Pursuing a career in accountancy demands more than passion and perseverance. It calls for a deep well of technical knowledge, the ability to think critically under pressure, and a learning environment that shapes both intellect and character. For Centro Escolar University (CEU) alumni Bryan Torres and Joane Biaco, these were the cornerstones of their journey toward becoming Certified Public Accountants (CPA).

Today, Bryan is thriving in California’s finance industry, while Joane is steadily making her mark in the local accounting landscape. Both carry with them the lessons and values instilled at CEU, crediting their alma mater for grounding them in both character and competence.

In a recent conversation, Bryan and Joane reflected on their journey—on the challenges, breakthroughs, and the experiences that helped them navigate the demanding world of accountancy. Their stories reveal not just personal triumphs, but the enduring relevance of quality education in building globally competitive professionals.

Before they could earn the title of CPA, Bryan and Joane had to make an equally important decision, where to begin their journey. Bryan had initially started college in Baguio, but later opted for Manila for more opportunities. CEU stood out to him and took the entrance exam right away. “I am grateful for that redirection of path,” he said.

Joane’s path was more personal. “My older siblings graduated from CEU and highly recommended that I also enroll in CEU. I took my senior high school at CEIS, so I decided to pursue my degree in the same school,” she shared.

Both eventually found themselves in the halls of CEU, where they began the long but rewarding road to becoming CPAs.

Like most students beginning accountancy, Bryan and Joane didn’t enter with expert-level knowledge. The early days were full of intimidating theories and long nights of problem-solving. But in those very struggles, they found the grit and confidence to push forward.

Joane, who had always been an honor student, experienced her first major academic setback in college. “ I went from being a consistent honor student to just an average one,” she recalled. “There’s this one subject that caused me to miss out on my Latin honors. But that experience taught me that life doesn’t end with a title. What matters most is the growth that comes from facing challenges head-on.”

Bryan had his own reckoning in those early years. “During my first and second year, I always compare myself with other students. But as I grew into my senior years, I realized the only person you should compare yourself to is your past self. You just have to do better than the old you.”

For both of them, CEU’s guiding principle, Ciencia y Virtud, was more than a motto. It was a reminder to pursue knowledge with integrity and humility.

CEU’s accountancy program was never about memorizing concepts for exams. It pushed students to think, reason, and apply their knowledge in complex situations. “The brain-cracking accounting and law classes made me feel like I wouldn’t make it to the next year,” Bryan said. “But they prepared me well for the real world.”

Joane found immense value in the hands-on learning experiences. “We had Systems, Applications, and Products (SAP) learning sessions in school. That helped me transition smoothly into the corporate world, where I still use the same system today.”

Bryan and Joane’s education went beyond the classroom. Through CEU’s international partnerships and programs in the university, they gained insights into global practices and cultures. Bryan completed his on-the-job training at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, working as a Cash Control Agent.

“It was challenging but fun. I got to work with people from different nationalities and learn from them,” he said.

Joane’s training with CloudCFO gave her early exposure to tools like QuickBooks and Xero, platforms commonly used by SMEs. She also found a sense of belonging and leadership through Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), where she spearheaded student initiatives and grew as a communicator and team player.

“It wasn’t just about accounting knowledge,” she said. “It was about becoming a well-rounded individual ready to face the challenges of the industry.”

The CPA Board Exam remains one of the toughest professional challenges in the country. For Bryan and Joane, it was the culmination of years of learning, discipline, and faith in their abilities.

Bryan balanced work with review classes, often studying into the night after his full-time job. His persistence paid off when he passed the U.S. CPA licensure under the California Board. “I tried my best to juggle the CPA review from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, while working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. With prayers, perseverance, sleepless nights and a lot of consideration from my kind hearted boss, I was able to pass the CPA Board Exam,” he said.

Joane remembers the support that helped carry her through. “My mentors at CEU believed in me, even before the results came out. That became fuel for me. It was the kind of pressure I embraced, knowing that so many people were cheering me on.” After passing, she returned to CEU as a guest speaker, inspiring future accountants to stay the course.

Today, Bryan works as an assurance manager at Ernst & Young in California, and Joane is building her career within the Philippine business sector. They may have taken different paths, but both are proof that determination, guided by a strong academic foundation, can take Filipino professionals far.

CEU has a strong history of producing graduates who succeed on both local and international stages. One of its accountancy alumni, Miguel Navarro, now serves as an assurance senior at Ernst & Young US LLP in Chicago. Dennis Edillo was the first Escolarian to pass the USA Certified Management Accountant exam. And even as students, Escolarians have made their mark, winning recognition at the 2019 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Idea and Development Award (PCCI-BIDA) for their business plan, and placing in top spots in regional academic contests.

Bryan, Joane, Miguel, and Dennis’ stories are just a few examples of how CEU empowers students to grow into professionals equipped to meet the demands of an evolving global economy. Bryan and Joane demonstrate what becomes possible when education goes beyond textbooks and fosters character, competence, and confidence.

The journey from campus to global careers begins with the right foundation—and for many Escolarians, it begins at CEU. Visit https://discover.ceu.edu.ph/ads/accountancy to learn more about the university’s BS Accountancy program.