Career paths don’t always go in straight lines. For Hanz Jude Luigi Villarino, Certified Bookkeeper, the journey started in marketing classrooms but eventually led to balance sheets, trial balances, and certifications that changed his professional future.
“I started out as a Marketing Management student with a strong interest in branding and strategy,” Villarino tells Financial Adviser PH. “But as I went deeper into my course, I realized that every decision in marketing is tied to numbers—budgets, costs, returns. That’s when I became more curious about finance and accounting.”
That curiosity turned into action. Even without an Accountancy degree, he pushed himself to earn certifications from the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) and ICB-UK. What began as a supplement to marketing eventually became a career path he genuinely enjoyed.
A turning point
One pivotal moment came when Villarino passed the CB certification while still in school. Balancing the demands of coursework and exam prep wasn’t easy, but the payoff was clear.
“Once I passed, it felt like all the effort paid off,” he says. “That certification gave me a boost in confidence and made me feel more prepared to take on real work in finance.”
During his internship, that preparation paid off. Assigned to help a small business, Villarino identified mismatches between sales and expenses that had been holding the owner back. His ability to translate classroom knowledge into real-world clarity earned him gratitude—and a sense that his skills could make an impact.
“That experience made me feel like I was really making a difference,” he recalls.
Blending marketing and finance
Villarino’s unique edge comes from his dual background. Marketing gave him creativity and a strategic lens, while bookkeeping gave him structure and discipline.
“I didn’t just record numbers—I asked why the numbers mattered,” he explains.
That mindset shaped how he approached projects in school and later in professional settings. He often handled both the financial side of group assignments and the broader business strategy. Today, that same blend helps him design plans that are not only marketable but financially sound.
Overcoming the steep learning curve
Switching to accounting didn’t come without struggles. Technical concepts like journal entries and reconciliations felt overwhelming at first.
“One of the hardest parts was learning all the technical terms and rules,” Villarino admits. “Since I wasn’t a pure accounting student, I had to catch up.”
To close the gap, he put in extra hours—reviewing modules, watching tutorials, practicing mock problems, and seeking help from Accountancy friends. Step by step, the pieces started to come together.
“I realized it’s okay to struggle as long as you don’t stop trying,” he says.
Lessons in precision and leadership
Accounting didn’t just build Villarino’s technical knowledge; it shaped his values. He learned precision, patience, and integrity—traits that carried into his role as a business and management instructor.
“Accounting teaches you to be precise, patient, and deeply responsible,” he says. “That shaped my values early on.”
As a leader and educator, he now models those traits for others, showing that professionalism isn’t just about technical skill but also about trust and consistency.
Passion for problem-solving
What keeps Villarino motivated is the problem-solving aspect of finance.
“I like figuring out where the numbers went wrong, or how to make sense of data,” he says. “There’s a certain satisfaction in organizing things and making sure everything lines up.”
Even in high-pressure situations, he breaks tasks into smaller pieces and reminds himself of the bigger purpose: helping clients, students, or colleagues gain clarity. Short breaks and reflection keep him grounded during heavy workloads.
Paying it forward
Villarino has made it a point to share his knowledge with others. He mentors classmates, offers review materials, and helps peers navigate the certification process.
“Giving back doesn’t always have to be formal,” he explains. “Sometimes, it’s just about being there when someone needs help understanding a concept or solving a problem.”
His advice to aspiring professionals is simple: go for it. “You don’t need to be an Accountancy major to take the certification. As long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can learn everything step by step.”
The bigger picture
From a marketing student curious about numbers to a Certified Bookkeeper making real impact, Villarino’s journey shows that career pivots can unlock unexpected opportunities.
“Finance might not always be the most visible part of a business, but it’s one of the most crucial,” he says. “Every decision, big or small, is connected to financial health.”
For him, what began as a curiosity turned into a purpose—proving that with persistence, openness to learning, and the courage to pivot, professionals can carve out careers that are both meaningful and future-ready.
