Not every career begins the way we imagine. For Frauline Soriano, Certified Accounting Technician, the plan was clear: graduate with an Accountancy degree, pass the CPA exam, and build a career from there. But life had other plans.
“As an Accountancy graduate, my end goal was to pass the CPA licensure exam,” Soriano tells Financial Adviser PH. “However, my heart wasn’t into it when I took the exam, hence I failed. From then on, I have worked in different fields of Accounting and Management. After several years of working, I still feel like my accounting degree is incomplete.”
Instead of letting that moment define her, she took a different route—one that would lead to an MBA, a new certification, and eventually, a thriving career in New Zealand.
From CPA setback to a new path
The years after graduation were filled with exploration. Soriano worked across different accounting and management roles, but the sense of an unfinished journey lingered. While raising a family, she also pursued and graduated from an MBA program with distinction.
When she considered retaking the CPA exam, family priorities made her rethink. A late-night search led her to the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT).
“I was inspired to pursue NIAT’s program so I can have a CAT title while I’m not a CPA yet,” she recalls. “Neither did I know that it would open a lot of opportunities for me.”
Defining moments
Integrity quickly became central to her career. She recalls moments when her values were tested in past roles. “At the end of the day, honesty and good work ethics led me to where I am today,” she says. “Diligence and good values really matter most.”
These principles not only earned her trust but also created opportunities that shaped her career path.
Building a career in New Zealand
Soriano’s career spans a variety of roles: bookkeeping, financial reporting, budgeting, internal auditing, and management accounting. But two areas stood out—financial report analysis and management accounting.
Today, based in New Zealand, she has taken on a role that brings numbers closer to people’s lives. As a credit writer, she calculates borrowing capacity for both individual and business clients. Her work directly impacts dreams—whether it’s buying a first home or expanding investments.
“My current role in NZ is to help clients achieve their dream of buying a home or growing their property investments,” she explains. “It involves assessing their lending ability using financial reports.”
Overcoming challenges
Adapting to new systems and processes was among her biggest early hurdles. “Learning a company’s accounting system, either manual or programmed, was a challenge at first,” she admits. Eagerness to learn, asking questions, and collaborating with colleagues helped her overcome those barriers.
Today, she embraces the same mindset when tackling complex projects. “When the numbers get stuck, I try to reassess the situation, go back to basics, then figure it out again when my mind is clear,” she says.
Flexible work arrangements in New Zealand also help her maintain balance. “My current employer allows me to work flexible hours, from home most of the time. It boosts productivity and efficiency.”
Leadership shaped by accounting
For Soriano, accounting is more than a profession—it’s a way of thinking. “Accounting & auditing is part of our daily living, not just in financial terms,” she says. “You debit goodness, and you credit the same.”
That mindset shaped her leadership style. She values logic, structure, and ethical decision-making while also encouraging collaboration. As a lead credit writer, she actively mentors new team members, sharing knowledge and fostering trust.
“The most fulfilling part of my role is gaining the trust and confidence of employers and clients,” she explains. “Financial reward and recognition follows.”
NIAT as a milestone
Her decision to pursue NIAT certification proved pivotal. It gave her not only technical skills but also international recognition.
“By enrolling in NIAT, I was able to have a refresher course and gain the title CAT after passing the exams,” she says. “And it never stops there. I learned that CAT is also recognized in other countries.”
That recognition opened doors she hadn’t expected. “I don’t have any plans of working overseas, however God has a better plan. So here I am, working and living in NZ with my family for six years now.”
The credential also gave her confidence to pursue more. She went on to join CMA Australia and New Zealand, further strengthening her qualifications.
Advice for aspiring professionals
For Soriano, investing in yourself is non-negotiable. “Invest in yourself through NIAT certifications,” she advises. “It’s best to have the education, certification, knowledge, and skills at the earliest. You never know when an opportunity will come to you.”
Her story proves that setbacks don’t have to mean the end of the road. With persistence, values, and the right credentials, even an unfinished plan can turn into a career that spans borders.
