When Mecy Cuizon looks back on her journey, the path she took wasn’t one she initially wanted—yet it became the one that defined her. She dreamed of becoming a doctor, but financial struggles made that impossible. Coming from a broken family with five siblings, she had no choice but to enroll in a local college offering limited courses. She ended up pursuing a degree in Accounting Information Systems, a non-board course that she admitted was never her first choice.
But sometimes, the roads we never plan to take lead us exactly where we need to be. Despite her doubts, Mecy excelled. She graduated with Latin honors, even leading her batch, and landed a teaching job at the same institution just a week after finishing college. It was then she realized that her circumstances—though difficult—had shaped her resilience.
“I lacked qualifications, I lacked experience, I even lacked papers since my transcript wasn’t ready,” she said in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. “But I believed that God wouldn’t give me the opportunity if He didn’t see me fit. So, I gave my all—and I made it.”
From Doubts to Defining Moments
The turning point came when Mecy discovered the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) through a TikTok video. Curious, she explored the certification path and learned she could take the exam online. Without telling anyone, she studied, reviewed, and worked at the same time. When she finally passed the Level 2 exam, she revealed the news to her peers only after receiving the results.
That moment changed everything. Her certification gave her the confidence she had once lacked and opened doors for her within her institution. Her role expanded from being an instructor to Research Coordinator and payroll checker designate. She was entrusted with crafting compliance documents for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a responsibility that made her realize just how much she had grown.
Lessons From Early Challenges
Mecy admits the transition wasn’t easy. Handling payroll accuracy, deadlines, and compliance requirements left her overwhelmed at first. “It was hard to maintain 100% accuracy of the payroll sheet at first, but I learned to strategize along the way,” she explained. Over time, she developed systems to make her tasks more efficient and strengthened her communication skills with colleagues to handle the pressure.
Those experiences taught her two critical values: accuracy and integrity. “Being a payroll checker taught me how crucial integrity is,” she said. “As a research coordinator, I learned how important sound decision-making is.” These roles shaped her leadership style—keen on details, open to collaboration, and always guided by integrity.
Passion Fueled by Purpose
For Mecy, accounting isn’t just a profession—it’s a means of survival and a tool for impact. Growing up poor, she knows how financial stability can change lives. That’s why she sees accounting as an opportunity to provide for her family, send her siblings to school, and eventually build the dream home her family once didn’t have.
But beyond her personal goals, she finds fulfillment in inspiring others. “The most fulfilling part of being an accounting technician is inspiring young and poor learners like I once was,” she said. “More than having the title, it’s the chance to inspire others to be more and strive better.”
Giving Back and Paying It Forward
Mecy also makes it a point to give back. As a part-time college instructor, she shares what she has learned in both the classroom and the industry. She even encourages her students to pursue NIAT certification, offering to guide them through the process.
Her advice to aspiring professionals is simple but powerful: “Pursue it. It may seem difficult at first, but trust yourself that you can, and you surely will. Of course, don’t forget to pray and ask for guidance.”
Growth Through NIAT
Earning her NIAT Level 2 Certification as a Registered Cost Accountant has been life-changing. It gave her confidence, elevated her role at work, and validated her skills. More importantly, it gave her the assurance that she belonged in the profession she once doubted was right for her.
“Becoming a member of NIAT is life-changing,” she emphasized. “It opens doors of opportunities and allows you to grow professionally and personally. It’s a very good investment.”
Moving Forward With Confidence
Mecy’s journey is proof that even when dreams don’t unfold the way we imagined, determination can turn detours into opportunities. From growing up in poverty to becoming a respected educator, researcher, and Certified Accounting Technician, her story reflects perseverance and purpose.
Her advice to others resonates deeply: challenges may be overwhelming, but with faith, discipline, and resilience, they can become steppingstones to something greater.
