P&A Grant Thornton (PAGT) has once again solidified its reputation as an employer of choice as it earned the Top 1 spot in Accounting and Advisory company and securing the 12th overall ranking in Prosple’s Top 100 Employers for Fresh Graduates in the Philippines.

“We take immense pride in being recognized by Prosple as the top employer in the Accounting and Advisory category. We believe in equipping fresh graduates with the right tools, experiences, and support to help them build their careers and excel further,” says Atty. Vier D. Aznar, vice chairman and deputy managing partner at PAGT overseeing the People and Culture Group.

“This achievement reflects our continuing efforts to create an environment where professionals feel valued and included. Also, as I have been mentioning in my talks, in PAGT, you do not work ‘for us’; instead, you work ‘with us’; you grow with us,” he adds.

Romualdo V. Murcia III, chairman and managing partner of PAGT, emphasized the Firm’s commitment to talent development.

“Our vision is to be the leading professional services firm that nurtures and empowers our people to reach their full potential and thrive in their careers. This recognition reaffirms our mission to help fresh graduates by providing them with learning opportunities that will shape them into impactful and transformative leaders in the future,” Murcia says.

With a workplace culture that prioritizes continuous learning, meaningful collaboration, and career progression, PAGT dedicated in helping businesses and individuals unlock their full potential.

Top accounting students feted

Meanwhile, the 26th Search for Outstanding Accounting Students in the Philippines (SOASP) concluded on 21 March 2025 at the Makati Diamond Hotel.

Held in collaboration with the PAGT Foundation Inc., the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry, the SOASP continues its mission to recognize and nurture the next generation of accounting professionals.

This year’s competition drew 455 students from 92 schools nationwide, with only 25 making it to the final round. This competition consisted of a 50-item multiple-choice quiz bowl and a question-and-answer portion, each accounting for 50 percent of the final score.

Marjorie Mae Dy from the University of San Carlos claimed the championship title.

Joining Dy in the top five were Hannah Katrina de Vera (2nd place) and Vincent Michael Pacaña (3rd place), both from Kingfisher School of Business and Finance; Raymund Franco Satorre (4th place) from Bulacan State University, and Nicole Valerie Tan (5th place) from the University of the Philippines Diliman. John Elrich Gamboa, also from UP Diliman, received a special award for achieving the highest score in the qualifying exam.

Romualdo V. Murcia III, chairperson of the PGTFI, chairman and managing partner of P&A Grant Thornton, left an inspiring reminder for the finalists: “Remember, this is not just about winning, but about the journey and the growth you’ve experienced along the way. It is important to find joy in the process and let your passion shine through. Because when you love what you do, success naturally follows.”

Atty. Olivier D. Aznar, vice chairman and deputy managing partner of PAGT, emphasizes the values and learnings that the SOASP event teaches the participants, “SOASP is not just about knowledge, passion, persistence, and grit; it is also a platform to learn, grow, and connect with others, while embracing the challenges ahead.”

PICPA president Atty. Roland Café Pondoc commended the finalists as “champions of today,” while ACPACI executive vice president Marvin Madrigalejo described the competition as “a testament to their abilities and skills.”

Now in its 26th year, SOASP remains a cornerstone in developing future leaders in accounting to equip students with expertise, confidence, and integrity.