Leaders Uncovered – Rowena S. Dillena, CAT
Rowena S. Dillena, CAT®, is a finance professional who has demonstrated a commitment to technical accounting proficiency. Her professional standing is elevated by her certification as an accounting technician. This foundational credential signifies her expertise in core accounting functions and principles. Her career progression into a strategic leadership role highlights how this technical foundation has supported her professional advancement.
In her capacity as Financial Planning & Strategy Manager at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, she is responsible for overseeing financial planning and guiding strategic initiatives. This senior position requires a comprehensive understanding of financial management within a complex healthcare environment. Her career path, from achieving technical certification to managing financial strategy, illustrates a successful transition from technical mastery to strategic leadership.
Motivation to pursue NIAT certification
“I decided to pursue certification as a Registered Cost Accountant (RCA®) through the National Institute of Accounting Technicians (NIAT) because I wanted to strengthen my technical foundation in cost accounting and ensure that my work aligns with recognized international standards and best practices.
Throughout my career, I have been deeply involved in cost control, budgeting, and financial planning, and I wanted to formalize and enhance my understanding of cost systems, variance analysis, and management reporting. The NIAT certification provided a structured and globally accepted framework that complemented my on-the-job experience.
It also reinforced the analytical and ethical aspects of accounting — helping me connect detailed cost data with broader financial strategies that drive organizational efficiency and decision-making.”
Impact on career opportunities or confidence
“Becoming a Registered Cost Accountant (RCA®) significantly boosted my confidence and professional credibility. It validated my skills and provided a strong theoretical foundation that enhanced my ability to handle more complex financial and cost analysis tasks.
The certification helped me transition from cost accounting to a broader role in financial planning, where I now manage budgeting exercises, CAPEX evaluations, and pricing analyses. It also strengthened the trust of management and colleagues in my outputs, knowing that my work is backed by both hands-on experience and certified technical competence.
Beyond improving my technical expertise, the RCA® certification inspired me to continuously pursue process improvements, analytical rigor, and professional growth — qualities that are essential in maintaining excellence in the field of finance and accounting.”