Novelyn Jose Lawas

Oversee the accounting and Value Added Tax (VAT) compliance services for a diverse portfolio of 50+ clients.

• Handle bookkeeping and VAT compliance for more complex clients.
• Supervise the accounting team and review the work of junior and senior accountants to ensure compliance with accounting and VAT regulations.
• Train and support junior team members, fostering their development and helping them perform tasks effectively.
• Assist the manager with workload planning and process improvements, focusing on optimizing workflows and enhancing departmental efficiency.
• Create and maintain an onboarding toolkit to facilitate the training of new hires and provide a useful resource for the entire department.

Handled accounting and Vat compliance services for a portfolio of 20+ clients.

• Performed accounting and bookkeeping tasks, such as recording transactions in Sage 50 accounting software, reconciling bank accounts, and preparing necessary calculations and schedules.
• Prepared financial reports and management accounts in line with the relevant accounting framework for clear financial oversight.
• Prepared VAT returns and VAT Recapitulative Statements and provided practical VAT advice to clients.
• Liaised with clients to address inquiries, resolve issues, and manage their requests effectively.

Handled and supported the global tax engine project across various entities globally.

• Served as the primary point of contact for the Tax Engine project to assist in the automation of indirect tax determination and ensure seamless project execution
• Analyzed and resolved complex transactional issues related to indirect taxes across the procure-to-pay process in SMART by GEP and ERP, collaborating with Finance, Procurement, Operations, and key stakeholders across Chevron entities globally.
• Conducted audits of the tax engine’s configuration during User Acceptance Testing (UAT), comparing it with production to ensure ongoing tax accuracy.
• Designed, tested, and documented configuration changes to the tax engine ensure compliance with evolving indirect tax regulations and address changing business needs.

Oversaw the entire Audit Department, ensuring that the Company Standard Auditing Procedures are implemented and complied with.

• Planned and reviewed the work within the Audit Department, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company standards.
• Reviewed the company’s financial records such as payroll, benefits, liquidations, reimbursements and checks to verify accuracy and compliance.
• Conducted inventory counts and analyzed reports to identify any discrepancies or losses, ensuring proper inventory management.
• Recommended and developed new policies and procedures to enhance existing controls and improve the company's overall operational efficiency.
• Carried out in-depth audit procedures to investigate non-compliance with company policies and violations of the Code of Discipline, and prepared findings and reports with actionable insights for improvements.
• Coached and mentored audit staff, conducting performance appraisals and providing ongoing guidance to ensure professional development and improve overall departmental performance.

Provided high-quality assurance services that support quality and delivery capabilities in support of client engagements globally.

• Reviewed financial statements, including mathematical and internal consistency checks, to verify the integrity and completeness of the reports.
• Verified necessary disclosures in accordance with applicable accounting standards, ensuring that all relevant financial information was appropriately presented.
• Performed test of details by examining supporting evidence to confirm the accuracy of financial statement assertions and ensure compliance with standards.
• Documented walkthrough procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, verifying that company processes were functioning as intended.

Handled various Philippines tax compliance and advisory services for diverse portfolio of clients.

• Performed tax due diligence for mergers and acquisitions through review and analysis of the selling company’s compliance with tax laws and regulations, and prepared detailed reports on potential tax liabilities with recommendations for the acquiring company.
• Prepared and submitted income tax and VAT returns.
• Performed tax review and health checks to assess client’s adherence to tax laws, and prepared reports detailing potential tax exposures and with recommendations to address tax risks.
• Assisted in tax audits and VAT refund applications.
• Conducted research on tax regulations and provided informed advice on tax planning, liabilities and implications to optimize tax positions.