Sherilyn Epino MICB works for FathomHQ - an international Accounting Software company. Based in the Philippines, Sherilyn took the opportunity to expand her skillset with ICB qualifications – a recognised stamp of excellence all over the world.
ICB's Global Partnerships Manager, Alina Siatkovskaia, interviewed Sherilyn to hear her story.
I’m currently working in FathomHQ, an International Accounting Software Company with offices in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. I am a Senior Accounting Support Specialist based here in the Philippines and handling Small And Midsize Businesses (SMB) and Advisory Firms from the AMER region.
I originally graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. I’ve been working as an accountant for more than nine years with expertise in financial reporting and bookkeeping for local and international companies (particularly in the UK and the US).
Pursuing Professional Development
Our company offered support to pursue career and professional development, so I took the opportunity. Choosing a UK qualification in bookkeeping was my priority as I believe it will help me with serving our customers and clients who require bookkeeping services and support. The ICB qualification also complements my broader skills as an accountant.
Why ICB?
Completing the ICB qualification allows me as a bookkeeper/accountant to refresh my knowledge and enhance my understanding of the fundamental accounting principles and practices. I was attracted to is as it covers a wide range of topics relevant to bookkeeping, including financial statements, double-entry bookkeeping, and more. Here in the Philippines, holding a qualification from a reputable institution like the ICB is a competitive advantage. Employers are likely to view candidates with ICB qualifications as credible and trustworthy due to the ICB’s reputation for upholding high standards of professionalism and ethics in bookkeeping.
Everything I learned with the ICB enables me to assist more of our clients and accounting software users who are looking for help with bookkeeping and preparing their accounting reports through our software. After passing the ICB qualification, my company promoted me to my current position. In fact, after I updated my LinkedIn profile with my ICB qualification, I actually received a lot of visits from employers and job offers from different companies.
Advice for others
I studied for my ICB qualifications with an accredited training provider here in the Philippines. So make sure you look for those training institutions that are accredited by ICB and cover the relevant syllabus, provide comprehensive support, and help you prepare for the exams. If you're currently studying for your ICB qualifications, my advice would be to make sure you dedicate plenty of time and effort preparing for the exams. You can also familiarize yourself with the exam format, practice past papers, and seek support from your tutors or study groups.
I use all the ICB resources to stay up to date – including the blogs, forums, and websites dedicated to accounting and bookkeeping. I am also currently subscribed to online industry publications, journals, magazines, and newsletters that provide access to articles, case studies, and insights on emerging trends and developments in bookkeeping.
