When Lourd Gil Domingo was about to enter college, he wasn’t entirely sure which course to take. Like many students at that stage, he wrestled with uncertainty about his future. But one thing he remembered clearly from high school was his answer whenever someone asked what he wanted to be: “I wanted to become a CPA.”
That dream—although not yet realized in the form of a CPA license—became the compass that guided his career in accounting. Today, Domingo is not only the accountant for Isabela Zen Hotel and Restaurant Corp. in Santiago City, Isabela, but also a Certified Accounting Technician (CAT). His story, as shared in an interview with Financial Adviser PH, is a testament to how determination, professional values, and an enduring passion for numbers can carve out a successful career path even amid uncertainty.
From Doubt to Direction
Domingo’s entry into the accounting world was not straightforward. He admits that during his early years in college, he wasn’t entirely confident in his chosen path. “At first, I was hesitant,” he recalled. But the deeper he went into his studies, the more he realized he enjoyed the discipline. “It will test your ability to analyze data and be skeptical about details,” he said.
This analytical mindset became the foundation of his professional journey. For Domingo, accounting wasn’t just about crunching numbers. It was about transforming raw data into meaningful information that leaders could use to make decisions. That ability—to see beyond numbers and contribute to business growth—sparked a deep sense of purpose.
Pivotal Breakthroughs
Like many fresh graduates, Domingo faced challenges breaking into the industry. Without professional experience and not yet a CPA, he thought job opportunities might be scarce. But pivotal moments soon reshaped that belief.
His first role was with the accounting office of a local government unit. The work gave him practical exposure, but it wasn’t until he transitioned into the private sector that his potential was fully recognized. “When I was employed in an accounting firm in the province, they recognized my skills and credentials. I was even surprised when colleagues joked that I was the highest-paid employee,” he shared with Financial Adviser PH.
The recognition boosted his confidence and proved that employers valued his competence, work ethic, and ability to add value. That experience propelled him to where he is today—leading accounting operations in the hotel and restaurant industry as a Certified Accounting Technician.
Building Processes, Leading People
Now as an accountant in hospitality, Domingo has expanded his role beyond bookkeeping and financial reports. One of his proudest contributions has been designing and implementing internal controls. In particular, he created an inventory process tailored to the restaurant business, which he described as “very crucial” in ensuring efficiency and profitability.
“The most fulfilling part of being an accounting technician,” he explained, “is that you get to help your employer succeed. It’s rewarding to know you’ve been part of a company’s growth because of the processes and systems you put in place.”
Aside from systems, Domingo has also embraced leadership. He mentors his staff in accounting procedures and tax compliance, while also sharing insights with managers across departments. This willingness to guide others, he said, is his way of giving back to the industry that has shaped him.
Passion as the Driving Force
What keeps him passionate about accounting, despite the long hours and high-pressure projects? For Domingo, the answer is simple: purpose.
“I love it when I can transform data into information that helps management make decisions,” he said. Whenever complex challenges arise, he draws motivation from his core values and the reasons he started the journey in the first place. “Knowing the reason why you started will humble you and motivate you more to excel,” he emphasized.
This mindset has allowed him to thrive, even in demanding environments. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, Domingo views them as opportunities to grow.
Lessons for Aspiring Professionals
Domingo’s journey underscores an important lesson for young professionals: uncertainty at the start doesn’t define where you will end up. For those considering careers in accounting or finance, he encourages continuous learning. “In a world where change is constant, we need to study further, earn additional training, and keep improving,” he said.
His story also highlights the importance of passion in sustaining a career. While technical skills matter, the drive to contribute to something larger than yourself—like helping a company succeed—can be the key to long-term fulfillment.
A Career Built on Purpose
From a student unsure of what course to take to a professional shaping systems in the hospitality sector, Domingo’s path is proof that clarity often comes after the leap of faith. What started as uncertainty transformed into a meaningful career anchored on passion, resilience, and the determination to add value wherever he worked.
As he reflected in his interview with Financial Adviser PH, “Just continue to dream higher and bigger.” His journey as a Certified Accounting Technician shows that with perseverance and purpose, even an uncertain beginning can lead to a career worth celebrating.
