Irish Peralta did not enter the accounting profession with everything figured out. Like many young professionals, her career unfolded gradually—shaped by work experience, setbacks, and a steady decision to keep improving, even when circumstances were uncertain.
At one point, she was working simultaneously as an accounts receivable accountant and a part-time financial advisor. While managing both roles, she made a deliberate choice to strengthen her fundamentals by enrolling in CERTS Educational Services for the Certified Accounting Technician Level 1 examination.
“I wanted to enhance my basic accounting skills, especially in bookkeeping,” she says. “I knew that a stronger foundation would help me grow professionally.”
That decision would soon prove critical.
A setback that forced reinvention
One of the most pivotal moments in her career came during the pandemic, when she was retrenched from work. The company she worked for suffered heavy losses from flight cancellations and refunds as COVID-19 cases surged. To survive, management had to cut operational costs—resulting in the layoff of junior staff, including Irish and her closest colleague.
Returning to the province after four years in the city was a major adjustment. The quarantine made the transition even more difficult, amplifying feelings of uncertainty and isolation.
Then an unexpected opportunity emerged.
Her landlord referred her to her daughter, a licensed financial advisor at Pru Life U.K. Irish hesitated. She described herself as introverted and had no background in marketing. Accepting the role meant stepping far outside her comfort zone.
“It was a bold move for me,” she admits. “But I needed to try.”
That moment marked the start of a mindset shift—one that prioritized adaptability over fear.
Growing through experience, not shortcuts
Irish’s accounting journey began in 2017 as an Accounting Staff at Philippine World Travel, Inc., where she gained hands-on experience in credit and collection while working with both individual and corporate clients.
In 2021, she moved into an Accounts Receivable Accountant role at CAASC, handling manual receipts and invoices related to cargo payments and airport handling services. The work sharpened her attention to detail and strengthened her sense of accountability.
Her biggest professional leap came in 2023, when she joined DBAG Facilities Management, Inc. as a Senior Bookkeeper—a role that exposed her to Australian tax and accounting.
“I had no experience using Xero or QuickBooks,” she says.
With the guidance of senior colleagues and mentors from Glance Consultants Chartered Accountants, she learned quickly. Their trust played a key role in her growth, transforming unfamiliar systems into daily tools of competence.
Learning to persevere through repeated failure
One of the most personal challenges Irish faced was her repeated attempt to pass the CPA Board Examinations.
“Accountancy was not my first love,” she admits. “Every subject was a struggle.”
Analysis did not come naturally to her, and progress felt slow. Still, she persisted—despite failing the board exam for the fifth time in May 2024.
“I believe everyone has their own timeline,” she says. “Mine will come.”
Instead of letting failure define her, she focused on building real-world competence. It was only after entering the workforce that she began to fully appreciate accounting—not as theory, but as a practical discipline that creates value.
Integrity as a professional anchor
Years of experience shaped Irish’s professional values. Accounting taught her the importance of integrity, credibility, and accountability—not just in numbers, but in service.
“What keeps me passionate is the trust clients give when they rely on you for financial and tax matters,” she explains.
Under pressure, she stays motivated by reminding herself that growth does not happen without challenge.
“No excuses,” she says. “Without pressure and a little rain, nothing grows.”
Giving back through shared experience
Irish believes knowledge becomes more meaningful when shared. She mentors others by passing on what she has learned—particularly to those new to Xero and QuickBooks.
“Sharing what I’ve learned is a blessing,” she says. “It helps guide others who are just starting.”
For her, the most fulfilling part of being an accounting professional is applying accumulated knowledge to real client needs—seeing theory translate into practical solutions.
Certification as self-validation
Her decision to pursue certification through the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) was deeply personal.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I can do better,” she says. “That even without being a board passer yet, there are still many ways to grow.”
Earning her Certified Accounting Technician Level 1 certification gave her confidence and credibility—especially when she entered Australian accounting with no prior experience.
“Having the International Certified Bookkeeper certification gave me an advantage,” she explains. “My mentors believed in me, even when I was still learning.”
A career still unfolding
Today, Irish Peralta is a Certified Bookkeeper who continues to grow through curiosity, resilience, and professional development. She believes bookkeeping should never be the end goal—learning is a continuous process.
“Patience and persistence go a long way,” she says. “They never disappoint.”
Her journey is a reminder that careers are not always built in straight lines. Sometimes, they are shaped in moments of loss—by choosing to adapt, learn, and move forward anyway.
For Irish, growth did not begin with perfection. It began with resilience—and the courage to keep going.
