Titles may not always determine your worth, but the journey to earn them can shape how you lead and inspire others. That has been true for Yvonne Rochelle Ofielda-Noche, a CPA and Certified Accounting Technician whose career stretches across government service, teaching, and leadership in the accounting profession.
“I became a Certified Public Accountant in May 2012 and landed my first job a month later,” she recalls in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. “Later, I moved into government and pursued my MBA while teaching part-time. It was only years after, in 2018, that I discovered the CAT program and realized its potential—especially for students who might not pursue the CPA track but still wanted to build strong careers in accounting.”
Building a career across sectors
From her first role as an Accounting Assistant in real estate to her transition into public sector accounting and audit, Ofielda-Noche has seen both the “best and the worst” of the profession.
Her current role in government focuses on disbursements, audits, cash accountabilities, inventories, and compliance with laws and regulations—work that demands both technical rigor and ethical courage. “This profession is not for the faint of heart,” she says. “It demands patience and diligence to meet expectations, and at the same time, courage to face the pressures and unpredictability that often come with tight deadlines.”
Despite the challenges, she views every experience as part of her growth, from teaching in classrooms to auditing government systems.
Lessons from pivotal moments
One turning point came when she enrolled in the NIAT Program for Certified Accounting Technicians. She passed all three levels consecutively—Certified Bookkeeper, Registered Cost Accountant, and Certified Accounting Technician—just as she was transitioning to a new workplace.
“Although titles like these are not officially considered in government service, I still believe the journey has been meaningful,” she explains. “It became even more fulfilling when I saw my former students taking the CAT exam years after I introduced it to them. That, to me, is a true measure of influence.”
For Ofielda-Noche, the most rewarding part is not just the title, but the ripple effect it created among students and peers who followed her lead.
Shaped by challenges and values
Her early years in government taught her some of the toughest lessons about trust and integrity. “Regardless of how competent or well-intentioned people may seem in the workplace, various factors can still lead to negative situations,” she says. These trials strengthened her resolve to remain grounded in honesty and discernment, values she continues to uphold today.
Integrity has become her anchor—“there’s a thin line between simply appearing good and genuinely being true,” she says. That mindset extends to her leadership as President of PICPA Occidental Mindoro Chapter, where she practices servant leadership and champions social responsibility.
“I believe in leading by example,” she adds. “Beyond showcasing achievements, we focus on creating opportunities for members to share their blessings and feel genuinely valued.”
Finding passion in service
Though she stepped away from corporate life years ago, her role in government allows her to contribute directly to nation-building. “I take pride in being someone who helps ensure that public funds are properly managed and safeguarded,” she says.
Teaching also remains close to her heart. While she no longer lectures regularly, she hopes to return to the classroom one day. “Someday, I want to continue the legacy of those who once served as my role models,” she reflects.
Her source of strength during high-pressure projects? Prayer. “Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I pause and turn to prayer—seeking strength and guidance,” she explains. “It helps me return to work with renewed focus and deeper commitment.”
Giving back through mentorship
As both a leader and mentor, Ofielda-Noche believes in celebrating small wins and hands-on guidance. She prefers putting people in roles where they feel needed and important, knowing that fulfillment fuels motivation.
“Appreciating each other’s contributions creates a healthy and positive atmosphere,” she says. “When people feel their work matters, the success becomes shared.”
The NIAT milestone
Earning her CAT certification in 2018 was more than just professional development—it was also a personal challenge. She recalls traveling over 10 hours every week for nine weeks from Occidental Mindoro to Ortigas just to attend sessions.
“The taxation portion of the exam was particularly tough for me,” she admits. “But perhaps it was the payroll part that saved me that time.”
Despite being a CPA, she found the journey refreshing. “Preparing for the certification felt like going back to where it all began,” she says.
The reward went beyond credentials. The program enhanced her teaching, sharpened her technical skills, and gave her access to free trainings and webinars—especially during the pandemic.
Advice to aspiring professionals
Her message to young accountants is clear: “CPA or not, you have a place in NIAT. What matters most is your openness to learning and your willingness to embrace challenges with a grateful heart.”
She also stresses the importance of support systems, crediting her mother and husband for their encouragement during the demanding months of travel and exams.
“There is truly a purpose for everything,” she says. “I hope my story inspires others to pursue their own paths with courage and purpose. Growth will always lead us toward better opportunities and more meaningful directions in our careers.”
