Efficient Financial Management Updates for SePUM-wide Accounting Staff

The Accounting Staff Mid-year Advisory Meeting was held on July 16-17, drawing participation from the five missions within SePUM’s territory: Davao Mission (DM), Northern Davao Mission (NDM), South Central Mindanao Mission (SCMM), Southeastern Caraga Mission (SeCM), and Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM).

This vital continuing education program for financial managers at our regional headquarters featured insightful presentations from esteemed speakers. It aimed to enhance the financial management skills and stewardship practices of our staff.

Ma’am Irene Endino Alboria, CPA, SePUM Accountant, delivered two key presentations. The first was an overview of accounting work, which provided a comprehensive understanding of accounting responsibilities within the mission. She also emphasized Protecting God’s Treasury and the importance of safeguarding church finances.

Ma’am Cherry Anne Sotto, SePUM Receiving Cashier/Accountant, addressed the Tools and Assets Accountability (Inventory), tackling critical issues regarding the management and accountability of tools and assets.

Ma’am Meldy Cole, SePUM Assistant Treasurer, shared valuable insights on Retirement Overview, highlighting the need for attention and support for retired workers who have served the organization and Maximizing Excel by teaching practical Excel shortcuts to make financial tasks more efficient.

Elder Esmiraldo Cantila Jr., SePUM Associate Treasurer, introduced the Sunplus Accounting System. He explains this mission-driven denominational network that provides and continuously improves a globally applicable financial management system. This reconfigured software integrates the Query & Analysis Reporting Tool and Adventist Payroll System software currently used by our offices. He also explained the Cube Analysis, a rapid multi-dimensional data analysis data structure.

SePUM administrators, including Pr. Danielo Palomares (President), Pr. Edwin Magdadaro (Executive Secretary) and Sir Lawrence Lamera (Treasurer) actively participated in the workshop and provided the delegates with much-needed moral and spiritual support.

Leviticus 27:30 reminds us: “A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy.” As faithful stewards, we deliver these resources to advance His work.

Our spiritual guide, Mrs. Ellen G. White, offers this important reminder:

“God’s people are called to a work that requires money and consecration. The obligations resting upon us hold us responsible for working for God to the utmost of our ability. He calls for undivided service, for the entire devotion of heart, soul, mind, and strength… The Lord designs that the means entrusted to us shall be used in building up His kingdom. His goods are entrusted to His stewards that they may be carefully traded upon and bring back a revenue to Him in the saving of souls. These souls, in turn, will become stewards of trust, cooperating with Christ to further the interests of God’s cause.” (Counsels on Stewardship, 35:3, 4)

As we continue our journey in financial management, let us uphold these principles of Stewardship, transparency, and accountability. Together, we can ensure that our resources are managed wisely and used effectively for the Adventist Church’s growth and mission.