When Dearyl Valdez graduated, she knew the odds weren’t in her favor. Fresh graduates often face discrimination in the job market—many recruiters assume they lack experience and professionalism. But Valdez wasn’t willing to leave her future up to chance.
Before finishing her degree, she made a bold move: she earned professional credentials as a Certified Accounting Technician, Registered Cost Accountant, and Certified Bookkeeper. That decision became the game-changer that landed her her first job faster than any of her classmates.
“I was the first in my batch to get hired,” she recalls. “The recruiter was surprised I already had both local and international credentials at such a young age. That’s what got me in the door.”
The Turning Point That Changed Everything
Valdez’s first job at SM Supermalls gave her her initial exposure to the corporate world. But after a while, she felt stuck. Growth wasn’t coming fast enough, and recognition was hard to find.
Quitting wasn’t easy—it was her very first job—but it became one of the most important decisions of her career.
“Moving on isn’t always negative,” she says. “Sometimes it’s empowering. It helped me realize my potential, and now I’m very happy and dedicated in my work at Northern Trust.”
That leap forward landed her at Northern Trust, a global financial institution headquartered in Chicago. The switch gave her something she always craved: growth, purpose, and an international perspective.
From Local Roots to Global Reach
The shift from a local company to a global bank gave Valdez a new appreciation for how differently accounting works across borders.
At SM, she learned how a Philippine retail and manufacturing giant contributes directly to community and economic development. At Northern Trust, she stepped into the world of GAAP vs. IFRS—accounting frameworks that shape international business.
“Working globally dramatically increased my business knowledge,” she says. “It’s not just about technical skills anymore—it’s about understanding the global economy and where you fit in.”
Turning Pressure Into Progress
Like most new professionals, Valdez admits the pressure almost got to her in her first role. What she learned in school didn’t fully prepare her for the pace and practical demands of the workplace.
But instead of letting pressure wear her down, she reframed it.
“Pressure is always there. You just have to embrace it,” she says. “If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, pressure becomes fulfillment.”
That mindset turned challenges into growth moments, helping her build resilience early on.
Why She Keeps Pushing Forward
Valdez stays motivated by leaning into challenges. She even borrows a mantra from one of her favorite artists, Taylor Swift: “I am intimidated by the fear of being average.”
That fear drives her to keep learning—whether by reading accounting blogs, watching TikTok explainer videos, or browsing LinkedIn for the latest tools and insights.
“I always challenge myself to be better than yesterday,” she says. “Learning never stops.”
Even during complex projects, she reminds herself of her purpose: “I take it as a privilege, not a burden. And I’ve learned it’s never bad to ask for help—that’s what a team is for.”
Giving Back to the Next Generation
Her success story hasn’t gone unnoticed. Younger peers constantly ask her how she managed to earn certifications early, balance time, and cover the costs.
Valdez is quick to share resources, review materials, and practical shortcuts. But her main advice is less technical: don’t compare yourself to others.
“Learn to clap for other people’s achievements,” she says. “Your time will come.”
It’s advice rooted in humility—something she credits to her mother.
Redefining Success
Looking back, Valdez says the most fulfilling part of her journey isn’t the titles or even the jobs—it’s the growth that comes from the process.
“These exams are demanding, and sometimes they shake your confidence,” she says. “But failure is just redirection, not a dead end. The real success is in what you learn and how you grow.”
The NIAT Foundation
Much of Valdez’s early momentum came from certifications with the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT). As part of her degree program, she had to complete NIAT’s Level 1–3 exams. Far from just checking a box, those certifications gave her practical knowledge in bookkeeping, payroll, and financial statements—skills that proved critical in landing her first role.
“The impact of passing NIAT is huge,” she says. “It gave me confidence, helped me get my first job at SM, and now I’m an analyst at Northern Trust. It even gave me the chance to give back to my family, who sacrificed so much for me.”
Her Advice to Aspiring Accountants
Valdez doesn’t sugarcoat it: certifications are tough. But she insists they’re worth it.
“It’s difficult, but as time goes by, you’ll achieve it and it’s worth taking,” she says. Her advice: stay focused, but also enjoy the process.
She carries a Bible verse with her as a reminder to stay grounded: “Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
The Bottom Line
For Valdez, success didn’t come from waiting—it came from preparing, pushing forward, and betting on herself. By pursuing certifications early, taking risks, and embracing challenges, she built a career that now spans both local and global stages.
“Don’t be afraid of the challenges,” she says. “They’re what will shape you.”
