In the Philippine corporate world, particularly within the fast-paced telecommunications sector, the role of a finance professional is undergoing a radical shift. It is no longer enough to be a “number cruncher” or a guardian of compliance. Today, the most successful leaders are those who can bridge the gap between financial discipline and business strategy.
Ruel Gazzingan Garro, a Certified Financial Management Professional (CFMP®) at Globe Telecom, is a prime example of this evolution. Since starting his journey in 2012 as a Collections Specialist, Garro has spent over a decade proving that the true value of finance lies not in the report itself, but in the decisions it enables.
“Finance is not merely about reporting numbers,” Garro tells Financial Adviser PH. “It is about enabling the organization to move forward with sound, strategic decisions.”
The “Telecom Pressure Cooker” as a Training Ground
The Philippine telecom industry is one of the most capital-intensive sectors in the country. Managing finances for a company like Globe requires navigating rapid technological shifts, high capital expenditures (CAPEX), and complex operational requirements.
Garro’s career path reads like a roadmap of the entire finance function. He has rotated through collections assurance, lease operations, fixed assets, and CAPEX project management. This diverse exposure wasn’t just about learning new tasks; it was about sharpening a “business-partner” mindset.
“Telecom taught me to be agile, proactive, and collaborative,” he explains. “It shaped me into a professional who makes decisions grounded not only in financial discipline but also in operational realities and long-term sustainability.”
Transitioning from Specialist to Strategic Partner
Early in his career, Garro leaned heavily on his accountancy background—accuracy, structure, and discipline. However, as he moved into leadership roles, he realized that technical skills like SAP-based contract management and audit support were only the foundation.
“A successful career in finance requires a balance of technical competence and leadership capabilities,” Garro notes. To find this balance, he participated in intensive leadership programs like the Next Generation Transformational Leader Program. These experiences reframed his view of finance: it wasn’t just about protecting the bottom line; it was about partnering across functions to drive growth.
The Shift to “Predictive Insights”
The Philippine finance landscape is currently being disrupted by digital automation and AI-driven forecasting. Garro sees this as a turning point for the profession.
“Today’s financial management is more integrated with strategy than ever before,” he says. “Instead of focusing solely on historical reporting, finance professionals are now expected to deliver predictive insights and drive cost transformation initiatives.”
For many Filipino finance pros, the challenge is dealing with increasing volumes of data while maintaining compliance amid changing local and global regulations. Garro’s solution? A commitment to “lifelong learning.”
Why the CFMP® Was the “Game Changer”
Even with a decade of success at a major multinational, Garro felt the need to formalize his strategic expertise. He chose to pursue the Certified Financial Management Professional (CFMP®) designation—a move that signaled his transition from a technical manager to a strategic finance leader.
The journey wasn’t easy. Balancing certification prep with the high-pressure environment of monthly closings and budget cycles required immense discipline. But the ROI (Return on Investment) was clear.
“Professionally, the certification strengthened my credibility and reinforced the trust placed in me by leaders and colleagues,” Garro shares. “It broadened my perspective on financial governance and strategic value creation.”
Ruel Garro’s Roadmap for the Modern Finance Pro:
For aspiring finance leaders in the Philippines, Garro offers three key pieces of advice:
Look Beyond the Sheets: Understand the “why” behind the data. If you don’t know how a budget shift affects the customer experience or network quality, you aren’t yet a strategic partner.
Invest in Your “Credential Currency”: Experience is vital, but global certifications like the CFMP® provide the strategic framework and international credibility needed to lead in a globalized economy.
Prioritize Ethics: In finance, ethics is operational. “Ethical leadership builds trust and strengthens financial governance,” Garro insists.
“Take the leap,” Garro advises. “The process deepens your understanding of strategic financial management and strengthens the confidence needed to lead in today’s evolving business landscape.”
