Becoming a leader sounds like the next logical step in any high-performing finance career. But when Michelle Maralit, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia), stepped into her first leadership role, she quickly realized: it’s a whole different game.
“I went from focusing purely on financial management to balancing strategic finance planning, operations, and people management,” Michelle told Financial Adviser PH. “It was no longer just about the numbers—I had to think about the bigger picture.”
From Specialist to Strategist
Michelle’s leap into leadership meant she had to redefine her identity as a finance professional. It wasn’t about being the best at forecasting or budgeting anymore — it was about helping teams see the bigger picture and execute long-term strategy.
“Finance professionals today are not just number crunchers; we’re business partners, decision-makers, and leaders,” she said. That meant communicating clearly, influencing across departments, and leading with impact.
The Toughest Challenge? Leading People
For Michelle, one of the hardest (and most unexpected) transitions was managing a diverse team. “Navigating this transition while leading a team was a huge challenge,” she admitted.
She had to develop a leadership style that worked for her — one rooted in empathy, flexibility, and a deep understanding of cross-functional business needs.
What Future Leaders Need to Know
So what’s Michelle’s advice for those eyeing the corner office?
“The key is to stay open to learning, embrace new perspectives, and trust yourself to grow into the role,” she says. Leadership isn’t just about skills — it’s about mindset and maturity.
The Bottom Line
Making the shift from finance expert to finance leader requires more than just a promotion. It’s a complete evolution. And for Michelle, it’s one that continues to push her to lead, learn, and level up—every single day.
