Chique Palomares didn’t originally choose accounting on her own.
“I took up Accountancy, initially influenced by my family,” she says.
But what started as a practical decision gradually turned into something more personal. Through her internship, early work experience, and even managing her own small business, she began to see how accounting works beyond the classroom.
“Over time, I developed a genuine interest… especially when I saw how important accounting is in keeping finances organized and supporting business growth,” she explains.
That shift in perspective led her to pursue the field more seriously—eventually becoming both a Certified Bookkeeper and a Registered Cost Accountant, while working toward her long-term goal of becoming a full accountant and building an international career.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For Palomares, some of the most important lessons didn’t come from textbooks—they came from experience.
“Some pivotal moments in my journey were my internship and my experience as an accounting staff, where I applied my knowledge and developed practical skills,” she says.
Managing her own small business also gave her a different view of accounting.
“It showed me how accounting supports growth and decision-making,” she adds.
These real-world experiences helped her connect theory with practice, making the work more meaningful and easier to understand.
Growing Into Bigger Responsibilities
Her role has steadily evolved over time.
“My role has grown from learning basic accounting in school to applying it during my internship, as an accounting staff and CFO,” she says.
With each step, she gained more responsibility—handling financial records, supporting decision-making, and ensuring that information is accurate and useful.
That progression helped her become more confident and capable in managing financial tasks.
Adjusting to Real-World Work
Like many in the field, Palomares faced challenges early on—especially when transitioning from theory to actual work.
“One of my main challenges was adjusting from theory to real-world tasks, especially ensuring accuracy,” she says.
The solution was simple but effective.
“I overcame this by asking questions, learning from my supervisors, and consistently practicing,” she explains.
Over time, that consistency helped her improve both her accuracy and efficiency.
Building Values Through Experience
Accounting shaped more than just her technical skills—it shaped how she works.
“My experience emphasized accuracy, integrity, and accountability in every financial decision,” she says.
As a CFO, these values guide her leadership style. She focuses on clear, reliable financial information and uses data to support decisions that drive business growth.
“I focus on guiding decisions based on data… and fostering a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement,” she adds.
Finding Purpose in the Work
What keeps Palomares motivated is seeing the direct impact of her work.
“What keeps me passionate is seeing how accurate accounting and sound financial management directly impact business growth,” she says.
For her, accounting is not just about organizing numbers—it’s about helping businesses operate better and plan for the future.
“The most fulfilling part is knowing that my work directly supports business growth and decision-making,” she explains.
Staying Focused Under Pressure
Accounting often comes with deadlines and complex tasks, but she keeps her approach simple.
“I stay motivated by breaking tasks into manageable steps and focusing on one thing at a time,” she says.
She also keeps the bigger picture in mind—knowing that accurate work leads to better decisions.
“Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow professionally,” she adds.
Giving Back and Growing Forward
As she continues to grow, Palomares also supports others in the field.
“I share my experience with junior colleagues and interns, helping them understand practical accounting processes,” she says.
At the same time, she invests in her own development by staying updated on accounting standards, attending workshops, and gaining hands-on experience.
“This combination of learning and application helps me continuously develop,” she explains.
A Career Built Through Experience
Looking back, Palomares’ career wasn’t built on one big moment—it was shaped by consistent learning, real-world experience, and a willingness to take on responsibility.
From student to CFO, her journey shows how accounting becomes more meaningful when it’s applied in real situations.
Because in the end, it’s not just about knowing the numbers—it’s about using them to build something that grows.
