Leaders Uncovered – Yvonne Rochelle Ofielda-Noche, CAT
Yvonne Rochelle P. Ofielda-Noche, CAT®, is a dedicated public servant, educator, and leader whose career reflects both professional excellence and a deep commitment to service. She is currently a State Auditor II and Audit Team Member at the Commission on Audit – Regional Office No. IVB, where she contributes to strengthening transparency and accountability in public finance.
Her academic journey is equally impressive. She earned her Master in Business Administration in 2017 and her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in 2011 from Divine Word College of San Jose. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration at the University of the Philippines Open University, further expanding her expertise to strengthen her impact as both a public auditor and a professional leader. Yvonne’s career exemplifies the balance between academic achievement, professional service, and her passion for mentoring and inspiring others.
What Led Her to Pursue Certification through the National Institute of Accounting Technicians?
When asked what motivated her to pursue certification with NIAT, Yvonne explained:
“I’ve always been the type of person who enjoys challenging myself—trying something new just to see if I can. When I enrolled in the program, my initial goal was to explore a professional title that would suit my students’ degree, especially for those not pursuing the CPA title. I kept it a secret at first, fearing I might not meet their expectations.”
“But as the weeks went by, the sessions turned out to be blessings in disguise. They not only enhanced my teaching techniques but also allowed me to sharpen my analytical skills and deepen my understanding of the technical aspects of the accountancy field.”
How Did Earning Her Certification from NIAT Impact Her Career Opportunities or Confidence in the Field?
NIAT certification shaped her confidence and career journey, she shared:
“My favorite part of the program was the first level—Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping. The Certified Bookkeeper exam felt easy for me, as that has always been my forte. The second level—the Registered Cost Accountant exam—made me a bit nervous, but I was grateful to have passed it with flying colors. The third level, however, was the most challenging.”
“The taxation portion of the exam was particularly tough for me, and I had already accepted the possibility of failing. Since I was in the middle of transitioning to a new workplace, I wasn’t able to prepare as well as I had hoped. But thank God, perhaps it was the payroll part that saved me that time.”
She further reflected on the journey:
“I knew that being a CPA was already an advantage. Even so, I still had butterflies in my stomach. Preparing for the certification exam felt like going back to where it all began. It wasn’t an easy journey. At the time, I had to travel more than 10 hours every week for nine consecutive weeks from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, just to attend the sessions at the Astoria Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig.”
“After each session, I would go through another long journey just to make it back home. After earning my qualification as a member in good standing, I was also able to take advantage of the free trainings and webinars offered by the organization, especially those that began during the pandemic. These experiences gave me the confidence to navigate the challenges of my profession with greater resilience and clarity.”
What Advice Would She Give to Aspiring Accounting Professionals Considering NIAT Certification?
When asked what advice she would share with aspiring professionals, Yvonne responded with heartfelt encouragement:
“CPA or not, you have a place in NIAT. What matters most is your openness to learning and your willingness to embrace challenges with a grateful heart. Taking the certification exam was a truly rewarding experience. Through the program, I not only gained valuable knowledge but also met new friends—connections I’ve been fortunate to keep since 2018.”
She emphasized the importance of support systems:
“Having a strong support system is equally important. I was truly blessed to have my family, especially my mother, who provided unwavering moral, financial, and spiritual support during that time. My boyfriend then, now my husband, was also a constant source of strength, offering the encouragement I needed during my weekly travels and throughout that demanding period.”
Finally, she reflected on her journey with humility and inspiration:
“There is truly a purpose for everything. For years, I was simply a member, quietly and consistently renewing my membership—never expecting that one day, I would be given the opportunity to be featured by the organization. Perhaps this is the right time to share my story and with it, I hope to inspire others to pursue their own paths with the same courage and purpose that guided mine.”
“I believe that a genuine desire to grow and improve will always lead us toward better opportunities and more meaningful directions in our careers. So be ready to embrace every challenge and pursue change with passion, purpose, and grit.”