Senior U.S. Tax Associate, Jemalyn Parejo, has been a TOA Global team member for over four years. Jemalyn believes that the training provided by TOA Global and the experience she has gained from working with her client have played a crucial role in her professional growth and been invaluable for her skills development.
What led you to pursue a career in accounting and what has your journey looked like up to this point?
When I was younger, my mom would always tell me that I’d be an accountant someday, so that’s what I always had in mind for a career as I grew up.
On the day of my enrolment for first year college I was with my friends, and I was so happy that all of us would be taking the same courses in BS in Accounting Technology. During my college days, I realised that I did not want to be an accountant and, instead, wanted to pursue a career in a different field. However, during that time I worked to support my studies so it would have been a waste of time and resources to shift to a different course. I graduated in 2018.
Before our graduation, my alma mater held a job fair where I was interviewed by one of the talent team members from TOA Global. A month later, I got a call to take the exam and have a client interview with TOA Global.
After two years of working, the pandemic happened and I came to understand why my mother wanted me to become an accountant. I saw a lot of people lose their jobs, but the accounting industry boomed even more and accountants became more needed. Though nothing is permanent, at that time I felt that a job in this field gave me the security that I needed.
I pursued my second degree in BS in Accountancy and graduated in 2021. Up to now, I am still gaining the courage to take the CPALE while I continue to work with my client and TOA Global.
What do you enjoy most about your role with your client?
I enjoy being able to do various types of tasks. I am not limited to tasks suited only to my current role, and I appreciate that my client trusts me and allows me to take on other tasks beyond my role, as this is where I can enhance my critical thinking skills.
What valuable skills have you gained through the training programs at TOA Global and how have they helped you work towards your career goals?
I learned how to navigate and use various types of accounting software, such as Xero, MYOB and MS Excel. These skills are especially necessary if you are providing cloud accounting services. Though I had finished a unit in college about accounting software, it was not as extensive, and that software is currently already outdated.
What are some of the facilities you have access to at work that you find to be the most valuable?
I like that we have a pantry and lounge area at work. Though these facilities may not sound valuable compared to the actual production floor, they help me a lot to accomplish my daily tasks. It is good to know that I can go to the pantry to take a break, recharge, and build meaningful connections with my colleagues. When my eyes are strained, I go to the lounge area to have a rest during my break time. It is the simple things that sometimes matter the most to help you through the day.
What have your favourite experiences been with the client you’ve worked with?
My favourite experience was when I attended a Xero Conference with the client and had the opportunity to visit and work at our office in Perth, WA. I see them daily during virtual meetings, but it is a rare opportunity to see them and work with them in person.
In what ways do you feel you’ve grown since you became a TOA Global team member
I am thankful that, since being hired by TOA Global, I’ve learned to listen more. I’ve learned to take feedback constructively and apply it to improve my work. I feel I have grown a lot since I started to listen more to my client, to my seniors, to my mentor, and to my teammates and colleagues.
What do you value the most about the team you work with?
I value the honesty and level of dedication they have for the work we do; how they think of ways that would help our clients and what would benefit our clients the most. Despite differences in culture and language barrier, I admire how we respect each other.
What are your aspirations?
I aspire to have a greater future and to achieve my dreams one step at a time, while maintaining peace within myself and my surroundings at the same time.
What motivates and inspires you?
My family motivates and inspires me to give my best in whatever I do. My parents and siblings have set good examples for me to follow.
What do you look forward to every day?
I look forward to improving myself daily in all aspects until the day I become the best version of myself. I look forward to overcoming my daily battles in life and sharing my experiences with others, to help them but to also learn from them.
What do you do in your spare time?
I usually participate in church activities during my spare time or spend time with my family. I also love to watch K-Drama series.
TOA Global is a leading global talent solutions provider for the accounting industry offering professional growth, dedicated support, and training to 3,400+ elite global team members. To learn how you can launch your international accounting career, chat to us today.
