Giovanni Perez’s journey into accounting did not begin with a dramatic turning point. It started with something quieter—but enduring: a natural interest in numbers, structure, and problem-solving.
“My journey into accounting started with a natural interest in numbers, organization, and problem-solving,” he says. “I was inspired by how accounting goes beyond recording transactions—it builds trust, ensures accuracy, and helps organizations make smarter decisions.”
That understanding shaped his decision to pursue the accounting technician path—a profession where discipline and responsibility matter as much as technical skill.
Strengthening the foundation early
One of the most pivotal moments in his career came when he chose to invest seriously in professional credentials. Rather than relying solely on experience, Perez focused on building credibility through certification.
“Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper, Registered Cost Accountant, Certified Accounting Technician, and a Bookkeeping NC III passer gave me credibility and opened new doors,” he explains.
Those credentials became the foundation of a career that would eventually span industries and borders. As he gained experience in real estate and construction accounting, he developed strong expertise in project accounting, cost control, and compliance—areas where precision is non-negotiable.
Today, with seven years of accounting experience, he works abroad as a Senior Project Accountant at Surangel and Son’s Company, applying both technical discipline and leadership on complex projects.
Growing from task-based work to leadership
Perez’s role evolved steadily over time. He began with core bookkeeping responsibilities—maintaining ledgers, reconciling accounts, and ensuring accuracy at the transactional level. As his experience grew, so did the scope of his work.
“Over the years, I advanced into preparing financial statements, cost analysis, and compliance responsibilities,” he says.
His exposure to real estate and construction accounting allowed him to specialize in project-based financial management, where timing, budgeting, and accountability intersect. Now, in a senior role, he oversees complex financial operations while also mentoring junior professionals.
“That transition taught me that accounting is not just about producing reports,” he adds. “It’s about supporting decision-making and long-term sustainability.”
Learning to manage pressure without losing accuracy
Like many professionals early in their careers, Perez faced challenges balancing speed and precision.
“I struggled with managing strict deadlines while maintaining accuracy,” he recalls.
He addressed this by strengthening his organizational systems, prioritizing tasks effectively, and fully utilizing accounting software. Another challenge was building confidence in presenting financial data—something he overcame through repetition, feedback, and continuous professional development.
Each challenge reinforced a lesson that continues to guide him: accuracy is not optional, even under pressure.
Integrity as a leadership principle
Years in accounting shaped Perez’s professional values—and, eventually, his leadership style.
“Accounting has shaped me to value integrity, accountability, and transparency,” he says.
Those principles guide how he works with teams today. His leadership approach is supportive yet detail-oriented, emphasizing ethical standards while encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
For him, leadership is not about authority, but reliability—being someone others can trust with critical financial information.
Purpose beyond the numbers
What keeps Perez passionate about the profession is the tangible impact of his work.
“Every report, every reconciliation, and every analysis plays a part in sustainable growth,” he says. “Knowing that gives me purpose.”
During high-pressure projects, he stays grounded by breaking work into manageable steps and focusing on the bigger picture. Collaboration with colleagues also plays a key role in maintaining focus and perspective.
“Accurate, timely work can make a real difference for an organization,” he explains.
Giving back through mentorship
Perez believes professional growth comes with responsibility. As his career progressed, mentoring became a natural extension of his role.
“I mentor junior colleagues by sharing my knowledge, especially on both technical and ethical aspects of accounting,” he says.
He also encourages younger professionals to pursue certifications and commit to continuous learning—lessons drawn directly from his own experience.
Certification as a long-term investment
His decision to pursue certification through the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) was deliberate.
“I wanted to establish strong credibility and deepen my technical foundation,” he explains. “NIAT’s certification aligned with my career goals and provided the structured training I needed.”
The impact was immediate. NIAT certification strengthened both his confidence and professional standing, helping him qualify for broader opportunities locally and abroad.
“It validated my skills,” he says. “And employers recognize it as proof of competence.”
A career built on precision and trust
Now a Certified Accounting Technician, along with being a Certified Bookkeeper, Registered Cost Accountant, and Bookkeeping NC III passer, Perez continues to grow through seminars, updated standards, and ongoing professional development.
Looking back, his journey reflects a simple but powerful truth: accounting careers are not built overnight.
They are built through consistency, discipline, and a commitment to doing things right—especially when no one is watching.
For Giovanni Perez, accounting is not just about numbers. It is about trust—and earning it, project by project.
