For Roxan Mae Batic, Certified Accounting Technician, numbers have always been more than figures on a page—they’ve been part of her life since childhood.
“My interest in accounting started at a very young age. Even when I was around four years old, I enjoyed working with numbers and staying organized,” she tells Financial Adviser PH. “I remember helping my mother manage our family’s finances—we had small businesses, and I would often take the initiative to count sales and keep track of the money.”
That early exposure to problem-solving and detail-oriented work sparked a passion that grew stronger through her studies and career. From audit fieldwork to payroll and real estate, her path reflects persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to growth.
Building a strong foundation
Choosing to major in accounting was the first big step. It gave Roxan the foundation she needed to enter the profession with confidence. She later expanded her expertise by pursuing a degree in real estate management, eventually earning licenses as a Real Estate Appraiser and Broker.
She also gained early, practical experience as an audit junior, where she quickly stood out. “I had the opportunity to mentor audit juniors and often take on responsibilities similar to an audit in-charge for several clients,” she recalls. That experience not only sharpened her technical skills but also built her confidence to take on more complex assignments.
Growth through experience
Roxan’s career has evolved significantly since those first audit roles. From handling prominent clients as a senior auditor to moving into finance within the BPO industry, she has consistently broadened her skill set.
While working in audit, she pursued additional qualifications—including passing the Certified Tax Technician exam offered by PACTT. Later, she transitioned to her current role as a payroll associate, where she applies both her audit background and accounting expertise in a wider financial context.
Each stage of her journey has given her the chance to adapt, learn, and refine her craft.
Overcoming early challenges
Like many young professionals, Roxan faced steep learning curves at the start. Audit fieldwork was demanding, deadlines were tight, and living in Cebu City for the first time brought its own hurdles—including homesickness and a language barrier.
“As a junior auditor, I faced complex tasks such as preparing working papers, which required not only strong technical knowledge but also excellent organizational and time management skills,” she says.
To overcome these challenges, Roxan sought guidance from her managers, leaned on colleagues and friends, and continuously invested in her technical knowledge. Over time, she developed systems for prioritizing and managing her workload efficiently. This not only improved the quality of her work but also built her confidence, enabling her to mentor others down the line.
Values shaped by the profession
For Roxan, accounting is more than numbers—it’s a discipline rooted in values.
“Working in accounting has really shaped my core professional values and the way I lead,” she explains. “This field requires accuracy, honesty, and responsibility—values that I strongly believe in.”
As she gained more experience, her leadership style matured. She discovered that effective leadership means patience, transparency, and creating a supportive environment where people can grow. She continues to mentor juniors, setting an example of accountability and integrity.
Passion, purpose, and giving back
What keeps her motivated is the impact accounting has on organizational success. “I’m passionate about working as an accounting technician and in finance because I enjoy solving complex problems and contributing to an organization’s financial success,” she says.
Roxan also gives back to the profession through mentorship and tutoring. She offers free guidance to aspiring professionals, helping them deepen their skills and build confidence. “Helping others not only contributes to their success but also strengthens the industry as a whole,” she explains.
NIAT as a career milestone
Pursuing certification through the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) became a turning point in her journey.
“I chose to pursue certification through NIAT to recognize my skills and strengthen my professional credibility,” she says. “Friends recommended the organization for its valuable seminars, lectures, and practical experiences.”
The certification opened new doors, boosted her confidence, and reinforced her commitment to continuous learning. “It has been a key factor in my professional development and growth,” she adds.
Her advice to others is clear: “Take the leap. NIAT strengthens your skills, provides great learning resources, and enhances your career prospects. Stay dedicated to improving yourself, and let this certification be a key step in your growth.”
The takeaway
From a little girl helping her mother balance sales to a professional balancing financial reports, Roxan Mae Batic’s story is a reminder that passion and discipline can shape a career that lasts. By combining integrity, continuous learning, and a willingness to help others, she proves that accounting is not just about numbers—it’s about making an impact that endures.
