The game changer
SYCIP GORRES Velayo & Co. (SGV), as the largest professional services firm in the country, recognizes the need to expand and innovate in order to remain ahead in the industry. The firm, which was founded in 1946, has had a long tradition of pioneering solutions and upholding a global mindset. In 2010, it began its first forays into the Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) industry by establishing its Asia-Pacific Talent Hub (ATH), which provides top-caliber Assurance services to EY offices in other countries. Now, it is taking another step towards bolstering this leadership by helping to establish and provide people resources to an EY Global Talent Hub (GTH) in the Philippines.
The GTH is part of a global network of service delivery centers that provide top-quality services to EY offices around the world. Leveraging on the talents and skills of SGV professionals, the GTH will work with integrated global teams to deliver more valueadded advisory, tax and knowledge services to a broader, international clientele and, at the same time, offer Filipino professionals global exposure, training, and work experience without having to leave the country.
“This is part of SGV’s strategy to remain ahead in the industry and expand the scope of our services,” Cirilo P. Noel, chairman and managing partner of SGV, told Business
World in an e-mail. “SGV believes in being a game changer and differentiating itself by continually innovating to meet the needs of global business. We constantly transform ourselves to remain current, competitive, and responsive to market needs,” Mr. Noel added.
As a member firm of the EY Global Ltd., SGV is part of a global network of over 190,000 professionals in 150 countries. SGV currently has eight of- fices across the country. Mr. Noel said the company is capable of supplying its clients a consistent and integrated global approach wherever their businesses may be in the world.
As with SGV’s other endeavors, this has been made possible through the firm’s investment in continuous education and training for its staff as well as its efforts to cultivate a deep understanding of its clients’ businesses and offer valuable market-leading insights.
“As stated in our corporate vision, we aim to develop outstanding leaders and teams to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, clients, and communities,” Mr. Noel said.
Meanwhile, SGV’s engagement with corporate social responsibility is not a new concept. Established in 1966, the SGV Foundation (SGVF) aims to promote entrepreneurship and contribute to poverty reduction through education and nation-building.
“The SGVF’s primary mission is to spearhead social, moral, and economic programs that will inculcate the values of education, discipline, integrity, and excellence in Filipinos by leveraging on knowledge, learning, and other social development initiatives,” said Mr. Noel, who also serves as the chairman and president of the SGVF.
In the areas of education and nation-building, the SGVF provides scholarships, which in the last five years alone benefited 83 Accountancy and 168 CPA review scholars. SGVF has contributed to the building of classroom facilities and elementary school playgrounds around the country. It has also worked with Gawad Kalinga to help build 88 homes for the underprivileged. The SGVF likewise supports other foundations and social organizations including the Philippine Business for Education’s “1000 Teachers” program. The SGVF also manages disaster relief efforts for the firm when the need arises.
In the area of entrepreneurship, the SGVF, in conjunction with prominent co-presenters, conducts the search for the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines. The program, which has become one of the most prestigious local events for the Philippine business community, aims to recognize the strength, dynamism and resilience of Filipino entrepreneurs. The program is part of EY’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year .
In terms of CSR in client engagements, SGV works closely with the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development—Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI) Zero Drop- out Educational Scheme to provide financial audit, program validation and improvement identification services. SGV has been ISO 9001 certified for Financial Assurance Services since April 1996. The company was dubbed “Tax Accountancy Firm of the Year in the Philippines” by the 2014 Corporate International Magazine Global Awards and “Philippine Tax Firm of the Year” by the 2013 International Tax Awards of the Acquisition Interna
tional Magazine. It has also garnered Procter & Gamble’s “External Business Partner Excellence” award in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014.
“SGV believes in being a game changer and differentiating itself by continually innovating to meet the needs of global business. We constantly transform ourselves to remain current, competitive, and responsive to market needs.”