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IT turned out to be a special occasion as the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Picpa) Qatar Chapter officially welcomed its new set of office-bearers at a glitzy ceremony held at the Oryx Rotana Hotel recently.
About 125 members, associates and guests were in attendance to witness the oath-taking of the new leadership of the group, hailed as one of the most active and prestigious in the country.
The roster of guests was led by Philippine Ambassador to Qatar HE Wilfredo Santos and Picpa-Qatar founding president Lyndon Magsino, who is now based in Dubai.
Four former presidents of the group were also in attendance, namely Romeo Ocfemia, Jehmar Tabili, Richard Ali and Jennifer Pintor, in a show of full support to the leadership of new Picpa-Qatar President Emma Vitor. Robert Lepon, adviser of the group, was also among the guests.
"Picpa is the only organisation of Filipino accountants under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy in Doha. Being a part of an organisation that is committed to professional excellence is not only important but a way of life. Filipino accountants do not regard their work ordinary, no matter how low they are placed in an organisation. They value their profession because it is in their hearts and mind. This sets us apart amongst all the other professionals in the market. We never cease to innovate and improve ourselves to master our craft. Picpa provides the venue for technical sessions as well as soft skills to develop members and help them move up the ladder. It serves the best interest of its members to attain their goals and make a positive contribution in their respective organisations in particular and the whole community in general," Vitor told Qatar Tribune.
Talking about the vision of Picpa under her leadership, Vitor stressed that the group's effort is to look beyond Qatar by connecting with colleagues in the industry across the globe. She said part of their initiative is networking with their co-chapters in the Middle East and will later be expanded to co-chapters in the US and across Europe.
She added,"We convene with them to discuss what is new in the profession. We openly support the realisation of the US-RP MRA, which adds value to our licence and to the next generation of Filipino accountants. We also are looking into the revision of our current organisational structure. We continue to offer scholarship grants to deserving associate members working as accountants aspiring to have the CPA licence. We aim to forge partnerships with local business around the second quarter of next year in our professional development, notwithstanding our 'usual' free seminar programmes. Of course, we continue to encourage all Filipinos working in the finance industry to become a part of Picpa."
Besides the oath-taking, a seminar and launch of the US-RP Mutual Recognition Agreement for accounting practice was also held on the occasion.
The objective of the seminar was tackling how accountants can be equally effective and competitive in the fields of compliance, governance and risk management. The session also touched on how the implementation of the US-RP MRA will impact the stature and marketability of Filipino global certified public accountants.
The lecture was led by Zurich International Life General Manager and Senior Executive Officer Greogorio Loayon. The Filipino executive is a qualified accountant (CPA), a Certified Risk Analyst (CRA), certified with the Award in General Insurance by the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK) and a designated Chartered MCSI from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (UK).
"Picpa Qatar is a centre of Filipino professional excellence as it promotes global competitiveness. There is a significant and positive impact in the Filipino and international communities in Qatar, particularly in auditing and financial aspects. For example, around over 25 delegates will be representing Picpa Qatar in Picpa Global Convention in Las Vegas, USA from September 7 to 9, where I will be a guest speaker to talk about risk management. We have been known for a decade now in the Filipino and international communities in Qatar, assisting the Philippine Embassy and fellow Filipino professionals in partnering Qatar in building mutual advantage. With the leadership of our new President Emma Vitor and the council's officers, Picpa Qatar will continue having a positive impact on the Filipino and international community," Picpa-Qatar Founding President Lyndon Magsino said.
Sharon Dela Cruz, current Picpa Qatar Secretary, also stressed the benefits of being part of a prestigious group like their organisation.
"Being a member of Picpa, I am able to meet a lot of people and develop new friendships that widen my professional network while furthering my technical knowledge. As among the new officers of our group, I am able to direct my energy and free time to more productive activities while being away from my home country. Being able to share my skills and talents for the service of Filipino finance professionals is the most rewarding part," said Sharon.
