So as mentioned earlier, that's going to be
the panel interview in the head office. So I'm looking at inviting you over
for the interview towards the end of August. But

GRACE 24:17
OK, yeah.
OK, Zarina.
Romar, Bernard John 24:28
I still need to coordinate with the team. When will it be? Exactly. Okay. So
if it's not going to be next week, expect that it might happen the week
after since I still have to check their availability. Okay.

GRACE 24:41
I see.
Yes, right. Thank you for.

Romar, Bernard John 24:48

I will be sending the final details of your interview as soon as I complete it
from the interviewer. So that includes the details where we are located,
what to look for and what you need to prepare before the actual interview
schedule. So just expect that it's going to be a technical interview. So they
will be they will be asking questions about your experience in tax
governance and compliance.
OK, there might be business case involved, but it's going to be explained
during the actual interview process.

GRACE 25:13
Amazing.
Okay, sir, go with that book.

Romar, Bernard John 25:25

All right, all right. Well, before we end, Grace, I'd like to once again
express my sincere condolences for your loss. Thank you for being open
and sharing your situation with me today. And I can only imagine how
difficult the past weeks have been. And I truly

GRACE 25:43
History.

Romar, Bernard John 25:44

the strength it takes to move forward while taking care of your daughter.
And then I really appreciate your time and your interest in JTI. So we'll
make sure to keep you updated on the next steps. But that's all for now.
Please take care of yourself and I wish you had you and your family all the
best during this time.

GRACE 26:06
Thank you, Zarina. Thank you. Thank you.

Romar, Bernard John 26:08

Thank you, Grace. We'll send the e-mail as soon as I have it. Bye for now.
GRACE 26:14
Okay, sir, thank you, bye bye.

Romar, Bernard John stopped transcription