When it comes to hiring in the finance industry, most people assume that experience is everything. But for Jocelyn Villareal, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia) with more than 25 years of experience across the UAE, Philippines, and Australia, the real edge isn’t found on a resume—it’s found in a candidate’s mindset.
“The best candidate for me is the one who has the ‘CAN DO’ attitude and is willing to walk the extra mile,” Villareal said in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. After decades of working in high-trust, high-stakes environments—including investment accounting and private wealth—she’s learned that skills alone don’t build reliability. Character does.
Why Attitude Matters More Than You Think
In roles that require managing financial records for high-net-worth individuals and their families, the stakes are too high to rely on competence alone. According to Villareal, mindset, discretion, and accountability are just as important as credentials.
“Since we are dealing with high-net-worth individuals and their families, we must be discreet to keep all accounting records and information confidential,” she emphasized. “That level of trust is non-negotiable.”
In her view, standout job candidates are those who don’t wait to be told what to do—they take initiative, embrace responsibility, and solve problems proactively. These are the people who thrive in fast-moving financial environments, especially when accuracy and confidentiality are essential.
Soft Skills in High-Trust Roles
In private wealth and investment finance, Villareal explained, soft skills often outweigh technical ones. Team members must remain composed under pressure, communicate clearly, and guard sensitive client information with care.
“We must be detail-oriented and always provide timely and accurate reports to the shareholders,” she added.
A missed detail in reporting or a lapse in discretion isn’t just a mistake—it can erode client confidence and damage firm reputation. That’s why Villareal prioritizes hiring professionals who are not only sharp but also emotionally intelligent, meticulous, and trustworthy.
Going Beyond the Job Description
For Villareal, excellence lies in the willingness to go above and beyond, even in the smallest tasks. She values people who approach every assignment with ownership and pride, regardless of how minor it may seem.
“Some people just wait for instructions,” she noted. “But the ones who stand out are already thinking one step ahead.”
That proactive mindset—what she calls the “walk the extra mile” mentality—is what separates good performers from future leaders. In high-stakes accounting, where problems often need swift action and clear thinking, this trait is indispensable.
Hiring Beyond the Resume
Villareal believes that hiring decisions should go deeper than what’s written on paper. While degrees and experience matter, what truly makes a candidate valuable is how they show up in real time—especially when things go wrong.
She encourages hiring managers to ask: Does this person take initiative? Can they be trusted under pressure? Are they coachable and willing to grow?
In her own experience leading diverse teams, she has seen how the right attitude often leads to faster learning, better collaboration, and stronger client relationships.
The Bottom Line
In a profession where accuracy, discretion, and trust are foundational, a “can do” attitude is a competitive advantage. For Jocelyn Villareal, the best hires aren’t necessarily the most experienced—they’re the ones who show up with integrity, energy, and the mindset to grow.
