For James Arvin Ronquillo, Certified Accounting Technician, career growth in accounting did not start with complex tax structures or high-level advisory work. It began with mastering the fundamentals—bookkeeping, cost accounting, and payroll—and treating them not as routine tasks, but as the backbone of the profession.
Early in his journey, James recognized the importance of the three core accounting technician certifications: Certified Bookkeeper, Registered Cost Accountant, and Certified Accounting Technician. To him, these credentials were not optional add-ons, but essential building blocks for anyone serious about establishing a career in accounting.
Becoming an accounting technician gave him a deeper understanding of the bookkeeping process, especially in more intricate areas such as cost allocation and payroll accounting. These skills proved immediately practical. While still building his academic and professional credentials, he began offering freelance accounting services and took on responsibilities as Vice President for Finance in his school organization—roles that allowed him to apply theory to real financial decisions.
A major turning point came during his board exam years, when James deliberately pursued multiple certifications to strengthen his technical foundation. These credentials gave him the confidence to practice accounting as a side profession even before joining PwC, where he would later grow into a senior tax practitioner. The Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) certification, in particular, played a crucial role in developing his familiarity with accounts, systems, and transaction flows.
As his career progressed, James transitioned from freelance accounting, moderation, and student teaching into tax and transfer pricing practice within a Big 4 firm. While his work became more specialized and sophisticated, he never lost sight of where it all began. “Simple bookkeeping and accounting entries,” he reflects, “are still the foundation of everything I do today.”
His journey highlights a key lesson for aspiring professionals: technical mastery of the basics creates confidence, flexibility, and long-term career resilience. For James, success in accounting was not about skipping steps—it was about fully understanding each one.
