Meet Pats: Fostering Integrity and Growth in Both Career and Family Life
Pats' career in accounting began about four years ago as an Accounting Assistant at a private company. While it provided a solid foundation, Pats quickly realized she craved something more dynamic. This led her to PwC Philippines, where she spent over a year diving deep into auditing and financial analysis. From there, she transitioned to Scrubbed, where she has spent more than two years and works with BryMar as a Senior Auditor.
Interestingly, Pats initially chose accounting as a pre-law course, but as she gained experience, she discovered a genuine passion for the field—especially auditing. The problem-solving, attention to detail, and constant learning opportunities became the aspects of the job that kept her hooked.
A Career Highlight: Auditing Nonprofits
One of the most rewarding aspects of Pats' work has been auditing nonprofit organizations at BryMar. Nonprofit audits come with unique challenges, such as managing restricted funds and ensuring compliance with strict regulations. But Pats finds great fulfillment in knowing that her work helps organizations maintain public trust and financial transparency, allowing them to focus on their mission-driven initiatives.
The Thrill of Problem-Solving
For Pats, the most exciting part of auditing is the investigative nature of the work. Every audit presents a new challenge, requiring careful analysis and strategic thinking to uncover discrepancies and ensure financial accuracy. But beyond just numbers, auditing is about fostering trust, ensuring transparency, and upholding financial integrity—values that Pats is deeply committed to.
"Every audit is different, and I love the challenge of analyzing financial data and uncovering discrepancies."
Influences That Shaped the Journey
Pats attributes much of her success to a college professor who sparked her interest in accounting and instilled the importance of discipline and ethical standards. That early mentorship gave her the confidence to dive into the profession and keep pushing forward.
Outside of work, Pats' biggest inspiration is her child. "Becoming a parent has completely changed my perspective—it’s made me more focused, driven, and determined to build a great future, both professionally and personally."
A Proud Career Milestone
A defining achievement in Pats’ career was earning a promotion to Senior Auditor at BryMar. It’s a role she worked hard for, and it’s given her the opportunity to take on more responsibilities, mentor junior staff, and manage more complex accounts. It’s been a challenging but rewarding step in her journey.
Pats believes her experiences at BryMar have contributed to her professional growth, requiring adaptability, ownership, and strengthening her communication skills—key traits that define her work today.
Life Outside of Work
When Pats isn't auditing financial statements, she loves unwinding with TV series and sitcoms. But her favorite escape is riding motorcycles with her partner. “There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, exploring remote places, and disconnecting from the noise of everyday life.” Whether it's a mountain retreat or a quiet beach, Pats finds her weekend rides the perfect way to recharge. She also prioritizes daily fitness, with regular gym sessions and morning walks helping to maintain both physical and mental well-being.
Advice for Aspiring Auditors
For those considering a career in auditing, Pats emphasizes the importance of patience, attention to detail, and continuous learning. The field is ever-evolving, requiring professionals to stay curious and adaptable. Strong communication skills are also essential, as collaboration with clients and teams is a key part of the job.
The three most important qualities for success, according to Pats, are integrity, clear communication, and empathy. Integrity ensures trust, effective communication keeps audits on track, and empathy fosters better client relationships. Mastering these skills can make a significant difference in an auditing career.
Making an Impact
At BryMar, Pats is committed to delivering high-quality audits while fostering strong client relationships built on trust and transparency. Beyond technical expertise, Pats also strives to contribute to a work culture that values both professional excellence and work-life balance.
"For my team, I strive to be a supportive leader, always ready to share knowledge and help others grow. For my clients, I want to foster transparency and trust. And for the community, especially the nonprofits I work with, I aim to help them maintain financial integrity so they can continue making a difference."
A Dream Dinner Guest
If given the opportunity, Pats would love to have dinner with Leni Robredo, the former Vice President of the Philippines. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to public service are truly inspiring. A conversation with her about governance, work-life balance, and leading with integrity would be invaluable.
Pats’ journey in auditing has been both unexpected and deeply rewarding. From solving financial puzzles to helping organizations build trust, every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Moving forward, Pats looks forward to taking on new responsibilities, mentoring others, and continuing to make a meaningful impact in the field of auditing.
We are lucky to have Pats on our team. She lives by our core values in all she does. Pats, here’s to an incredible future in your professional career growth!