Every number tells a story—and for Vanessa Porras Legurpa, Certified Accounting Technician, the fascination started small.
“My journey into the accounting technician field started with a natural interest in penny to large number of amounts and eager to have a solution in every problem,” she shares with Financial Adviser PH. “What inspired me most was understanding how accounting is the backbone of every business—ensuring it runs smoothly, the accuracy of every transaction and transparency of the financial reports.”
That mindset has shaped her career: a steady rise from data entry and bookkeeping tasks to handling reconciliations, financial reporting, and even mentoring colleagues.
Pivotal moments that shaped her career
One of Vanessa’s defining experiences came early on, when she successfully completed a complex financial reconciliation project under pressure.
“It taught me how to manage pressure and sharpen my attention to detail,” she recalls. Another milestone was navigating new accounting software under tight deadlines while handling her first finance company project. “There was pressure, but it pushed me to develop focus and perseverance.”
These moments, though challenging, became stepping stones to greater responsibilities and her current role, where she contributes not just to numbers but to decision-making and operations.
From basic tasks to leadership
Like many in the profession, Vanessa began at the bottom.
“Initially, my work focused on basic data entry when I was in assistant level and routine bookkeeping tasks in an auditing firm,” she says. Over time, that expanded into reconciliations, financial reporting, and assisting with audits. She also worked more closely with management, learning how numbers influence broader business strategy.
Her role shifted from purely transactional to one that blends finance with operations and sales. Now, she finds herself mentoring others who are just beginning their own careers, passing on lessons learned from years of steady growth.
Tackling challenges head-on
Adapting to new software, managing fast-paced reporting deadlines, and even stepping into recruitment were hurdles she faced early.
“Embracing collaboration and asking questions helped me navigate these obstacles and develop resilience,” she explains. Seeking advice from experienced teammates and learning to organize her workload efficiently became tools for survival—and success.
Those challenges not only strengthened her technical skills but also built confidence that she could thrive in high-pressure environments.
Values shaped by accounting
For Vanessa, accounting is more than debits and credits. It’s a profession built on ethics and precision.
“My accounting experience has deeply shaped my core values—especially integrity, accuracy, and accountability,” she says. “Even small errors could have significant consequences.”
These values extend into her leadership style. She believes in leading by example, encouraging open communication, and fostering shared responsibility. “I encourage learning and shared responsibility, which I think are key to a successful work environment,” she explains.
Passion for clarity
At her core, Vanessa is driven by the role accounting plays in providing clarity.
“As an experienced Accounting Technician, I’m passionate about turning financial data into clear, accurate insights that support sound business decisions,” she says. Whether working with Finpower software to streamline reporting or helping colleagues solve problems, she thrives on organization and attention to detail.
The most fulfilling part? “Knowing that my work directly supports financial clarity and confidence,” she adds.
Paying it forward
Beyond her own responsibilities, Vanessa actively mentors junior colleagues, shares best practices, and remains engaged in continuous professional development. She thrives on problem-solving, but just as importantly, she finds purpose in helping others grow alongside her.
“I’m always looking to learn more, grow my impact, and connect with others in the accounting and finance field,” she says.
A milestone worth sharing
Earning her NIAT certification stands out as one of the most important steps in her career.
“Pursuing my NIAT certification was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she says. “It gave me not only the technical skills but also the confidence to take on more complex responsibilities—especially working with systems like Finpower.”
The certification didn’t just expand her skills; it opened new doors, strengthened her foundation, and reaffirmed her passion for the field.
Her advice to others is direct: “Don’t hesitate to invest in your growth. NIAT offers practical, real-world training that sets you apart and prepares you for success.”
The takeaway
Vanessa Porras Legurpa’s story shows how curiosity, persistence, and values can transform a career. From mastering new software under pressure to mentoring peers, she proves that accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about integrity, leadership, and impact.
“Accounting is the backbone of every business,” she says. “That’s what inspires me to keep growing.”
