Leaders Uncovered – Frauline Soriano, CAT
Frauline Soriano, CMA, CAT®, has an extensive experience across credit writing, customer service management, insurances, commercial division leadership, and financial and management accounting. Currently based in Auckland, New Zealand, she works as Customer Service Manager and Lead Loan Writer at Loan Market, where she was recently recognized as 2025 Customer Service Manager of the Year at the Loan Market International Awards in Australia. Her work involves analyzing clients’ borrowing capacity, managing loan applications from credit writing to settlement, and ensuring seamless coordination with lenders, solicitors, and valuers.
Her career path reflects both depth and versatility. She has served as an Office/Mortgage Administrator at Mortgage Masters Limited in New Zealand, a Financial Adviser at Sunlife of Canada Philippines, Inc., and held several leadership roles at Teresa Water District—including Commercial Division Manager and Interim General Manager.
Frauline holds an MBA from Jose Rizal University and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Tomas Claudio Memorial College, and she continues to build on her foundation through certifications with both the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants in Australia & New Zealand.
What Led Her to Pursue Certification through the National Institute of Accounting Technicians?
When asked what inspired her to pursue NIAT certifications, Frauline shared:
“By enrolling in NIAT, I was able to have a refresher course & gain the title CAT after passing the exams. And it never stops there. I learnt that CAT is also recognized in other countries. Therefore I opted for an Australian RCA and CAT registration through NIAT as well. I don’t have any plans of working overseas, however God has a better plan. So, here I am working and living in NZ with my family for 6yrs now. In our early months in NZ, I was inspired to take CPA or Chartered Accountant pathway.”
“However, the costs are not practical at that time, so I set aside that option. However, the CMA Aus & NZ reached out to me & discussed the benefits of being a CMA rather than keeping RCA & CAT. So I joined the CMA program here in NZ & finally became a member in both Aus & NZ.”
How Did Earning Her Certification from NIAT Impact Her Career Opportunities or Confidence in the Field?
Reflecting on the impact of NIAT on her career, she said:
“Absolutely! It was difficult to start a career in a foreign land. Being equipped with knowledge, skills, topped with a recognized qualification boost my confidence. Although I didn’t have the credit writing and lending assessment background, I was able to grab a great opportunity here in NZ. And I am grateful for that.”
What Advice Would She Give to Aspiring Accounting Professionals Considering NIAT Certification?
To those planning to follow the same path, Frauline offers this advice:
“Invest in yourself through NIAT certifications. It’s best to have the education, certification, knowledge and skills at the earliest. You would never know when an opportunity will come to you. I can totally speak from experience. Trust the process. Eventually, your certification will take you to a better place.”