When Ronald Cammagay Sapatan joined the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc. (CARD, Inc.) as an Internal Auditor in 2018, he didn’t know that the role would spark a deep commitment to both financial accuracy and social responsibility. Working in a microfinance institution that serves communities across the Philippines, Ronald quickly realized that numbers are never just numbers—they represent livelihoods, trust, and the future of families.
A Career Built in Audit and Risk
Ronald’s early years were spent in the trenches of internal audit, poring over branch-level financial statements, investigating irregularities, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. The role was demanding, but it sharpened his eye for detail and taught him that financial integrity is non-negotiable.
By 2023, his diligence earned him a promotion to Internal Audit Officer (Data Analyst). In this capacity, he took on broader responsibilities, including financial statement analysis and fraud detection across CARD’s nationwide network. Integrating data analytics into audit work became his specialty, allowing him to detect red flags faster and ensure transparency.
“The shift to data-driven auditing has changed everything,” Ronald explains. “We’re no longer just reviewing past performance—we’re preventing problems before they escalate.”
Lessons From the Microfinance Sector
Working in microfinance left a lasting impression on Ronald. Unlike corporate finance roles that focus strictly on profits, his work directly impacts underserved communities. Each audit decision can influence how resources are distributed, how risks are managed, and ultimately, how sustainable an institution remains for its members.
This perspective reinforced his belief that ethical standards and accountability must be at the heart of financial management. “We’re entrusted with resources that affect vulnerable populations,” he says. “That kind of responsibility demands transparency and integrity at all times.”
Leadership Through Collaboration
As his career advanced, Ronald also grew into leadership. He doesn’t see leadership as simply directing a team; for him, it means cultivating collaboration and trust.
In 2023, he helped pioneer the rollout of advanced fraud detection systems across CARD’s branches. Coordinating between audit, IT, and operations teams, he spearheaded the integration of analytics tools that strengthened fraud prevention and improved operational efficiency.
“Fraud detection is not just about catching mistakes—it’s about building systems that protect the institution and its members,” he reflects.
Mentoring aspiring auditors is also close to his heart. Ronald emphasizes the importance of discipline, curiosity, and ethical judgment, guiding junior professionals to see beyond the numbers and understand the real-world consequences of their work.
Investing in Professional Growth
While his career was progressing steadily, Ronald knew that continuous learning was essential. To strengthen his expertise, he pursued the Certified Financial Management Professional (CFMP) credential.
Balancing full-time audit responsibilities with preparation for the program was a challenge, but Ronald treated it as an opportunity to stretch himself. He immersed in advanced topics such as strategic planning, risk management, and financial analysis—knowledge he immediately applied in his audit role.
“Earning the CFMP credential wasn’t just about passing an exam,” Ronald says. “It gave me confidence to engage in bigger conversations—how financial management ties into strategy, how we align risk controls with long-term growth. It connected the dots between audit and leadership.”
Looking Ahead
Today, Ronald is recognized within his organization as both a diligent auditor and a forward-looking finance professional. His expertise lies not only in spotting anomalies but also in using insights to guide decision-making and strengthen institutional trust.
His advice to younger finance professionals is clear: “Never stop learning. Technical skills are important, but integrity and adaptability are what will sustain you. Numbers tell a story, but how you interpret and communicate that story makes the real difference.”
For Ronald, the journey continues. Whether through advanced certifications, mentoring, or pioneering data-driven approaches in internal audit, he is determined to keep pushing the boundaries of what financial management can achieve.
At its core, his story is a reminder that finance is not only about managing money—it’s about protecting trust, shaping institutions, and creating opportunities for communities that need it most.
