“ACCOUNTING” for a better world, Janae Bassig, who hails from 4AAC of the Department of Accountancy and Taxation, was selected as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) student ambassador of San Beda for academic year (A.Y.) 2023-2024 last November 4.
A globally-recognized organization, ACCA provides a platform between aspiring accountants and the profession internationally by “providing accreditations that amplifies the student’s competence and providing an avenue to bridge the gap between the aspirants and the professionals.”
In the process of being chosen as the ACCA ambassador, Bassig shared that her predecessor, Maria Kristina San Juan, approached her with the idea of being the next ambassador for the Department.
“Honestly there was this hesitation,” said Bassig as she described the thought of being the ambassador. But she nevertheless mustered the courage to accept the role with San Juan’s guidance. Eventually, the ACCA Coordinator for San Beda reached out to Bassig for the position.
Before being appointed as ambassador, Bassig shared that in her freshman year, San Juan was someone she admired, although she “never really did look forward” to being appointed.
“My ACCA journey is simply centered on the values that Ma’am Jack (Vice Dean Jackqui Moreno, CPA., DBA.) is instilling in us,” said Bassig. In their batch, there are designated teams with their own “ACCAptains” who are task not only to track the team’s progress but to serve as the motivation and help group of each other.
Recognizing the value of ACCA as an organization, Bassig shared that beyond the certifications granted by ACCA which “develops the test skills of aspiring Bedan Accountants,” she adds that “the Accountancy department through ACCA is capacitated to enter into academic partnerships to expand its learning opportunities.”
Moreover, she added that ACCA also provides “better job opportunities that the accreditation offers” upon venturing outside the four corners of San Beda’s red walls. All things considered, Bassig was at a loss for words on being appointed as the ACCA Ambassador. Despite this, she shared that she is “beyond grateful and I cannot express my gratitude in words for those people behind this,” she said.
Accordingly, she recognized that while the appointment might seem to be a privilege for many, she notes that it’s greater than that, telling that “we have work to do.”
To end her message, she reminded aspiring accountants and Bedan accountants with the following thoughts: “Opportunities knock on your doors the way you don’t expect them. It may be terrifying at first but it won’t hurt to try. It is true especially if there are mentors behind you who do tell you things without sugar coating them. That’s rare and we shall appreciate them.”
She continued: “To our Bedan brothers and sisters that are already waiting for the upcoming lions to go out in the real world, thank you for being the inspiration we look up to. You are a reminder every single time we struggle that if you can then perhaps there’s a light for us as well as there is for you.”
(with Dencel Mauri Fernandez)