Accountancy students of Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) were urged to look beyond traditional career paths and explore global opportunities during an international webinar featuring Davao-born former United Nations official Ronald de Castro Magnaye on August 28.
Organized by HCDC’s Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) and Management Accounting (BSMA) programs in collaboration with the Center for Internationalization-Institute of ASEAN-European Studies (IAES), the virtual event was titled “Navigating Career Paths: From National to International Opportunities.”
Delivering the welcome remarks to open the program, BSA and BSMA Program Chairperson Paul Warren Sanico, emphasized that an accounting degree is not limited to a single career, industry, or country. He encouraged students to look beyond simply finding employment after graduation and consider the broader impact they can make in the profession.
During the first part of the program, resource speaker Ronald de Castro Magnaye, shared insights from his 40-year career—including 33 years with UNICEF—and his journey from local practice to international service. Starting at SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.) and the Commission on Audit (COA), Magnaye passed the UN qualifying exam in the 1980s, auditing UN offices worldwide.
Throughout his tenure at UNICEF, Magnaye also shared the impact of his key leadership roles across Copenhagen, Panama, and New York. He served as Regional Chief of Operations for Latin America and the Caribbean and concluded his career as Chief of the Strategic Planning and Operations Division of Human Resources in New York from 2015 to 2022. His expertise spans global operations, auditing, financial management, strategic HR planning, and change management.
He also highlighted how sound financial management directly fuels humanitarian work, citing his role in establishing UNICEF’s Regional Shared Services Center in Panama. This operational model became the direct template for UNICEF’s Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Budapest, Hungary—a major hub where numerous Filipino accountants and HR managers have since been recruited to support global operations.
During the session, Magnaye emphasized that while a Philippine accountancy degree offers a strong foundation, global competitiveness requires continuous learning, international certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA), alongside foreign language and digital skills.
The second part of the webinar focused on the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mr. Magnaye discussed the structure and functions of the United Nations and its various agencies and programs. He then highlighted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established in 2015 and explained the important role of accounting and financial management in supporting their implementation. He presented the Philippines’ current SDG performance and discussed areas requiring greater attention, particularly poverty, hunger, education, health, climate action, and governance. He emphasized that financial resources and proper management are essential in addressing these challenges and achieving sustainable development.
During the Q&A segment, when asked how local graduates can stand out against global applicants for entry-level UN positions, Magnaye reassured participants that Filipino professionals are highly regarded for their strong technical training and resilience. “Do not be discouraged by international competition,” Magnaye shared. “Build a solid foundation, seek internships, pursue recognized certifications, and remain open to entry-level roles where you can demonstrate your capabilities.”
Bringing the event to a close, BSA & BSMA Department Executive Student President Mark Lee Tailan delivered the closing message, reminding his fellow students that career preparation begins long before graduation and urging them to build their professional paths step by step. Event host and facilitator Dean Archel Sabio formally wrapped up the session following a virtual certificate presentation and evaluation.
This educational initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting lifelong learning and international exposure, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by preparing students for high-value global career pathways, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through its focus on transparent financial management, institutional efficiency, and good governance.