For many people, accounting is seen as a technical profession—focused on reports, balances, and deadlines. But for Keana Patricia Reyes, a Registered Cost Accountant and Certified Bookkeeper, the profession represents something far more personal: discipline, integrity, and the quiet responsibility of getting things right even when no one is watching.
Her understanding of accounting did not begin with confidence. It was shaped through struggle, persistence, and real-life application—both in school and beyond.
Early in her academic journey, accounting was challenging. The shift to online learning during the pandemic made it even harder. There were moments when concepts did not click, quizzes resulted in zero scores, and self-doubt crept in. But instead of allowing these moments to define her, she treated them as signals to improve.
“I reminded myself that every difficulty was temporary,” she shares. “What mattered was how I responded to it.”
That mindset carried over into her professional life.
As she transitioned from student to working professional, she quickly realized that accounting is not just about accuracy—it is about accountability. Every entry, every approval, and every reconciliation carries consequences that affect people, businesses, and decisions.
Now working as an Accounts Payable Associate for a leading real estate developer, she sees firsthand how financial data shapes operations. Accuracy is not optional. Transparency is not negotiable. Each task contributes to a system built on trust.
“Accounting taught me that responsibility doesn’t end with finishing a task,” she explains. “It continues in how that information is used.”
Her professional values are grounded in three core principles: discipline, integrity, and consistency. Discipline helps her manage tight timelines and long workdays. Integrity ensures that her work remains honest and reliable. Consistency builds confidence—both in herself and among the people she works with.
Beyond the technical side, accounting also reshaped how she views leadership. While still early in her career, she believes leadership starts with personal responsibility—showing up prepared, being accountable for mistakes, and continuously improving skills.
She carries these values beyond the office. As a working professional pursuing an MBA at Mapúa University in collaboration with Arizona State University, she balances work, study, and personal growth with careful time management. Long commutes, demanding schedules, and academic pressure have strengthened her resilience rather than weakened it.
What keeps her motivated is not recognition or titles, but purpose.
“I know that what I do contributes to something bigger,” she says. “It helps organizations make sound decisions and operate with transparency.”
That sense of purpose fuels her passion for continuous learning. She actively pursues certifications, attends seminars, and encourages peers—especially students and fresh graduates—to invest in their professional development. Having once doubted herself, she understands how powerful encouragement can be at the right moment.
She believes that accounting is not a destination, but a foundation—one that supports growth, entrepreneurship, and long-term stability. Her experience running a small business during the pandemic reinforced this belief, showing her how financial discipline translates into real-world impact.
For Keana, success is not measured by speed, but by progress.
“Every day is an opportunity to become better,” she reflects. “Even small improvements matter.”
In a profession often misunderstood as rigid or purely numerical, she sees accounting as deeply human—rooted in trust, responsibility, and the discipline to do things right.
And for this young Registered Cost Accountant, that discipline has become the bridge between who she once doubted she could be—and the professional she continues to grow into.
