On November 22, 2024, Frontline Accounting made its mark at the PICPA Davao Annual Convention. It was Frontline’s first time attending, yet the team arrived like seasoned veterans, prepared, excited, and eager to share our story. Mark Cottle, our charismatic CEO, took the stage, delivering a speech that will long be remembered by the crowd of accountants and professionals gathered there.
Mark’s words carried the weight of experience and the lightness of humor. He spoke of humble beginnings—Frontline’s birth from scratch in a small office. He painted vivid pictures of the early days, sharing old photos of a small team with big dreams.
With warmth and candor, he credited his girlfriend, Cherry, for being a steadfast supporter through the ups and downs. He praised Jon, his co-founder and lifelong mate, for being his constant partner in this ambitious journey.
And then, Mark did something unexpected…
Before diving into his speech, Mark began by addressing the audience in Tagalog. The crowd, caught off guard by the tall, white CEO speaking in the local language, was taken aback.
Yet, as Mark continued, speaking fluently and confidently in Tagalog, any confusion quickly transformed into admiration. It wasn’t just a surprise—it was a moment of connection.
The audience was captivated.
Mark then transitioned into sharing his message: "Future-Proof Your Career – In a World That Moves Too Fast." He spoke of resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace change.
His words resonated deeply, offering a blueprint for navigating the unpredictable tides of the modern workforce. His speech became the standout of the day, not just because of his delivery, but because of the raw authenticity he brought to the stage.
The event had its star-studded moments too. The Philippines’ Vice President, Sara Duterte, spoke just before Mark, setting the tone for what felt like an introduction to Frontline.
By the end of the day, Mark was more than just a speaker—he was a celebrity among the crowd. Attendees eagerly approached him for photos and selfies, shook his hand, exchanged stories, and shared laughs.
The Power of Connection
One of the day’s highlights was the engagement we received. We shared a QR code linking to our Offshore or Die book, and the response was overwhelming.
It was a moment that reinforced why we do what we do—to share knowledge, spark change, and empower others.
As the day closed, Frontline Accounting, Our CEO Mark Cottle the rest of the speakers received a PICPA book for 100 years and an eagle-shaped trophy, a nod to the Philippines’ national bird and a symbol of soaring ambition. It felt like a fitting end to weeks of late nights, relentless preparation, and unyielding teamwork.
A Journey Beyond the Stage
The team’s journey didn’t end at the conference. After the event, our Offshore BPO staff joined us in Davao for a special gathering.
In a heartfelt show of camaraderie, our BPO staff from both Davao and Cebu, some staff traveled two hours to join the team at Dusit Thani Hotel, where the team had arranged a dinner to bring everyone together.
Leading the team at the PICPA Davao Annual Convention was our CEO, Mark, who was joined by a stellar lineup of key Frontline representatives: his daughter, Monique; our Country Director for the Philippines, Cherry; our Country Director for the UK, Mark McNee; our Senior HR Manager, Ciara; Marketing Manager, Jandy; and Senior Accountant, Jam.
Together, they represented the heart and soul of Frontline, embodying the passion and dedication that drive the company forward.
The dinner was an evening filled with connection and celebration. Mark and the team shared stories, laughed, and reflected on the incredible milestones Frontline has achieved.
The gathering wasn’t just a dinner—it was a testament to the strength of our community and the commitment we share to grow and thrive together.
The effort and dedication of everyone involved, traveling miles to come together, highlighted the true spirit of Frontline: a team that goes the distance, both figuratively and literally, to support and celebrate one another.
The Frontline Story
Frontline’s story is a tale of visionaries who dared to rewrite the rules of accounting. Over more than a decade ago, Mark and Jon looked beyond borders, offshoring their work to the Philippines from day one. What began as a solution for their firm quickly became a lifeline for others.
Today, Frontline Accounting is a multi-awarded offshore provider, with a global reach.
Our mission is simple: to Solve Capacity Issues for Accounting Firms with our Premium Offshore Services.
We’ve grown from a small team to an international powerhouse, all while staying true to the values that shaped us.
Looking Forward
The PICPA Davao Annual Convention was more than an event—it was a milestone, a celebration, and a launching pad for what’s next. To the team, the connections made, and the shared triumphs, we raise a toast.
Here’s to the journey ahead, to daring boldly, and to never forgetting where it all began.
Marketing Team
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