When Regie Ann Padiwan first entered college, she wasn’t sure where her journey in the world of numbers would take her. As a student of Accounting Information System (formerly known as Accounting Technology), she was introduced to the concept of becoming an accounting technician by one of her instructors. That encouragement became the spark that would guide her career path.
“I considered taking the exam to get more credentials,” Regie Ann recalls. With courage, she sat for the Level 1 exam in 2023, followed by Level 2 the year after. Now, she is aiming for Level 3 this year—each step bringing her closer to fulfilling the professional goals she had once only dreamed about. Inspired by her instructor, who was already a certified professional herself, Regie Ann decided to invest in her own future by pursuing certification through the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT).
Taking Risks and Building Confidence
The path was never easy. Regie Ann had to make sacrifices along the way, including leaving one job to pursue opportunities more aligned with her course. “That big step led me to where I am today,” she says. She saved money, invested in her career, and pushed through doubts about whether she was ready.
Her persistence paid off. Today, she works as a Storeroom Clerk in a private healthcare company, a role she has held since 2022. While not directly an accounting job, the position is firmly rooted in supply chain management—handling purchase requisitions, processing orders, and receiving deliveries of medical supplies and medicines. Over time, her role has evolved from simply receiving supplies to analyzing inventory patterns and reporting on usage, including conducting ABC analysis of medical stocks.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning on the Job
Like many young professionals, Regie Ann faced challenges early in her career. Transitioning from a customer service representative in a BPO company to a storeroom clerk in healthcare was no small leap. “It was far different from my previous job,” she admits. “I had to learn the basics in actual work and apply the theories taught back in college.”
Her social skills improved as she learned to interact face-to-face with end users, suppliers, and medical representatives. But the real test came in overcoming self-doubt. Without credentials at the start, she found it hard to be hired. That pushed her to pursue certifications such as Certified Bookkeeper and Registered Cost Accountant, which gave her the confidence and credibility she needed to succeed.
Values, Passion, and Leadership
Despite the difficulties, Regie Ann’s journey instilled in her professional values and a sense of leadership. She learned to follow company procedures while finding ways to connect accounting principles with the realities of supply chain management. For her, accounting is not just about numbers—it’s about creating systems that keep organizations efficient and compliant.
Her passion stems from discipline and a mindset of continuous improvement. “I remind myself to always be determined, devoted, disciplined, and dedicated,” she shares. Mistakes are part of learning, but she sees each one as a step toward becoming better. Even under pressure, she motivates herself with a simple reminder: “I love my job.”
Giving Back to Others
While the accounting profession is competitive, Regie Ann believes in sharing her knowledge. She mentors juniors and co-workers, teaching them about processes and professionalism. For her, the most fulfilling part of being an accounting technician is not just the recognition, but the privilege of being part of a community of certified professionals.
She continues to grow by attending seminars and training programs, including the annual Bookkeeper Summit, which she joins virtually. These opportunities keep her updated with the latest accounting laws, regulations, and industry practices—ensuring that her knowledge stays relevant in a rapidly changing field.
Certification as a Career Game-Changer
Joining NIAT was a long-time goal since college, and Regie Ann has no regrets about taking the leap. “When I already had a certification from NIAT, I was thrilled to receive many opportunities,” she says. The credential opened doors and built her confidence, proving to her that investing in education and certification is always worth it.
Her advice to aspiring professionals is straightforward: “Never miss the opportunity to be certified. You never know what will happen in the future. It is better to be prepared than wait for nothing. Invest in what matters most and have your priority.”
Looking Ahead
From her beginnings in customer service to becoming a Certified Bookkeeper working in healthcare, Regie Ann Padiwan’s story is one of courage, persistence, and belief in lifelong learning. Her journey shows that while the road may not always be easy, dedication and the right credentials can transform uncertainty into opportunity.
For Regie Ann, the accounting profession is more than a career—it is a purpose-driven journey, one she continues to walk with determination and pride.
