Despite having numerous struggles during the preparation, Yanna Jillianne Beriarmente Cruz, a topnotcher of the May 2022 Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE), has chosen her battles to lessen the distraction and solely focus on her true goal – to become a CPA.
“Hindi magiging efficient and effective ang performance natin at hindi rin po tayo magiging productive if our body and mind is not in a good condition,” she said.
Cruz, a Polytechnic University of the Philippines alumna, ranked 2nd in the coveted CPALE with an overall rating of 88.17%. She was among the 990 passers out of the 4,442 examinees (22.29%) who took the exam last May 22-24 which was administered by various test centers nationwide led by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The results were published on the official site of the Commission last June 1.
Support as the backbone of success
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic left an impact on the lives of all Filipinos, including Cruz. The uncertainty of the CPALE schedule as well as the new normal for all conduct of licensure examinations was one of Cruz’s significant challenges during her preparations. “My biggest struggle is reviewing during this pandemic with so much uncertainty. Hindi ko po kasi alam if ’yung pinaghahandaan ko is matutuloy ba or maca-cancel na naman?” Cruz expressed as she recalled the setbacks she faced due to the pandemic. “Ang hirap po kasi, parang instead na nag-aral ako, sana nagtrabaho na lang po ako. Parang pakiramdam ko po, ang daming oras, pera at efforts ang nasasayang kung hindi na naman matutuloy ang CPALE. Pero thanks be to God po at nakaraos din po ako sa ganitong sitwasyon,” she added.
The motivation and endless support she gained from her family helped her withstand all the challenges. Additionally, it was the admiration that she felt for her professors and reviewers that propelled her resolve to do well in the examination. It was also the excellence and passion of their instructors to aid her and her fellow students that became her inspiration and the backbone of her success in becoming a top-notch CPA.
Journey to the top
As a PUPian who earned her degree in Accountancy in May 2019, Cruz did not expect to not only pass the CPALE but also to place among the top ten successful examinees. She was elated by the event and burst into tears of joy with her family as all of her doubts about failing the exam receded. “I can’t contain my happiness. Pinuntahan ko po agad ang sister ko tapos umiyak ako [nang] umiyak sa sobrang saya! Hindi ko po talaga ineexpect. Sa totoo lang po, akala ko po talaga nung una ay babagsak ako dahil sobrang nahirapan po ako sa isang subject namin. Sobrang worried po ako dahil sa subject na yun,” she shared.
She also spoke about her experiences as she prepared for the exam. Cruz stated that she could not afford to fall sick during those times. She emphasized the importance of having a conditioned body and mind in order to be efficient and productive.
Cruz plans to further enhance her professional skills in auditing after bagging her license. She is presently working as an audit associate in an auditing firm.
A tip for aspiring CPAs
As a fellow Iskolar ng Bayan, Cruz encouraged other students who aspire to become a CPA. She highlighted that it is a benefit for life that one may attain from acquiring the title of CPA after all the sacrifices and hard work exerted for it. “Make sure to condition your mind and body all throughout your preparation for the exam. It is almost certain that you will encounter other challenges and temptations that will waste your time during your review so you have to prepare yourself for that,” she advised.
“The preparation will only last for 5-6 months but it will benefit you for your entire life. Kaya give your all na during the preparation and talagang there will be sacrifices. If it’s God’s will, ibibigay nya sa inyo ang title na CPA. Fighting!”