CPA board 2024: 3 Topnotchers credit success to faith

CEBU, Philippines — Overcoming self-doubt and pressure is no easy journey, but three topnotchers of the 2024 Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (LECPA) from the University of San Carlos (USC) made faith in God their guiding light.

Jianne Ilysse Yu, 21, from Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, outdid over 10,000 takers and clinched first place with a rating 89.67%. In an online press conference, the Summa Cum Laude shared that her faith and perseverance guided her every step of the way.

“The CPA licensure exams were not just a mental challenge but an emotional one. The Lord has always been my rock and refuge through every season, and I learned that through my journey,” said Yu.

Yu shared that experiencing online classes during the pandemic taught her the values of resilience and adaptability.

“I was toppled with thoughts of self-doubt and questioned whether I could truly reach my expectations, especially when I was struggling emotionally and mentally,” Yu shared.

Also from being in the same university, joining Yu among the topnotchers were Kristina Noelle Vistal and Jeliel Bolido.

Vistal, 23, from Lilo-an Town, Cebu, secured eighth place with a rating of 88%, while Jeliel Bolido, 22, from Negros Oriental, came in at tenth place with 87.67%.

Vistal’s journey into accountancy was uncertain at first. She admitted that in senior high school, she had no idea about accounting or what the CPA profession entailed.

“Being in San Carlos is very challenging, because they have a really competitive academic program and they really hone their students to be the best they can be,” she said.

Amidst all those tribulations, Vistal grew as she wanted to be, crediting the guidance of her support system and faith as keys to overcoming doubt.

“With the grace of God, I was able to achieve this feat. What felt like a distant reality slowly became attainable because of faith and encouragement,” she emphasized.

Bolido also had no expectations of becoming a topnotcher, which was why she was astonished by this gift from the almighty.

“To be honest, after I took the exam I never really hoped that I would become one of the topnotchers, like, I just wanted to pass,” Bolida said.

Numerous times, Bolido emphasized resilience as her greatest tool during her journey.

She also reflected on how USC prepared her, not just academically but spiritually --that they were taught not just how to excel professionally but also how to connect with faith.

USC university president Fr. Francisco Antonio Estepa noted that the university has prioritized its core values “Scientia, Virtus, Devotio” in shaping well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the challenges of their professional journeys.

“Once again (they) have proven that we are not just an excellent school but we produce topnotchers and this is proven also by our world ranking,” he proudly said.

Yu, Vistal, and Bolido acknowledged that their preparation at USC equipped them with both technical and life skills.

They spoke about how their experiences at the Integrated Review Center were instrumental in honing their technical knowledge and mental resilience.

Yu shared that her preparation was primarily technical, building upon the foundation laid by USC during her first year.

“Everything was building up from the moment I entered USC,” Yu said, “by the time we went to the actual board exams, it was much easier because of the preparation.”

The advice shared by the topnotchers to future aspiring accountants is to bring God closer to one’s life.

“Efforts are in vain if not for the Lord,” Vistal emphasized.

The USC posted a passing rate of 67.8% with first-time takers achieving 76.4% success compared to the national passing rate of just 30.17%. Out of 114 CPA exam takers from USC, including retakers, 80 passed.

As a reward, the USC will be giving laptops to the topnotchers to help them as they embark on their professional journey.

Additionally, families and relatives of these topnotchers will be offered scholarships at the university which aims to continuously support aspiring accountants in their aspirations.

The Professional Regulation Commission announced that out of 10,136 examinees who took the Accountancy Licensure Exam from December 6-8, 2024, only 3,058 passed. — (FREEMAN)