Leaders Uncovered – James Arvin E. Ronquillo, CAT, RCA
James Arvin E. Ronquillo, RCA®, CAT®, is a highly accomplished professional whose credentials are distinguished by a unique synergy of advanced academic pursuits and substantial practical experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Master of Business Administration, and is currently a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.
His professional standing is elevated by his certification as an accounting technician. This powerful combination of accounting, business, and legal education provides an exceptional foundation for his career as a Tax Senior Associate at PwC Isla Lipana & Co., where he handles complex areas such as transfer pricing, tax assessments, and client advisement.
His technical certification is substantiated by a proven track record in the field of taxation and finance. His role at a leading global firm involves preparing critical tax documentation, assisting with BIR audits, and reviewing tax returns, demonstrating a high level of responsibility and expertise.
This hands-on experience is further enriched by his leadership roles, including Vice President – Finance for a university organization and Lead Moderator for an accountancy review center, which highlight his well-rounded capabilities in financial management, communication, and mentorship.
Motivation to pursue NIAT certification
“At first, it is one of the things I aspire when I was still studying in school. Before being a CPA, I really believe that pursuing certifications like the CAT®, MICB® and RCA® would greatly help me advance in my profession, and bring me closer to being a CPA.
It is much more interesting before since I had a difficult time understanding accounting. Thus, being able to pass these 3 certifications would be a big plus for me to advance in this profession.”
Impact on career opportunities or confidence
“Well, in my tax and accounting practice, my NIAT certifications already gave me the confidence to interpret accounting concepts, and to properly apply the journal entries in a business transaction. I also became more confident in my accounting treatments and in my bookkeeping practices, which is a big plus for companies that I have applied before.”
Advice to aspiring accounting professionals considering NIAT certification
“NIAT is a great stepping stone, especially when you are finding ways to advance yourself in the field of accounting. While it gives you a deeper understanding of the accounting and bookkeeping practice, it also reinforces the initial knowledge that you already have of accounting. If you are looking for a certification that will aid you in your academic and professional career, I would suggest going to NIAT first.”
Advice to prospective NIAT members
“There are a lot of opportunities inside NIAT. Not just for certification purposes, but also for other networking opportunities. If you want to further expand your credentials “