Cathyrine Morante | Harvest Accounting

1. What's your story?

Hi, I’m Cathyrine, from the Philippines. Looking back, it’s funny how I ended up being an accountant.

Back when I was deciding what courses to take at university, I just wanted to take any math related course to challenge myself, so I chose accounting. I never considered myself to be good with math and numbers in general.

I still remember the moment I decided accounting was for me. During one of the first seminars: Introduction to Accounting, out of all the people present in the auditorium, I got called to answer one simple question whether to debit or credit an account (I was sitting all the way at the very back!) It was quite simple, but I got the answer right, and deemed it to be my calling to the profession.

It has been a roller coaster ride. It was fun at the beginning taking this course with a few of my friends. Eventually there was more pressure and occasional self-doubts. But keeping clear goals in mind and finding value in what I do is what has made me embrace the profession along the way.

Accounting aside, I do love animals. I have cats and dogs. I also enjoy playing video games to unwind.

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2. What’s your role at Harvest?

I started with Harvest as a Graduate Accountant, preparing monthly accounting reports, payroll, GST, and expense claims. Eventually I was given additional responsibilities which I took as a growth opportunity. Currently, I’m now a Senior Accountant, assigned to focus more on the training and reviewing the work of the junior staff and ensuring the work is of a high standard.

I'm grateful for all the knowledge and lessons learned from previous experience. With the great support and guidance from my seniors I’m able to face this role with courage. Almost four years with Harvest and still counting!

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3. What’s the most satisfying part about what you do?

It's the positive feedback, appreciation, and the feeling of being trusted by our clients for the small things that we do, that makes me keep going, and do better every single day.

I also find it special that we have our own way of telling them stories of their business through numbers. From great stories to not so good stories, but at the end of the day we still deliver valuable information to make an impact.

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4. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you move forward?

It’s the beginning that is often the hardest part. Going straight from university with little experience in the field, to working in a completely new environment. Taking theories out of textbooks and applying them in the actual field is challenging for sure. With Harvest being one hundred percent in the cloud, you have to learn how to use a lot of software. It's tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, the efficiency and effort is worth it.

I still think that each day brings new things. As the saying goes, the only constant in life is change. And the accounting industry is no exception. Continuous development in technology and processes requires acceptance and continuous up-skilling and learning.

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5. What's the best piece of career advice you would like to share?

It sounds cliché but I believe keeping a positive mindset really does make a difference. Everything in life has its own pros and cons, but it is up to us on how we handle situations and turn negative things into opportunities. For me it will always boil down to finding the good things in what we do.

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6. How has working with Harvest Accounting impacted your career / life?

Collaboration more than competition. We can grow together while also growing individually.

Develop a win-win mindset (shoutout to Ms Ros' sharing 🙂). Seeing every situation with opportunities for everyone to grow. With a warm and cooperative team, no one will be left behind. True Harvest spirit!

Grateful to experience a lot of things with my Harvest family, from surviving busy seasons to celebrating triumphs together. I've learned a lot from our countless inspirational sessions, where positive thoughts, personal experiences and life motivational lessons are being shared.

And to put icing on top, I am fortunate to be blessed by Harvest with experience of attending the recent Xerocon 2023 held in Sydney, another core memory unlocked!

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