For April Rose Dimaano, accounting was more than just a career path—it was a legacy. Surrounded by women in her family who worked in the field, including her mother, she admired their confidence, independence, and strength. That admiration lit a spark in her to follow in their footsteps, even though she later realized that those qualities weren’t innate. They were forged through years of discipline, challenges, and growth in the profession.
Her journey wasn’t smooth. Earning double degrees in Accountancy and Management Accounting gave her a strong foundation, but translating theory into practice required grit. Breaking into the payroll field meant late nights, steep learning curves, and moments of doubt. Still, April Rose persisted. Today, with more than four years of payroll experience, she has developed a deep respect for the values of accuracy, accountability, compliance, and consistency.
“Payroll isn’t just about numbers,” she explained in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. “It’s about ensuring people are paid correctly and on time, managing sensitive data, and keeping up with ever-changing regulations. It’s work that often goes unseen, but it matters deeply.”
Defining Moments That Shaped Her Career
April Rose’s career took off when she became a Payroll Officer at a company serving international clients. Being the first Philippine team member assigned to a client was daunting. She faced knowledge gaps, time zone differences, and even cultural barriers. But instead of giving in to fear, she treated the challenge as an opportunity to learn from scratch.
Her colleagues abroad offered guidance, and she quickly built a strong foundation in payroll processing and compliance. This role set the stage for her next position as a Payroll and Accounts Officer, where she expanded into reconciliations and reporting. Each step not only grew her skills but also solidified her passion for a career in accounting.
Growth Beyond the Numbers
Over the years, April Rose’s role evolved from focusing purely on end-to-end payroll processing to taking on broader accounting responsibilities. She learned how payroll connects to the bigger financial picture, affecting not just businesses but also employees on a deeply personal level.
What once felt intimidating—navigating accounting software, learning international compliance standards, and applying classroom theories in real time—eventually became second nature. Mentorship and a willingness to ask questions made the difference. “At first, I struggled with confidence,” she admitted. “But over time, I learned to trust my training and instincts. That’s when everything started to click.”
Lessons in Leadership and Values
Her experiences in payroll and accounting taught her lessons that went beyond technical skills. She developed integrity, empathy, and accountability as core values.
“As a payroll professional, I realized how each cent matters to employees,” she shared. “That responsibility fueled my drive to deliver consistent, accurate results.”
Her leadership style mirrors that perspective—hands-on, communicative, and grounded in empathy. By valuing open dialogue and teamwork, she has earned the trust of both clients and colleagues.
Passion and Purpose in Payroll
April Rose finds motivation in knowing that her work has a direct impact on people’s lives. “It’s rewarding to know that people can rely on me to get things right,” she said. Even though payroll is often invisible to outsiders, its importance is undeniable.
High-pressure projects come with the territory, but she stays organized by using checklists, calendars, and priority systems. Breaking down large tasks into smaller ones allows her to stay in control, while double- and triple-checking ensures accuracy. For her, precision is not negotiable—it’s a professional standard.
Giving Back Through Mentorship
Although she humbly says she is “far from being an expert,” April Rose makes it a point to guide colleagues whenever possible. In previous roles, she trained team members, explained company processes, and became the go-to person for clarifications. She believes mentorship is a two-way street, where both sides learn and grow together.
The NIAT Edge
April Rose’s commitment to growth led her to pursue certifications with the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT). She has passed three levels—Certified Bookkeeper, Registered Cost Accountant, and Certified Accounting Technician—and even earned the Certified Payroll Professional CPP designation.
“Not all employers immediately recognize certifications,” she noted. “But NIAT gave me a confidence boost. It validated my skills and showed employers I was serious about professional development.”
Her advice to aspiring accountants is simple: “If you’re debating whether to try, just go for it. It’s better to try than to live with ‘what ifs.’ Even if you fail, you can always try again.”
Looking Ahead
From a young woman inspired by her family to a professional trusted with sensitive payroll and accounting responsibilities, April Rose has built her career on perseverance, empathy, and precision. She knows the work may not always be visible, but its impact is real.
“Payroll is more than numbers—it’s about people,” she said. “And that’s what makes it worth it.”
