An Accountant's Call for Passion and Right Action
Accountants have been the smack of jokes. We are painted as insensible nerds, dull, boring; with calculators in our pockets, and number- chewing may not be the most exciting job in the world. Why are we drawn to this profession? What drives us? What motivates us?
In the rapidly changing accountancy profession, "passion, action and energy are the virtues needed for us and the accounting firms to be able to climb that mountain of challenges ahead of us and conquer the opportunities brought about by change. Bringing passion and our authentic self to the work we do doesn't just belong to doctors, engineers, academicians, entrepreneurs, social advocates, or artists.
On Passion
I am deeply motivated by the fact that I can help clients make better decisions. It is not just about the figures and financial reports. It is not about the balance sheets and income statements I prepare. They are just the means we use as guidance in recommending management decisions and solutions. The process of collecting and interpreting the information with the collaboration with the client is fulfilling in itself. I like the way this job gives me an opportunity to make a difference in the decisions made by my clients, and truly they have a more successful business as a result of my efforts.
As a CPA, I really believe that one of the best ways we can serve people is by helping them. We help them make more informed decisions. We equip them with accurate information so they can make wise choices including paying the correct tax obligations. That way, they get a better result and a clear conscience. And that is how we, as a community, can improve their businesses and improve the lives of their employees as well. After all, isn't that what we should be doing? Making sure that each generation has a better world to live in?
What is our value to the community?
Do we serve others just for the money? No. As Certified Public Accountants, we shall always remember that we do not live for ourselves and our family alone. We are part of society to which we owe definite responsibilities. Therefore, we shall always uphold the public interest over and above personal interest.
In the performance of our profession, we shall maintain objectivity and shall make decisions and actions solely based on merit. We shall remain open and transparent about all the decisions and actions that we take. We should give reasons for our decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands it.
We shall practice integrity and honesty, in order to preserve and protect the interest of our clients and for the good name of the profession. We shall value our honor as we value our life. We shall, therefore, denounce all forms of nefarious activities that impinge upon the integrity of the profession. We shall fully assume responsibility for the decisions and actions we take in the course of our practice, and live up to the consequences that flow from them including submitting ourselves to whatever public scrutiny is appropriate to our work. We shall never discriminate against anyone by not extending our selves to every citizen in need of our services, specially the underprivileged. We shall be just, charitable and courteous but dignified in our dealings.
What we can commit
We can commit ourselves to change, reform and innovation, where needed, in order to continually enhance the quality of our service. We shall continuously update ourselves on new frontiers of professionalism and respond to developments affecting the profession.
I therefore encourage everyone to work together, always mindful that in cooperation, there is strength, and in disunity, there is weakness. We should work towards the development of a culture of unity, cooperation and empowerment. We should not forget to respect the rights of our employees and peers, reaching out the hand of friendship to one another and endeavor to promote an atmosphere of good feeling, confidence, mutual respect and cooperation.
We have a responsibility to contribute to the welfare of our society and in promoting social justice. In so doing, we must admit that as professionals, we have a vital role and significance to the government and the society as a whole. Let us assume responsibility for each and everyone's role in sustaining and uplifting the standards of competence of the Filipino CPA. Let us be reminded of the consequences on society in any of our acts and shall refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public order, and public interest.
I will end with this quote from Steve Jobs, "In your life you only get to do so many things and right now we've chosen to do this, so let's make it great."
Leader Oliver Pabillon
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